The experience at the Armenian Music Awards in Los Angeles was certainly a pleasant one. L.A. is another world with a huge Armenian population in the Metro L.A. area. Armenian TV stations, restaurants, gift shops, etc. It is a fully developed ethnic sub culture totally different from what I've been used to. I left Chicago in 1989 for Boston because I was was seduced by the Armenian scene out East. Watertown, MA is like Fresno, CA in many ways. Old Armenian ways combined with the antiquity of New England life provided me some great experiences here. They still do. However, seeing a fully developed Armenian scene in L.A. overwhelms the senses.

While in L.A. I met Stepan Partamian who owns Garni Music and is the head of Armenian Arts. He also has a television program in L.A where his reputation is considered eccentric to say the least. His theory on the Armenian sub-culture is an interesting one. Those of you in L.A. know what I am talking about. It is extreme, but I understand and appreciate his passion for the arts. He's produced some great music and continues to strive to create and exposure more. In short, Stepan is a valuable part of the community and a pioneer in producing Armenian music.

Another interesting fellow is Gagik who runs www.narek.com, the Amazon.com of Armenian on-line music and books shopping. Great concept and the first of its kind in the Armenian community. You can find almost anything Armenian at this website. However, what seperates his site from others is its thoroughness and customer service.

I saw "Ararat" last night in Harvard Square in Cambridge, MA. Being a long-time Egoyan fan and a general film buff, I liked what I saw. Although the film is not perfect, it has some powerful moments and the film score is gorgeous. I would say that the cast is excellent, especially Elias Koteas as the gay Turk, Christopher Plummer as the customs official, and David Alpay as Raffi. I won't say much, except for the fact that although it did not have the emotional payoff I expected, it was a very thoughful and engaging film. Obviously, we all should go out and support his fine effort.

I look forward to working with the award winning designer Arsineh Khachikian on several project in the upcoming month. She is amazingly talented and I am lucky to be working with her. Gor will be in town in a few weeks and will be heading back to Armenia on the 22nd of December. Arsineh, Gor, and I will be nailing down the CD booklet for the new Gor CD, scheduled to be out in the summer of 2003. Right now, we are working on Bambir.