Amusing Postings

In Boston and in the East Coast Diaspora, Armenian events can be quite interesting in the summer. For me, I have mostly been there, and done that. This is partly why I miss Armenia so much since every time I visit, it gives me a taste of the real thing. However, for those who stick around, you have some choices. The big thing in the summertime is Camp Haiastan, where kids 8-15 from all over the world congregate for 2 week sessions at a time in Franklin, MA. Young Armenians aged 17 and above supervise them as they learn about their heritage and have fun while making lasting friendships. I have kept in touch with people I met at Camp Haiastan for over 20 years since I was a camper and then councilor there. For those who want to visit the campgrounds, there are usually picnics every Sunday "up top" and the camp is open from 12-5pm down below. Well worth a visit, or if you have kids, worth the investment.

In the heart of the Armenian community of Boston, there is Cafe Anoush in Watertown within the courtyard of the ACEC building on Nichols Street. Every thursday night for 8 weeks in the summer, Armenian food is served and the courtyard with reservations usually needed. The local AYF chapter and the ARS chapters take turns making and serving the food. It's a great way to enjoy some food and connect with friends during the dog days of summer.

The big social event of the summer ends of being the AYF Olympics, which will be held in Washington, DC during Labor Day weekend. AYF chapters from the midwest and East coast compete against each other while everyone else watches. The games aside, it is a massive get together of people from around the country to connect every year. Generations have participated and the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night dances end up being the main attractions. This year, everybody's favorite (according to our cilicia logs) Nune Yessayian will perform.

Speaking of Nune Yessayan, it has been interesting reading the logs from both sides regarding her and other aritsts. I've never interacted with her so I don't have a personal opinion regarding her behavior, but reading the comments have been interesting. There seems to be a lot of resentment toward her, while other fawn over her music. I think she has a pretty good voice and she fills the void of a manufactured Armenian pop star that pleases the Diasporan Armenian masses outside of LA. Of course, there are other talents that are better in my opinion. The one I am curious to see live is Alla Levonyan.

Don't get me started on the image of Mr. X. Cheese central, my friends. (Sorry Hagop B., the mask, THE MASK, babam!) I don't mean to come down hard on the performer who I am sure is a nice guy and has a great voice. Just some good natured ribbing.

I have been in contact with Glendale legend Stepan Partamian, who has been back from Armenia (his first trip) and has relayed his experiences on his local cable program. Love him or hate him, he is interesting and lends a gadfly voice to our community. Also, Gor and I have been working towards a Boston gig this fall. Our August 27th show had to be postponed since System of a Down is playing on that day.

It is hard to believe that 4 years ago at this time, I had a one way ticket in my hand to move to Armenia. I eventually decided to stay and complete my MBA, start a music label, and get married. There are days I regret not going and experiencing the evolution of Armenia (good or bad). Having taken care of my education and getting things in order, I am now looking to make good on my goal to spend a good chunk of time in Hayastan like I had originally planned. Visiting is one thing, living there is another. I suppose many readers out there have had the same dillema- stay or go? After attending picnics, Olympics, Nune concerts, Camp, and getting a grip on how your Armenian identity is part of you, what is next? More picnics, bakesales, and Nune concerts? For me, those days are pretty much over. Like the loggers on the other side at one point in their lives, the decision to move and live in Armenian is a seductive one. Crossing over is the next step, I suppose.

Tashkhalah

So I started the new job the other day with my Iranian boss. He keeps talking to me in Farsi, forgetting I don't understand. I caught myself a couple times almost speaking in Armenian to him. It's a boater thing I guess. But the new job is going very well so far. I already feel a little more productive/creative/relaxed after a couple days. But I do hate the process of getting settled and adjusted. I like having a groove... as long as it's a good groove.

There are a few things going on this week. Friday night the ACYOA is having their annual talent show, AYF kids are going to an amusement park on Saturday (cuties), and I'm having a barbeque for the ANCA interns on Sunday. Unfortunately, the only thing I can do is the barbeque because I'm glued to my computers for the next few weeks, there are so many projects on my plate. Right now, I'm working on designs for the Genocide Education Project, 2 different jobs for the ANCA, 1 for the ANC PAC, the AYF Olympics Ad Book, and of course, last minute planning for Olympics itself which is around the corner.

Other exciting stuff... ANCA is going on tour with System of a Down this summer. They start their tour on August 3rd, and ANCA will have a booth at all their shows. I've been working on banners and posters for the booth, so if you go to one of their shows, make sure to drop by and sign a petition, or whatever we have there. It's not finalized yet. I'll be at 2 of the shows... Virginia and Baltimore. Yipee!!!

