Penelope Sillignaki is both a chemist and a passionate musician, deeply immersed in the world of music—both in theory and practice. Inspired by solo musicians, she embarked on a long-term exploration of jazz. As a DJ, she brings her love for music to life in nightclubs and events across Thessaloniki, other cities in Greece, and even abroad. She has also produced one of Greece’s most captivating jazz radio shows in recent years.
Following Penelope’s musical journey, we travel through time—from the vibrant rhythms of early 20th-century New Orleans to the jazz scene of 1930s and 1940s New York, where legendary venues like the Apollo Theater and Carnegie Hall set the stage for history. We stop in Chicago, exploring its darker, more underground side, then cross the Atlantic to Europe, experiencing Paris, Django Reinhardt’s Belgium, the rise and fall of Swing, and its modern revival.
Meeting Penelope for a quick coffee break, we talked about music, travel, and everything that fuels her creativity.
Do you enjoy traveling? What are your favorite destinations?
I love traveling! Beyond being an escape from daily life, it’s a profound source of inspiration. It fills my soul with experiences, images, sounds, and scents. Discovering different cultures fuels creativity. My favorite destination is anywhere that offers all of the above. I cherish nights in Paris, spring in the Italian countryside, and summers in Barcelona.
Business or pleasure? Do you often travel for work, or do you prefer keeping work and leisure separate?
I consider it a privilege when work allows me to travel. If there’s enough time, combining business with pleasure is the ideal experience. But when time is short, it leaves a bittersweet feeling—often enough to make you want to return. So, in a way, you still win. That said, when the need to completely disconnect arises, it’s important to respect that and take a true break.
When you can’t travel, what transports you mentally to different places? What inspires you?
Music, above all. It takes me on a journey—both physically and emotionally. There’s something magical about it. A good film noir, a documentary on Art Deco aesthetics, the biography of an artist, or deep conversations with friends about shared passions have a similar effect.
What drew you to jazz?
As a young adult, I was captivated by the improvisations of soloists. I started learning the flute, hoping to express myself the same way. Unfortunately, my studies took up most of my time, so I turned to listening and researching jazz history—something I could do in the quiet hours. Around the same time, I discovered Lindy Hop Greece, a dance community that introduced me to the high-energy, expressive world of Lindy Hop. The connection was instant. Swing spoke to me in a way that felt deeply personal, as if I had found a missing piece of myself.
#DeLoreanTimeMachine: If you could travel back in time to any place, where would it be?
The Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, New York, 1935. Swing was reaching its peak, and the dancers had an extraordinary connection with the greatest swing bands of the time. It was the only venue where racial, religious, and social barriers didn’t exist—people were united by music and dance. The energy must have been electrifying.
What do you think about Thessaloniki’s music scene? Any recent discoveries?
Thessaloniki has always been full of passionate musicians experimenting with various genres. Sometimes they succeed, sometimes they don’t—but they never stop evolving and enjoying their craft. It’s a musically rich and productive city.
One band I deeply admire is The Speakeasies Swing Band. With their authenticity, respect for tradition, and passion, they’ve earned recognition across Greece and on the international swing scene. If you haven’t seen them live yet, don’t miss the next opportunity—I personally guarantee it!
What’s missing from Thessaloniki’s music scene?
A large-scale international jazz festival. It would give the people of Thessaloniki a chance to experience world-class musicians while attracting visitors from abroad. In the past, we were fortunate to see incredible artists on stage—Count Basie Orchestra, Barbara Dennerlein, Richard Galliano, Gary Burton, Wayne Shorter, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Chick Corea—through events like Dimitria and the Ethno-Jazz Festival. Sadly, those days are behind us.
We live in challenging times—economic crises, social struggles, the internet’s influence. What advice would you give a young person considering a career in music?
If music speaks to your soul and fulfills you, follow it! It’s not just a romantic notion—it’s self-realization. When something is that clear and honest, success follows naturally.
What are your future plans?
To continue researching, discovering, and sharing music!
