Protest Infront of UNESCO and Azerbaijani Embassy....

So after about a week of preparations the time had finally come to go to Ottawa…Busses left at around 6:30 am from the Armenian Community Center. The event was organized by the newly formed Armen Karo Student Organization, and the ARF Youth Organization of Canada. When we first arrived in Ottawa, we began our protest in front of the UNESCO building with about 100 of us from Toronto, Montreal, Cambridge and Ottawa, demanding that the UNESCO interfere and condemn the barbaric destruction of the Armenian “Khachkars” in Nakhijevan. Although we tried presenting the UNESCO representative with a letter, they denied our entrance into the building. The letter was later read out loud in both English and French by Lori Janbazian and Harout Bakarian. Ung. Mher Karakashian spoke on behalf of the ARF Central Committee, saying that UNESCO’s stance is unacceptable and shouldn’t be tolerated by anyone…The protest later was lead to the Azerbaijani Embassy, along with the “Khatchkar”, the signs, and the Azerbaijani dummy we had made. Ung. Raffi Sarkissian later spoke in front of the Embassy presenting our rage against Azerbaijan’s policy of cultural genocide.


Overall, I believe that the protest went by really well, however, the lack of media was really noticeable by the protestors. I believe we could have made even more noise if we had media attention…It’s alright though...We are definately making a difference, and we can now learn to make future events even better!

thanks to Talar S. for the pictures....Janbaz loves you!

Preparations......

It is about 1:00 am in the morning (Thursday night/Friday morning) and we are all here at the agoump finishing up "vercheen vargyan" things for a protest tomorrow, in our nation’s capital, Ottawa. Tomorrow’s rally in Ottawa is in protest against Azerbaijan's Anti-Armenian Actions, and is (coincidentally) happening exactly 2 months before April 24th, where we will also protest in the capital. The protest will occur in front of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in response to the massacres is Baku, the border blockade, the slaughter in Sumgait and the most recent issue of the destruction of our "Khatchkars" in Nakhichevan. We will also hold a rally in front of the UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization) in response to their "laid-back" stance towards the "Khatchkar" issue....

Oh well...I'm really tired right now (we've been working the whole day) and I got to go home soon so I can get up early (busses leave at 6:00).....Hope it all goes well tomarrow!

The AK Mission

It often seems like much that I do is unintentional and happens by chance. One of my pet peeves in life is doubt… doubt people have of each other, but particularly when people doubt me. Too often I find myself knowing the truth and people insisting I am wrong and they are right. When the truth is exposed, even then people have a hard time admitting it to me.

This may seem arrogant of me to be logging about this, but everyone needs an ego, especially when it is so consistently attacked. In my life, people have questioned my ability to survive in New York at age 18 straight out of the suburbs. I showed them. Many doubted my ability to financially excel as an artist (designer). I proved them wrong again. People have doubted my skills, my decisions, my passions, my understanding, my sensibility, my reasoning, and my rational. It’s normal, right? We all doubt each other. Maybe its because no one really means what they say. Maybe it's because we are too confident. Maybe it's because defeating others boosts our egos.

Well, they can doubt all they want. I have proven my point and it's open to those who are willing to see it. The next doubt to defeat? Going to Armenia. I'm giving it a shot. If I can make this happen, YAY for me. If not, at least I'm taking the risk.

See you all in Armenia in May!

Buenos Aires gives me Fever!!!

Never know how much I love you

Never know how much I care

When you put your arms around me

I get a fever that's so hard to bear

Listen to me baby, hear every word I say

No one can love you the way I do

'Cause they don't know how to
love you my way

Maybe Madonna´s lyrics mean a lot to me when I try to explain what Buenos Aires makes me feel nowadays... Perhaps, it is tooooo romantic, but it isn't!!! Buenos Aires gives its citizens fever because it is getting like a natural oven. Arev@ is being really tough with us, I really do not know what is happening but the temperature got to the top of the tops. Maybe our planet is getting LoCo ! ! ! Just remember how many persons died in Europe because of the winter weeks ago...

Welcome February !

I restarted my law-activities. I am just trying to end my career at last, my final period at the Law University of Buenos Aires is beginning and i just can not believe it is true. When I started to log, I was at the first stage of the career...Time passes by so fast ! Aman Asdvadz. So girls...if you want to arrange a divorce, here is my phone number (666-666-666), hahaha...no way!, I hate that dirty job!