Oh, and I'm going to Montreal in August (once the Ad Book is done) for Kermesse. I've never been to a Kermesse, so I'm looking forward to finally going to a new Armenian event. And I LOVE Montreal Armenians. So full of LIFE! Can't wait to see you guys!

Happy News

I'm listening to NPR (National Public Radio) and they are talking about research on happiness. One of the guests was talking about his website www.happynews.com which apparently reports on the positive news in the world, or sheds light on the positive aspects of news. So I decided to go to the website... how can you not. Who doesn't want to hear happy news? And under "Top Stories," the first news item is "Volunteers to help build Armenia homes." How very happy indeed.

Things

I've continued on this obsessive path lately on going to Armenia (as if I ever stopped). Part of it was sparked when my dad showed me the construction photos of our apartment complex in Yerevan. I suppose seeing it made it reality to me. I was also checking out construction on Northern Avenue, old ones, but I'm curious when they expect to finish it. Anyone? Anyone?

Otherwise, it is a quiet summer. Sorta boring if you ask me. But there are a couple things happening. This weekend is the last chance to see Beast on the Moon and sadly I wont be able to go. Two Genocide Resolutions are out there and may be put to a vote very soon. More on this soon, I'm sure. A good friend is in town, Ara Sudjian who won the award for Best Music Video. He a major talent and humble guy. I love knowing people like this are out there raising the bar for their field within the community. Visitors always have a way of getting us locals off our butts and out into the social scene. I've been a bit of a hermit lately and it was nice going out to dinner with friends last night. That, and the weather has been absolutely unbearable. The temperatures are okay... in the 90°s (F). But the humidity has left us all sleepy and disgusted. I feel like I have to swim to my car every day. And it hasn't gone below like 60% humidity for weeks. Eww.

AYF Olympics is around the corner, which means weekly meetings and the chaos of frantic planning. But I started to get psyched the other night. I was driving by the hotel and got the chills, as I do every August leading up to Olympics... the calm before the storm. There's something about the atmosphere of the hotel when all these Armenians come in from all over the world and congregate in the lobby, at the bar, around the corner, in the halls... like we take over the block. For folks in LA, it might mean much, but you feel it when it takes place in a city that isn'’t so familiar to so many Armenians.

The uniqueness of Olympics is the community. It's where everyone knows your name. All these faces are people I've met through so many experiences in my life, and they come together in one place that one weekend out of the year. It starts to expose the intricate web network of who knows who and from where... the 2 degrees of separation applies thoroughly here. Many people know each other from Camp Haiastan or AYF. But there are so many groups of summer interns from all sorts of programs that reunite at Olympics... the ANCA interns, Interns from Armenia, etc. All the people who go to Armenia during the summer share their stories and run into people they met there. It's a beautiful thing, a perfect cap on the summer before we all go back to work/school/lives. I realize Olympics may have a different reputation out there, but there are so many quaint little things that happen that draws every generation. And sometimes it's nice to just come together and enjoy the simplicity of competition among friends, good entertainment, and each others' company.

This is Hayastan...

So 2 weeks have passed since I've been in Armenia... My parents just left this morning, and so I'll have a little more free time on my hands. I have to say that my parents' initial reaction to Armenia was... "This is it?????" and as the days passed and we went around to different places (outside of Yerevan), I saw them connecting more and more. I remembered my first trip here, and although I had somewhat of a good time, the culture shock and everything else I went through didn't leave a positive impression on me. But I came back.... And I know that my parents will be back too. They purchased a home here (which I will be housesitting.. hehehe), and are thinking of starting some sort of business. They are definitely connected... Mission Accomplished! :)

The AYF Youth Corps group arrived a couple of days ago, and they've been touring since they got here. They will be leaving to their jobsite on Saturday (Vayk), and will spend 4-5 weeks repairing a Youth Center for Vayk and its surrounding villages. They are a great bunch and seem to be doing quite well!

As for me, I've been trying to make a decision about staying in Armenia this time around. Since my parents' house won't be ready until next summer, I'm contemplating whether it would be better to return to LA at summer's end, and come back when the house is ready so that I can atleast live rent-free. Seeing as how rent will be almost half my salary, I'm thinking it might be a good idea to come back later. It'll also give me an opportunity to decide whether I'd like to continue my education out here. On the other hand, people always tell me... there is always going to be something to go back for... and if you're going to move, you just have to do it, just like that! I'm not sure... Maybe I'll just flip a coin and decide that way! :)

Hayasdan has changed... what am I saying, it's ALWAYS changing! When I first got here, I was saying.. "wow, where are all the tourists?" but the truth is that I don't really notice them because a lot of the people in the city are starting to blend in with us.. (perhaps it is the opposite? hahaha) Let me just say that the fact that neon green is BACK into fashion (since 97) is quite scary... but we shall ride that out, as with the pointy shoes that all the men are wearing nowadays. What's up with those?

