Aleko Lionikis | Musician

Bio

Born in Chicago, Illinois, one of the musical capitals of the world, Aleko Lionikis quickly took to the piano after being introduced by his father, a lifelong musician. Playing professionally by age 15, he was mentored by many of the city’s greats, such as Ernest Dawkins, Charles Heath, Dennis Carroll, and Pat Mallinger. In 2023, he moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where he is currently a senior at The Peabody Institute of The John’s Hopkins University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Jazz Piano. Since moving to the East Coast, he has had the privilege of sharing the bandstand with giants such as Sean Jones, Warren Wolf, Joel Ross, Tim Green, and many others. 

At the age of 14, he first had the chance to play the Hammond Organ, which is now one of his primary instruments. Inspired by organists before him such as Dr. Lonnie Smith, Joey DeFrancesco, and Chris Foreman, Aleko has been tasked with keeping the torch lit for his generation and beyond. He is now one of the most sought after organists in the DMV area, playing frequently around Baltimore and D.C., and educating others about the instruments. 

Aleko has also explored digital synthesis, growing up playing his father’s classic Yamaha Dx7. He frequently programs soundscapes and patches for various purposes, including for film. He aspires to compose for larger ensembles and orchestra, and to fuse all of the genres which he has been exposed to throughout his life. 

Beyond music, Aleko has interests in permaculture, calisthenics, health, and mechanics.