By the time, I am trying to kill my nerves with music. I don't know what is happening to me but I am looking back at the roots of my love for music. Symbol of that personal big bang are The Ramones. Because of them I knew hundreds of old rock bands and also the new ones. Then I came closer with Armenian music: Komitas, Sayat Nova, Djivaní, Avet Terterian, Spendiarian, Pavel Lisitzian, etc, etc, etc...I can't explain why I am returning to The Ramones so often again, and soooo fanatically. For example, I love Rush, and i admit they are the best rock musicians ever in history. As well happens with Led Zeppelin...Having realized that, I still feel my heart bumping for the Ramones' songs...They created 30 years before, the sound of what is pumping on every Rock Fm's today.

So, as homage to my present insanity, this photo:

From me to you: My own concept of Armenian Punk Rock

No news about the Armenian Community yet. I would say "All is quiet on the eastern front". The local newspapers are informing about the Djugha issue and all the khatchkars destruction process by the azeri army. I remember the same kind of cultural genocide happened in Afghanistan. The taliban movement destroyed many Buddah statues, but the world did not listen...The world will only listen when there is an opiumized or oiled interest behind...Sad but true.

About the Diasporic Spirit

The Spirit in Diaspora, is a deep concept that has been hanging around my mind since weeks. Also the last logs of Raffi M helped me to develope the concept. Perhaps it is very difficult for me to explain it in English, but anyway. I will try.

Just think about the diaspora as a huge puzzle and think how that big puzzle would be represented by the soul of a person. (A person who lives in a diaspora) Now you can be in Montreal, Boston, Yerevan, Los Angeles, Belfast, Honk Kong, Melbourne or Buenos Aires but maybe your spirit flies without no reason. When you listen a doudoug, when you eat a shish kebab, when you stare at the b & w photographs of your great parents before leaving their homeland...something strange happens in the air. The root and the branch of the tree get connected.

At the bakery, between other products, I sell apricots from Malatya, Turkey. Every time I touch them my soul gets disturbed. Seeds, roots, race, destiny and all the s..t comes out.

One more pic...and GOODBYE!!!

My beloved Diasporic Brothers last summer, in Yerevan.

Diasporan Intervention

Armenian hospitality is famous. Whether it is Hayastansi or Diasporan, each has its own unique set of characteristics. In the quest to keep Pomegranate Music afloat financially, Diasporan involvement is key. The involvement and generosity has to be on all fronts for the project to work. Let me detail an example for you. Pomegranate has three CD's coming out within six months. The one I will focus on is the new Iakovos Kolanian CD. For this project, Iakovos agreed to record the master CD for free in his own home studio. The producer of the album, Kevork Imirzian has agreed to waive normal producer fees (usually 5% of sales), donate his photography, and write the liner notes at no cost. Our designer Arsineh has agreed to work at below her usual rate and is always available at all hours to help on design issues. When I fly to Greece next week with Kevork to do the Iakovos photo shoot at Delphi, we will be staying as guests of Iakovos in Athens for one week. When the CD is finished and ready to be produced in the manufacturing plant, a very generous Canadian-Armenian from Vancouver, BC who is a big fan of Iakovos Kolanian and joined us on both tours last year has agreed to front all costs for the production of the Barrios CD. From there, we release the creation to the public and our major costs are covered. In the world of independent record making, you have to surround yourself with loyal and dedicated people who share your vision and are willing to do what it takes to complete the tasks for the sake of the music and the artist. I have been lucky to have the company of such people and without them, Pomegranate would not be alive.

While I continue with my YerazArt work in preparing performance Visas for our Young Armenian Musicians to come and perform in DC, Boston, and NYC, I am concurrently preparing myself for the trip to Athens, Greece. I hope to meet with the Armenian community there to pitch the YerazArt concept to them and get a feel for the scene there. There are some jewlers in the Plakas in Athens that I remember from my first trip there in 1991. I hope to see them again.

As Philip Marsden so aptly descrived in "The Crossing Place", Armenian hospitality is second to none.

THIS photo is taken by Kevork Imirzian in Taos, New Mexico. January 2006. The structure is a sustainable "off the grid" dwelling made with adobe and old beer bottles.