I realized that even though my apartment is in the city, on Toumanian close to Khanjian, they cut our water during the day and in the night. I'd like to understand the logic of that. If there are meters, and people are paying according to how much they use, what is the point of cutting the water? (Anyone have a clue??) If it's water preservation, please.... where is the logic of cutting it at night when you can't flush the toilet? How many people are going to turn on their faucets and leave them on? No one! I just don't get it.

The city is soooo dusty, in fact I tried not taking Claritin for 2 days and I thought I was going to have a hernia(sp?) from all the sneezing! :) So I'll stick to the Claritin for now.

K, time to go out in the heat!!! Over a 100 degrees almost everyday this week! If this is July, what's August going to be like!?

TSUH :)~

Another Fork in the Road

I’ve been known to be a bit restless and have a tendancy to jump around a lot. I attended 3 colleges before receiving my degree, and since I graduated, I have had 4 full-time jobs. I wont even go into all the freelancing I’ve done. I attempted to sit still a couple times, staying in Boston for a few years after graduation, staying at the ANCA office for 2 years, and my next commitment was going to be my current job. Well, there is no denying I have the heart of a wondering nomad. 6 months into it, I just accepted a new job (that makes 5) in Washington, designing for another design firm. I don’t want to go into why I decided to switch, but the bottom line is that finding a place where you feel comfortable is not only helpful, it is essential in a creative career. The juices don’t flow when I just don’t feel at home.

Otherwise, I’ve been emersed in AYF Olympics preparations. I’m handling the PR (visit www.olympics2005.org for a good time) and designing the 200 page massive Ad Book. I’m already going blind and I’m 30 pages into it. Eep.

But fortunately I had a chance to come up for air briefly this weekend for some Maryland crabs at the Bethesda Crab House with a couple friends. My review: Reservations mean nothing to these people. The reservation was for 7 pm and we were seated around 8:45 pm. But no worries, because it was sooooooooo worth the wait. The crab was so good, we didn’t even need the butter for dipping... and eating outdoors is great if you don’t mind the massively huge bugs that fly into your face over and over again.

Yerevan Ko Tsavuh Danem, Sirem Kez!

Hard to believe... but I'm finally here again! :) The past week I've been doing the tourist thing with my parents and I have to say... being a tourist is sooooo tiring! I wake up early in the morning and get back to my apartment in the late hours only to repeat it all again the next day!

What has changed in Yerevan?? It seems like there are about 24092834098230 more cars than before!!! Where did they all come from? And where are all these people going?? Going up to Gomidas takes about 20 minutes because of all the cars.

I don't have much to write about yet, but I just wanted to check in and say that "I'm Home!!!" :)

TSUH! :)~

New Pomegranate Music Program Up for July 2005

Hi Everyone- I have been in a sort of hibernation lately focusing on a variety of stuff. Whenever I want to take a break from the usual bullsh*t in life, I just head over to my PowerBook and start creating a radio program for www.pomegranateradio.com . So, I have a fresh new batch of vintage and new music to present on the internet radio feature of our site at www.pomegranatemusic.com. This month will be a true mix of genres. 20 songs- mostly Armenian with a few twists here and there. I will post the playlist later tonight for everyone to see. Instead of the usual upload and shuffle (no particular order of songs), I have created a distinct order of music for this month. I am going back to my DJ roots. In fact, I am thinking of doing a few DJ shows here in Boston called "75". I will put together a mix of world music focusing on Armenia for a 75 minute strech of time. "Toast Lounge" has already offered me a spot whenever I want it. I am thinking Fall 2005.

Also, I have put the final touches on the Pomegranate Armenian Music Series of Boston.

Gor Mkhitarian In Concert: Alternative Armenian Folk Music- August 27, 2005 at Toast Lounge in Somerville, MA

Iakovos Kolanian: Armenian Folk Music for Guitar- October 8, 2005 at the Longy School of Music in Cambridge, MA

John Berberian In Concert (accompanied by Ara Dinkjian): Oud Masters Series- Nov 5, 2005 at ALMA in Watertown, MA

All tickets can be purchased at www.virtuous.com. Click on Massachusetts and then the venue stated above.

