Armenians Swarm DC

It has been a whirlwind of a few days. Within just a few blocks in DC, all the big shots moved from event to event like a flock of birds. The ANCA crew spent all weekend moving into their new office building on 17th and N St NW in preparation for their office opening reception on Monday. Visitors were not sparse throughout the moving process as many people were in town for the Armenian Assembly Annual National Conference around the corner at the Mayflower hotel, and the Millenium Challenge Compact Signing Ceremony. I think the running theme of conversation was how incredibly fast we settled in. But all the action I attended took place on Monday, so I'll start from the beginning. All morning was devoted to preparing the building for our Opening Reception at 2:00 pm. We started the party in our new beautiful conference room and hosted Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian and company, as well as Srpazan and Ambassador Tatul Markarian. With a cognac toast, we celebrated the opening and heard ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian speak along with Oskanian and the Ambassador. Without a break, we all funneled into a row of taxi cabs and were off to the State Department for the MCC Signing Ceremony. Of course as we all know, the sentiment between Ambassador Evans and the State Department is on the rocks and thus the tension was felt in the room. After much catching up with strange faces and old friends, reconnecting with peers and networking, everyone shifted their focus on the highlight of the day, the signing. Secretary of State Condaleeza Rice, Millenium Challenge Corporation CEO John Dalinovich, Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian, both Ambassadors Evans and Markarian and other members of the Armenian delegation collected on stage to speak on the historic event. Armenia is the 9th to accept a compact with the MCC, and has apparently received the largest package deal as of yet. The signing took place and all shook hands, and after an hour of shmoozing and eating, people moved on to prepare for the next even. The Armenian Assembly banquet immediately followed, taking place at the Mayflower. Raffi has talked a bit about the YerazArt Foundation, and I'll let him elaborate more, but basically I was there to take photos of the kids. In attendance were the usual suspects, Sen. Sarbanes, Sen. Allen, Rep. Pallone, Ani Totah, Carolyn Mugar, and the list goes on. I was a bit distracted in the back catching up with friends (the youth section) and playing with the YerazArt musicians. That, and it was a LONG day, I almost gave out near the end. But there was lots of talk about the great progress of Armenia and its future, including a well deserved standing ovation for Ambassador John Evans who went off script to talk from the heart. Needless to say his staff probably tensed up when he pushed away the script provided by the State Department.

Today there will be a reception at the Armenian Embassy to which I will try to attend, and then of course the children will be performing again this weekend at Soorp Khatch. It's needless to say a very exciting week in DC, and will continue to be. April holds the usual April 24th events with a twist. It has been confirmed that Serj Tankian and John Dolmayan from System of a Down will be attending our 3 day April 24th events from the 24th to the 26ths starting with the annual demonstration at the Turkish Embassy and ending with the Capitol Hill Armenian Genocide Observance. Publicity on this has not begun yet, but stay tuned, details to come.

We're on the move

This weekend marks a great day in the history of Hai Tahd. The ANCA is "movin' on up" to bigger and better things. They are moving from their rented space they have occupied for 12 years on to a building they purchased just a few blocks away. Of course, we do things backwards as Armenians, so we have not actually paid for it in full yet, but we will be having a telethon soon to raise the necessary funds. Please help.

But I'm happiest for two things... there is a free parking space in the back that solves my parking issues in DC for as long as I have left in this dreadful town... and second, it's a block away from the absolutely wonderful Persian kebab house, Moby Dick. mmmmm kubideh. And since I'm out of work with nowhere to go, I shall make myself at home in the new digs for my remaining days.

So this weekend is the big move. Eep. They have been packing up their boxes all week and it's been a BIG mess. But fortunately there is some method to all the chaos and soon enough well be in a GOREOUS space and all settled, just in time for the Millenium Challenge signing ceremony on Monday... looks like there will be some sort of reception for that to break in the new office. More info on the telethon as it comes, and coverage of the Millenium Challence ceremony to come soon.

Evans may be fired

There's a GREAT editorial in the LA Times today titled "It was genocide" which talks about US Ambassador to Armenia John Evans' truthful remarks about the Armenian genocide which got him into a bit of trouble in the State Department. It looks like his dissent will leave him unemployed very soon, but not without the media's attention. Here's a link to the LA Times Editorial, or you may still find it in the opinion section of the LA Times homepage:

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-ed-armenia22mar22,0,7968175.story?coll=la-home-commentary

Journalist Onnik Krikorian Nominated for National Geographic Award

Over on the OneWorld blog administered by Onnik Krikorian comes news that Onnik was nominated for the National Geographic All Road's Award. For more information about OneWorld, please visit www.oneworld.am/blog. Recently, Onnik did a photo shoot for YerazArt and his works are being featured in the YerazArt brochure and advertising here in North America with the kids on tour in the next few weeks. Onnik's photos in general are quite moving and I have fast become a big fan of his photographic style.

