SAMUEL PETER STAMAS
1952 ~2001
By Mary Jane Skopos
I remember the day as if it were yesterday - November 24, 1992. The
Hispanic community rallied to present a gala celebration honoring their
newly elected Hidalgo, Mayor Joseph Serna. Chosen to be Inaugural
Entertainment Chair, Jo's only request of me was to bring upbeat
entertainers. My concept was to create a traditional multi-ethnic
homage to a hidalgo. He loved the proposal. Each of eighteen beautiful
maidens in ethnic attire was introduced, flanking the mayoral court as
the entertainment began.
First, the Scottish bagpipes & Highland dancers; an all male choir; mariachi;
and then Hercules & Son. As I was preparing the gospel choir to follow Sam,
there was a silence in the room of over 2,500 revelers. My heart sank as I
ran to the main room thinking something horrible had happened to Sam & Pete.
What I saw was the ultimate tribute of respect to a performer - awed silence.
Sacramentans saw what we knew to be - an aspect of our Greek culture,
presented it in it's purest form. Seeing the table dance for the first
time, the audience was amazed. Sensing their appreciation, Sam glowed
with a radiance of Hellenic pride. The moment Sam safely raised the
tables to full height, and spun in joyful fervor, there was a roar that
echoed throughout the full length of the Sacramento Convention Center.
No act wanted to follow Sam. The very next day on TV news, the only mention
of entertainment was of Hercules & Son. The Sacramento Bee reported on the
event with an admonition reviewing the performance, "Mayor Serna has quite
an act to follow." The article described the strength and talent of Hercules
& Son and warned the readership "Don't try this at home, kids".
Sam left his legacy of celebrating our Grecian Culture throughout California
performing at Food Festivals and nationally on TV's You Asked For It, That's
Incredible, Evening Magazine, Kojack and the feature film, Black Oak
Conspiracy. He performed locally before 1,200 and 1,800 attending the
California Multicultural Park's `91 & `92 Festivals of Cultures and at the
Camellia Festivals. Without realizing his own importance, Sam was one of
our Ambassadors of Goodwill from the Greek Community. I remember each
performance with appreciation and a sense of wonderment of his talent
and strength.
At the Trisagion Service, our Senior dance group, The Sam Stamas Dancers
of St. Anna Greek Orthodox Church, eloquently related Sam's many attributes...
his warmth, smile, patience, humility, generosity and morality. "When I
was around Sam, I would do my very best". "At times I thought he was an
angel". "I believed Sam received a special call from God". "He once told
me `A man who cheats in life is rewarded nothing. A man who works hard is
rewarded life'." Hearing these words, imagine the impact Sam made on the
lives of our most precious treasure, our children.
We remember Sam, an average sized man who had the heart of a giant. We
hold in our memories his ever present smile, warmth, humility, selflessness
and generous spirit.
Sam, the keeper of the flame of Hellenic Dance and Music, our Cherished Muse.
Eonia Dear Sam, forever in our hearts.
- Mary Jane
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