Off to Athens, Greece

It's been a very wacky week after landing from New Mexico. The picture shown was taken by Kevork Imirzian as I was walking throughout White Stands National Monument in Alamagordo, NM. For more on Kevork's work in general, please visit www.studioduende.com The white gypsum looks like snow at first glance, however it is a stretch of over 350 sq miles of dunes covered with the fine white substance. The other picture was taken in Taos, New Mexico about 1 mile from the Rio Grande Gorge. The property was free to walk around and it was the site of a self sustaining home using filtered rainwater, solar energy panels, etc to sustain the domicile. It's "off the grid" as they say up there. Meaning, there is no electricity, plumbing, running water, etc.

These shots were taken for a couple of books I am writing as well as some updated file photos just in case there is a press opportunity. Vain, it definately is. But, it was needed.

So, after I saw the results, Kev and I pondered how best to create the CD cover and publicity materials for the upcoming Iakovos Kolanian Agustin Barrios album to be release on my Pomegranate label in May 2006. We have a tour set up now, but, not too many photos on Iakovos of high end quality. Thus a few days ago, the decision was made for us to visit Athens, Greece for one week to do a photo shoot for Iakovos. We will be leaving at the end of the month and right now I am trying to get my wife Natacha to take some time off of work to join us. Iakovos will put us up in his home and we will finally be able to map out the final strategic marketing and tour plan for 2006-2007. We already have a sponsor footing the bill for our album, so, the financial pressure to do well is off.

Another bit of good news is that I was officially offered the position of Executive Director of Yeraz Art. We are discussing financial details for compensation now, but, as soon as I start my first day on that job, I will explain what the job entails. I will definately be in Armenia for a part of the year working on getting a system in place where young Armenian musicians ages 8-18 will be able to be funded by our organization to have them continue their musical education while having tours organized by us in the North America, Europe, and Russia. Actually, anywhere that will have us. In 3 to 5 years time, we hope to expand this scope to include artists, painters, and dramatic arts actors. In due time.

More on the album process later.