ABOUT
Early stages to now...
Nikolas Kallithrakas is a professional drummer based in Manchester, U.K., originally from Athens, Greece. With over a decade of live performance experience, he is known for his versatility, musical precision, and ability to adapt seamlessly across genres and settings.
From an early age, Nikolas showed a deep commitment to his craft. By 18, he had graduated from the National Conservatory of Athens, achieved Rockschool Grade 8 with Distinction, and earned four drumming scholarships from institutions including the National Conservatory of Athens and the University of Salford. He later completed a Bachelor’s Degree with Honours in Popular Music & Recording between 2017 and 2020.
Since 2014, Nikolas has built an extensive performance résumé, appearing at festivals, theatre productions, musicals, and large-scale events. His credits include productions such as Grease: The Musical, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and high-profile live entertainment shows including The Big Pants Party. As a session drummer, he has collaborated with a wide range of artists, ensembles, and orchestras.
Alongside his session work, Nikolas leads Honey Bee Jazz, a Manchester-based jazz quartet that reimagines modern pop songs through swing jazz, bossa nova, and Latin-inspired arrangements. The project has become a standout feature of his artistic identity, performing for a variety of private and corporate clients across the U.K.
