This year’s question when it comes to nightlife isn’t where people will go, but rather where they won’t, since the new season kicks off with a duo that no one really expected, strong collaborations, and a question mark hanging over Giorgos Mazonakis’ return.

Undoubtedly, the partnership of Sakis Rouvas with Natassa Theodoridou at “Enastron,” owned by Kostas Matsikas, came as a surprise to many.

For many, she is the best laïko (folk-pop) singer of her generation, while he remains the ultimate Greek pop star — with incredible stage presence and a voice that has stood the test of time.

Their enthusiasm for the collaboration was evident in the humorous videos posted on social media following the announcement, including one where Sakis pretends to be a customer and Natassa plays the hostess at the club entrance. Rehearsals have already begun at “Akti Peiraios,” next to “Enastron,” which has been completely gutted and is being renovated from the ground up.

Those who have seen the renderings say it will be one of the most beautiful nightclubs in Athens, launching with a strong lineup around mid-October.

Strength in Unity

Antonis Remos was the first in recent years who, after his debut season at NOX (owned by Ilias Marossoulis and Angelos Kotaridis), decided to include strong female names in his program.

After performing with Kaiti Garbi, Eleni Foureira, and last year Despina Vandi — in what was his best season in years — this year he chose to team up with Christos Mastoras and “Melisses,” as well as the talented laïko singer Marianna Papamakariou.

On Monday, he will perform at the Herodeion with Italian artist Jack Savoretti in a sold-out concert — only a few tickets remained as of yesterday — and will begin his Athens shows in mid-November.

Meanwhile in Thessaloniki, Nikos Oikonomopoulos is currently performing after a highly successful tour in the USA and Greece. He kicked off in early September at “Pili Axiou” with Ivi Adamou and Morfoula Iakovidou.

On Friday, the singer nicknamed “The Psychologist” released his new song “Kourastika na s’agapo” (“I’m Tired of Loving You”). From mid-November, he will move to “Fantasia,” which is undergoing a major renovation.

After him, Panos Kiamos and Paola — both with loyal fanbases — will take over “Pili Axiou,” starting in the last week of November.

Meanwhile, the “ultimate” Anna Vissi, as her devoted fans call her, returned to Thessaloniki a week ago, saying she had missed it, just days after the triumph of her two sold-out shows at the Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro).

She performs at “Barbarella” three times a week, adding Wednesday nights at 10 PM to the usual Friday and Saturday shows, since it’s a weekday with work the next day.

From early December, Anna returns to Athens for another season at Hotel Ermou, owned by Giannis Morakis, with whom she has collaborated for a decade.

The same businessman secured Despina Vandi as Konstantinos Argyros’ partner for the upcoming winter season at “Kentro Athinon.” Vandi began performing at “Mona Lisa” in Thessaloniki yesterday, after a successful concert series.

Many believe this collaboration was necessary, as last season proved difficult for Argyros. He initially performed alone — Josephine joined later — believing he could carry the show solo. While he certainly has the star power, the nature of nightlife today — very different from 20 years ago — shows that “strength in unity” has become essential.

According to reports, Argyros is also close to finalizing a major deal that could boost his music career further, though details remain under wraps.

Nikos Vertis tested the waters this summer at Elan (formerly Sabbia, near the Peace and Friendship Stadium), sticking to his trademark grand show style with a large orchestra.

He chose not to have another big name alongside him. Saturday nights were strong, but there were Sundays when, despite 400 people inside, the massive venue felt empty — a point widely discussed in the industry.

In a few weeks, he returns to YTON with roughly the same formula, possibly adding a smaller-name partner to break the monotony a bit.

Finally, at Votanikos, Giorgos Sabanis is teaming up with pure laïko singer Nikos Makropoulos — a first for him and certainly an intriguing collaboration.

Others and the Question Mark

In Athens, many are also talking about Thodoris Ferris’ comeback at “Posidonio.” Supported by Andromachi, he’s been packing the venue to capacity, riding a wave of strong popularity.

Katerina Lioliou continues at full speed at “Romeo,” owned by Takis Ggiourtakis and now run by his son, Giorgos. She’s joined this season by Nikiforos, after a summer in which the young singer carried out a noteworthy tour across various parts of Greece.

On the coastal strip, Petros Iakovidis, Ria Ellinidou, and Giorgos Livanis are enjoying great success at Vogue Club. After a short break, they’re back and will continue their performances until January 7 of the new year.

After resolving a misunderstanding, two highly regarded singers — Giannis Ploutarchos and Stamatis Gonidis — will join forces at “Anodos” with a program centered around “kapsoura” (songs about passionate, often heartbroken love).

On October 3, Christos Menidiatis, Elli Kokkinou, and Nino (as a guest star) will premiere at “Theama.” Then on October 8, Peggy Zina returns to Mezzo-Mezzo, joined by Anastasios Rammos as her partner.

Leading the lineup again this year at Tokyo — which is also undergoing renovations — will be the talented Ioulia Kallimani, who is currently performing at “Eden” in Thessaloniki.

Themis Adamantidis and Zafeiris Melas are teaming up at San Remo on the coastal strip, while from October, Giorgos Tsalikis and Konstantinos Christoforou will appear at “Ω” on Peiraios Avenue.

Lena Zevgara is in talks with Baraonda regarding her performances this season. A partner is being sought, otherwise new, up-and-coming performers will warm up the crowd before the young singer takes the stage.

However, the biggest question mark remains where Giorgos Mazonakis will sing this year. He has been constantly in the spotlight lately for other reasons, including an ongoing family dispute. Many rumors are circulating, but nothing has been officially confirmed.

Sooner or later, though, it will become clear where the scales will tip for the “night temple” that this nightlife legend will choose to “seal” for the season — a comeback that only he knows how to deliver.