Yeraz Art Begins

On Monday, I started my first day on the job as Executive Director of the non-profit organization Yeraz Art founded by Noubar Afeyan and Raffi Festekjian. As I left my old job in December 2005 in the insurance business, I wanted to put the MBA to good use. Thus, going to grad school, working fulltime, and running Pomegranate served me well in the past few years, but, the heart was never in insurance. My discussions with Yeraz Art began last summer and the idea of me taking the helm was discussed. They flew me to Armenia to see if I would like the job and be up for the challenges of building a non-profit in Fall 2005. During my New Mexico trip I thought long and hard about what direction I wanted to take in the business world. I have chosen the non-profit world and working within the Armenian community. However, as I did with Pomegranate (and will still do), pitching the program to non-Armenians will be a top priority.

The basic premise of Yeraz Art is very simple. There are a bunch of talented kids in Armenian who are musicians. We will assist in finding them venues around the world under the "Yeraz Art" and "Armenia" moniker to help market and promote them and the country through concerts and international competitions. Along the way, we will fund their education and help with purchasing and upgrading their instruments. When they hit 18, they graduate from our program and we will attempt to get them into the best music schools in the world like Juliard, etc. Their education would be covered by our organzation.

I have been approached to make Pomegranate a part of Yeraz Art and make it the subsidiary of the new organziation. I am going to hold off on that since I want maintain a sense of independent creativity aside from my professional job during the day.

I view Yeraz Art as an example of a couple of successful Diasporan businessmen willing to put their money where their hearts are in terms of funding the arts. And, we are taking the issue right to Armenia helping the kids there. I'd like to think that the Diasporan spirit mattters.

This morning I had a chance to speak with Lilit Pipoyan on the phone and we are gearing up for the long awaited Pomegranate debut of her album this Fall. There was some stop and start in the recording sessions in Armenia, however, she is back on track busily recording at VEM. There is a proposed September New England tour proposed by an organization. And finally, Lav Eli-Notes from Vanadzor: Urban Armenian Rock comes out on May 2, 2006.

THIS photo by Kevork Imirzian in Alamagordo, New Mexico. January 2006. Kev is the image in the foreground while I am in the background. Preparing for the White Sands photo shoot for "Headphone Diaries".

Prelude to "Headphone Diaries"

In preparation for my book I am publishing in 2007 entitled "Headphone Diaries", I've had to look into my past logs here on Cilicia to jog the memory a bit. Since the concept of the book is to open each chapter with a song title, and then reflect a bit on what that sonic imprint has meant to me, I thought I would share some of the music I listened to in New Mexico. Most are here, some I've added since being in Boston. In addition to the song title, I will have the type of player pictured as well. (Record player, LP, CD Player, Cassette Tape, iPod, etc) I've been in the cheezy "Song List" mood of late coupled with reading a bunch of angry emails asking me to update the Pomegranate Music radio songlist So, here we will have a new 4 part music list to appear on the Pomegranate Radio portion our website every Thursday or so. The list will grow by 11 songs for 4 weeks and culminate with 44 songs altogether. I would say that less than 40% are Armenian, if that. I will explain the purpose of that as we move forward. For now, please enjoy the first new Pomegranate Radio songlist since last Fall 2005. They are 11 songs, and I will list them here. They were inspired by my trip to New Mexico. Lots of time to think, and soak up how powerful music can be.

www.pomegranatemusic.com, then click on the Pomegranate Music Radio Symbol at the top.

This Photo by Kevork Imirzian. Taos, New Mexico. January 2006. 1 mile from the Rio Grande Gorge.

#1. Iakovos Kolanian- Prelude In D Minor (Agustin Barrios): From the upcoming Pomegranate Music album "Guitar Masterworks of Agustin Barrios". Produced by Kevork Imirzian. This cut is the opening track of our upcoming album and signifies the transformation of Pomegranate Music from a country specific record company to a global music label. In our research, only John Williams can top the new Kolanian recording in terms of playing Barrios. We expect this to be a monster hit in the classical community. Kev and I will be in Athens, Greece starting Feb 24, 2006 for a week doing photo shoots of Iakovos in and around the streets of Athens and then on the island of Milos while coordinating our touring schedule for 2006-2007. We will also be shooting at Dephi. It's all or nothing for Pomegranate on this album. If we hit it big, we have a future, if it is a bust, it will be my last recording.

#2. Afro Celtic Sound System Featuring Peter Gabriel- When You're Falling- From the album: "Further In Time". As we all know, Peter Gabriel is the godfather of the modern world music movement. While the true world music movement on record happened in the 1960's, Gabriel reinvented the genre with his "Last Temptation of Christ" soundtrack to Martin Scorcese's film in 1988. On this particular track, he is lending a helping hand to the Afro Celtic Sound System, a band that happens to be signed to his label. It is a lost Peter Gabriel track not many people have heard, and has a deep rich sound.