The theme of this concert series is "Concerts Armenian Organizations Can't Pull Off"

Pomegranate Radio Music List July 2005

1. Tikran Solo by Arto Tuncboyaciyan- This is a 13 second clip of Arto flipping through radio stations. I like the effect and it is a perfect gimmick song to start of the July 2005 Pomegranate Radio program.

2. Accion Reaccion Repercusion by Ojos De Brujo- When I was in Sevilla, Spain for Womex 2003, I saw this group live and they blew me away.

3. Flying Hye by John Berberian- This master oud player is actually an Armenian American born in NYC who happened to be one of the most influencial oud players in the late 1960's and 1970's. The album which this track was taken from was a big hit in 1969 and on the Verve Forecast label. I will be presenting Mr. Berberian in concert in Boston in November 2005.

4. One Song by Gor Mkhitarian- Loggers on cilicia.com know the story of Gor and Pomegranate by now. However, this song was taken from his latest CD, "Episode" on Gor's own label. It was his first recording made completely in the USA.

5. Bad Days by Cascade Folk Trio- This album was produced by a friend of mine, Raffi Bandazian. The album is very strong and the female vocalist is sensational. This is an album that was kind of overlooked. One of the better folk - pop Armenian CD's out there.

6. Prayer Against Drought by Bambir- This cut is taken from their underrated and almost unheard album "J&G". It's another concept album that was self-produced by Bambir- the folk rockers from Gyumri.

7. I Love You D by Arto Tuncboyaciyan- This song is dedicated to Arto's wife, Delia. From the new Arto Tuncboyaciyan album "Artostan" on the German Heaven and Earth label. Again, obscure and impossible to get in North America.

8. Patio Custodia by Paco De Lucia- Track taken from the great Flamenco masters latest album "Cositas Buenas".

9. Dancing Maria by J. Armen (Armen Mechjian)- A very fun song by a really nice guy. Artur Mechjian's son Armen has been playing music for a while. He lives in NYC married to Yeraz. Great couple, great music.

10. Through the Shadows (Part 1) by Axiom of Choice- A prelude or taxim made on a special guitar that is fretless. As with a lot of my eclectic musical taste, I owe this selection to my long time friend and current Pomegranate Music colleague (producer of Iakovos Kolanian's Shoror) Kevork Imirzian.

11. Khosh Yar by Lilit Pipoyan- I remember this piece she performed live when I presented her in Boston in January 2004. Amazing talent, still lives in Armenia, we will be working together soon...

12. Dinata by Eleftheria Arvanitaki (and Ara Dinkjian)- Rachous live piece by Greece's first lady of folk-pop. She had a career boost when she started using pieces by Night Ark's Ara Dinkjian and adding then unknown Arto Tuncboyaciyan as her percussionist. You can hear Arto in the beginning of this song babbling as always. To say this song was an international hit is an understatement.

13. Rise Up, Lord by Hover Chamber Choir of Armenia- No choir here, just a soloist from Hover's new self-produced CD, "The Way" on Vem Recordings. Haunting stuff.

14. Old School Hollywood by System of a Down- There are our homegrown Armenian-American heroes. "Tony Danza Cuts in Line!"

15. Shogher Jan by Mariam Matossian- Folk song sung in a contemporary fashion. I wish more people would buy this album. A very sincere effort by the Canadian Armenian schoolteacher.

16. Kele Tsoler by Zulal- I know Yeraz and Teni personally, and they put out a great debut album. Produced by J. Armen, whose wife is Yeraz. All in the family.

17. Osanna by Iakovos Kolanian- No need to tell you that I think this guy is a genius. Coming to a concert hall near you presented by Pomegranate Music. And, if you don't go, you are going to be in big trouble.

18. Soleda by Astor Piazolla- I reviewed this historic CD in Global Rhythm Magazine sometime in 2003 calling it one of my favorite reissues of alltime. This is a 1967 live recording of composer and bandeneon genius Astor Piazolla. If you haven't heard of him, get some culture and check this CD out. It is called "Adios Nonino". Brilliant.

19. Journey's End by Armen Chakmakian- Nice little melancholy song by artist keyboardist/composer Armen Chakmakian. Former Shadowfax keyboardist. It's OK if you don't know who Shadowfax was- New Age was a cheezy genre anyway. Check out JOhn Bilezijian's oud playing. Very smooth music.

20. Across the Universe by Rufus Wainwright- A Beatles cover song sung by the progressive and very offbeat Baroque-pop Diva Rufus. What pipes?

This radio program is to be heard in one listen as one song is tied to the other. About 75 minutes. Enjoy the summer. Photo by Kevork Imirzian