Ticket

The Athens Urban Transport Organization (OASA) is installing additional electronic ticket dispensers at various metro and ISAP electric railway stations to meet a spike in demand for the new swipe cards that are replacing the small paper slips that need to be stamped.

There was confusion Thursday at metro stations in Athens after Transport Minister Christos Spirtzis ordered the full activation of the new electronic system and an end to sales of some paper tickets.

Superstar violinist Vanessa Mae returns to Athens for a single performance at the Herod Atticus Theater, beneath the Acropolis, on Thursday, October 5, where the former violin prodigy will deliver a concert of her trademark "techno-acoustic fusion" blending classical, jazz and pop. Ticket prices range from 45 euros (presale) to 150 euros (VIP).

Fans who were bummed out at the cancellation of Day 3 of the Release Athens Festival due to Jamiroquai frontman Jay Kay's health problems, which also meant that a scheduled appearance by Michael Kiwanuka did not go ahead will be pleased to hear that the British soul singer will be coming to Greece after all, appearing at Thessaloniki's Fix Factory of Sound on September 29 and Athens's Gazi Musi

The Macedonian authorities are warning fans not to buy the UEFA Super Cup tickets offered on the internet as even a hefty price of over 1,000 euros does not guarantee that they will be allowed in to watch the final between Real Madrid and Manchester United on August 8.

Ongoing efforts to crack down on fare dodgers on the public transport system with the introduction of electronic systems are being undercut by vandals attacking ticket validation machines in buses and newly-installed barriers at metro and train stations on an almost daily basis.

Legendary jazz and R&B artist, composer and vibraphone soloist Roy Ayers will be performing at the Gazarte venue in Athens on Saturday, December 10. The lineup also includes Mark Adams (keyboards), Trevor Allen (bass) and Christopher De Carmine (drums). The gig is set to start at 9.30 p.m. and admission ranges from 26 to 48 euros (23 to 45 euros for tickets purchased in advance).

Greek retro band the Swingin' Cats will be rocking the Gazarte Roof venue on Thursday, October 27. Admission costs 8 euros and tickets can be purchased at the venue, at Public and Seven Spots stores, as well as online at www.viva.gr or by calling 11876. The show is set to start at 10 p.m.

St Paul's Anglican Church in central Athens will host a performance by ambient musician Cayetano on Sunday, October 16. The Greek-born multi-instrumentalist is also an avid traveler, whose solo performance is inspired by a seven-month journey to China. The performance is set to start at 8.30 p.m. and admission costs 10 to 12 euros.

American rock legend Patti Smith goes on stage at the Piraeus 117 Academy in central Athens on Saturday, June 25. On the night, the singer will perform tracks from her debut album, "Horses," which turned 40 last year. The performance is part of a world tour celebrating the release of that first album that defined the artist's career. Admission ranges from 28 to 60 euros.