#3. Rachid Taha- Rock El Casbah- From the album "Tekitoi". An interesting twist with world music sensation Rachid Taha doing a remake in Arabic of the old The Clash classic "Rock the Casbah".

#4. Vicente Amigo- Tango Del Arco Bajo- From the album "Un Momento En El Sonido". My fascination of flamenco music started about 17 years ago when I got a hold of music from Paco Pena. Along the way, Kevork introduced me to Paco De Lucia and now Vicente Amigo, the natural extension of De Lucia. In fact, we have a group of people going to see Vicente in concert on Sunday Feb 12 at Berklee. Vicente is about 35, and has been annointed by De Lucia as the the current flamenco master.

#5. Zuco 103- Outro Lado (Charles Webster Remix)- From the album "The Now Sounds of Brazil". This is a great world beat song from Brazil, where some of the most musical and sun/fun loving people in the world live. For me, it started with Antonio Carlos Jobim, Gilberto Gil, Caetano Velosa, and Bebel Gilberto in terms of exposure to Brazilian music. Where I used to live in Framingham, MA, there was a large Brazlian community and pulling out one of the names of musicians usually got me a seat a lot quicker at a Brazlian restaurant.

#6. SAko- Kortsrel Em: From the album, "Flawless". If you go to The Armenian Music Review blog site I created, you can read a full review of my surprise pick as one of the best Armenian albums of 2005. Cheezy as hell, but, also very good. You can't always be a music snob and have to let loose sometimes.

#7. John Berberian- Rast Taksim (Oud Solo)- From the Album "Ode to an Oud" published first in 1965 on Mainstream Records. Definately a favorite oud player of mine. Starting on violin myself, I switched to the oud in my early 20's and have dabbling with it ever since. I took 4 lessons from John Berberian and have presented him in concert under the Pomegranate moniker a few times. This recording was made when he was in his early 20's. Astonishing command and understanding for the Rast scale.

#8. Nouvelle Vague- Making Plans for Nigel- From the album "Nouvelle Vague"- I had heard the XTC version of this song while on hold for some utilities company a few years ago. While waiting for a frequent flyer update on Air France, I heard a different version of this song by Nouvelle Vague. I liked the song, but, had never heard of it outside of waiting on hold on the phone. So, I down loaded both versions on itTunes and found this version interesting. Kind of a weirdly sad song of how parents set a path for their kids and that is that. The French singer on this song is fantastic.

#9. Imogen Heap- Have You Got it In You?- From the album "Speak for Yourself". Gor Mkhitarian emailed me a song by Imogen Heap that was a cappella called "Hide and Seek". I am sure you have all heard of it. Anyway, I liked the song because it was so unique so I bought the album. This track seemed to be the other stand out track. Great voice work, bass usage, and overall a driving rhythm. It's a tough trick to pull, but, Imogen does it.

#10. George Dalaras- Unknown Song- From the album "Kalous Tous". I am too lazy to check my CD and get the name of this song. My Dalaras fix was introduced to me when I was about 18 by Kevork and Martin Haroutounian of the Arev Band here in Boston while I was at Camp Haiastan. One of the great natural voices I've ever heard. I have been a fan for 18 years and have seen him live a few times in Boston.

#11. Javier Ruibal- La Flor De Estamboul- From the album "Sahara". Don't get freaked out by the title. Ruibal was my surprise find while in Seville in 2003 for the World Music Exposition. I went there with Raffi Bandazian and we both called the guy an ultimate professional musicians. This song is interesting because it is a melody composed by Eric Satie, with the lyrics written by Ruibal. He is from Andaludia, Spain.

END OF PROGRAM ONE.

Freedom of Expression--> RECAP

After several weeks of planning and hard work, February 4th finally arrived yesterday, and it was time for our anticipated event to finally take place. Although the event was scheduled to start at 8:00 pm, it actually began at 8:45 due to numerous delays (Haygagan Jamatrootioon ishdeh...). The event began with an interesting slideshow showcasing events and aspects in history which have been a result of a lack of freedom of expression (Tiananmen Square, construction/destruction of the Berlin Wall, etc.). The MC of the evening was none other than Toronto's own member of the Young Liberals of Ontario, ARFYOC central exec. member, and past ANCA Washington summer intern, Hagop Mksyartinian. He was magnificent throughout the whole night introducing performers such as MC Shorty, (who preformed with former members of The Polar Contrast, Nerses, Ashod and Varoujan), Pyunig (who preformed 6 wonderful Armenian "azkayeen" songs) and Daniel Ohanian (who recited a poem written by one of our own members, Raffi Sarkissian). In between these performances, The ANCA "Grassroots Makes a Difference", BBC's "The Betrayed" and our very own "F.O.E 2006" documentaries were shown, leaving a huge impact on the audience. However, what proved to have an even bigger impact on those present was the "Speak on it" video-clip performed by Serj Tankian and Knowledge, and System of a down's protest in front of Dennis Hastert’s office, regarding the recognition of the Armenian Genocide (video clip). Goes to show, how much of an impact these guys have made in popular culture...I mean it seems to me that the more popular they get, the more people around the world (especially "odars") will listen to their message. The evening was concluded with a speech given by Natalie MacLeod, on behalf of the ARFYOC "Simon Zavarian" executive committee. However, this wasn't just any speech...She basically challenged the entire audience to act and take full advantage of the freedom of expression they possess. Her motivating speech ended like this...

"Every time we care, but we don't reach...
Every time we learn, but we don't teach...
Every time we see, but we don't speak...
We become evil, we become weak...
Justice needs a voice. Why not yours?"

Life Transitions

I have been very absent from this page, I know. I have posted a couple things here and there, but overall very lazy on the content. Personal life has consumed me and it can be considered a good thing, but I admittedly am exhausted with lack of sleep trying to balance a multi-faceted life, the plight of the Diasporan Armenian. There's the day thing: the job focus/professional face/rat race life we are forced to take on in this country (there's no way out of it, I've concluded). Then there's the social thing: 'do I hang out with my Armenian friends today, or should I spend time with my "odar" friends?' (I usually go with the first option... actually, always). Then there's the community thing: meetings/projects/volunteerism/events/meetings/conferences/meetings. And finally add in my life the side-project thing: Freelance. This is the kicker that gets me every time. Paid jobs, but I have to prioritize it in my free time over all else or else I will do an injustice to paying clients.

I'll confess my community participation has been narrowed down to the ideal: I get requests to work on a design project here and there, I usually say yes, never charge (for particular organizations) and work on my own time, keeping in contact over email, phone, or dropping by the ANC after work to discuss further. No meetings, no promises, no expectations, but I get to work on great projects when I have the time (sometimes deadlines bring the pressure). The personal life thing has become a difficult task, but a life lesson. I'm sorta glad, because it has forced me to respect other people's time and lives as well. I never looked at it this way before, but in order to have people in your life, you are forced to socialize in order to not be so self-absorbed (a fault I am very guilty of, I confess). The reality is that wanting to do it all is selfish. That is what recent weeks have taught me. Thank God because I'm getting very tired and don't mind some contact with real people for once.

On the Armenian front, things are very quiet. The AIPRG Conferences were a great opportunity to catch up with familiar faces. I even received an email from an old friend I haven't seen in a while who says she was in the Armenia office while teleconferencing and saw me running around with my camera. That's neat. It was also a chance to meet new people and network, which I love to do in the Armenian world.

As Raffi mentioned, I'm working on a few projects with him. I also have some very interesting things going on with the ANCA which I can't share just yet, but I will when it's public information. Sorry for the secrecy, but it's really one of the more important things going on right now and I've been sworn to secrecy.

And of course, at the end of the day, all things point to Armenia. I have spoken to many people who have suggested many interesting opportunities to me in Armenia. When they solidify, I will share those too.

I hope everyone is having a lovely globally warm winter.

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.

exams are done...more stress ahead!

So I am finally done my exams....YAY!....this had to be one of the most stressful weeks of my life, as I was bombarded with my midterms...Thank GOD they are all done now...I have been so out of touch with the real world recently, as I haven't really taken my head out of the books. However, I just realized that more stress is slowly coming my way with tones of assignments and "mee-oo-tenagan work"...I'm actually on the varchagan gazm (executive committee) for the ARF Youth Organization of Canada "Simon Zavarian" Chapter, so recently we've been really busy with planning various events...We're actually getting ready for our event on Saturday right now, called FOE (Freedom of Expression) in order to get youth in Toronto active. It's pretty much an evening packed with music, talent, and entertainment with live bands, other performances, an original short-and-sweet documentary....made by us, right here in Toronto, in order to get Armenian youth politically active. Making the documentary was actually very fun; meeting Members of Parliament and other politically active people...ANYWAYS...Hopefully, the event will be a success...I will post you guys up after the event ;) ...