Congratulations Onnik.

Greece: Day 7, Part 2- Meeting Mikis Theodorakis

After stepping into legendary Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis' parlor, photographer/producer Kevork Imirzian, classical guitarist Iakovos Kolanian, and I sat for about 20 minutes before the Maestro entered into the room. We leapt to our feet and greeted Theodorakis, thanking him for the opportunity to visit with him in his home in Athens. This was one of those rare moments in my life where I was completely awestruck. In the world of music, I have had some lucky moments. The first was meeting composer Alan Hovhaness a couple of times. At one of his concerts in 1991- his 80th Birthday celebration at Carnegie Hall- I was waiting in line at the end of the show to meet him backstage when the man behind me asked what time it was. He was old, scraggly, and had a jean jacket. A character if I ever met on. However, he looked so familiar. A minute later, a young man in his 20's approached the guy behind me and started saying, "Mr. Cage, I really love your work. It is an honor to meet you". Damn, what dumb luck, it was composer John Cage. He was waiting in line like everyone else, even though the contemporary composer of mythic stature could have just walked right up to the front of the line and asked for a one on one with Hovhaness.

When I worked at Tower Records in Boston back when I was in college around 1990, I did meet composer Philip Glass, Concertgebrow conductor Bernard Haitink, and in 1994 in Chicago at a record signing, pianist Van Cliburn right before one of his last public concerts opening the World Cup soccer games. He would play at Grant Park later that night. I still have the signed CD, along with Hovhaness' as well. Suffice it to say, I have long loved classical music, as did my cohort Kevork and of course, Iakovos.

Now that name dropping 101 is now in session, back to the story at hand- Mikis Theodorakis. To be honest, I had heard of Theodorakis through the Zorba The Greek connection. He was the composer of the music featured in the 1964 Michael Cacoyannis feature film starring Anthony Quinn. I just picked up the DVD a week ago and watched it. A great flick. I had also heard of Theodorakis through the voice of Yorgos Dalaras, the great Greek singer who once was the voice of the Maestro. They had a falling out and that was that. However, in my love of Greek music since I was about 19, the Theodorakis name kept coming up. However, it wasn't until I was in Greece during this current trip that I had to do a little research. I will spare you his history, instead deferring to the vast void known as the search engines of Google. However, before the meeting, I did my homework and asked Kev and Iakovos a lot of questions.

It seems that Mikis Theodorakis was well known in the following circles. First, the entire Greek Nation and Diaspora. His songs, compositions, political ideals, and revolutionary tendencies resonated with the Greek Nation for over 50 years. Now, at the age of 81, he has reached the Greek God status, mythic and legendary. He is an icon in Greece and the grand-daddy of roots music. The other crowd Theodorakis was huge with were the Communist. A hard core Communist even to this day, his buddies include Fidel Castro, poet Pablo Neruda, and the whole ciruit of Communists. Those darn 1960's. Then, we have the music community where he was friends with Dmitri Shostakovich, Leonard Bernstein, Oliver Messaen, and the list goes on. Indeed, right now, Theodorakis is considered one of the most important living composers in the world. His consistant main female voice is the legendary Maria Farantouri.

As we sat down in his parlor and the 40 minute clock (that was the time alloted to us via his secretary when the meeting was made with Iakovos) was ticking for our meeting, I tried to play it cool. That was not working as I was uncharacteristically very nervous. Iakovos did most of the taking. Impresario Moraitis had told us that Theodorakis usually sticks to his time limits on meetings, however, if he liked you, be ready to spend hours over there. While seated, the conversation between Iakovos and Theodorakis was very pleasant. Invariably, I am sure Theodorakis wanted to know exactly why we were there. Thus, Iakovos wasted no time in offering the Maestro our CD, Shoror: Armenian Folk Music for Guitar We asked if he would like to listen to it, and he agreed. As he sat down in his leather La-Z-Boy, Theodorakis rang a bell- Ding, Ding, Ding- and within a few seconds his secretary was in the room. He asked the secretary to put the CD in his machine. She did so, but, reserved the fun of hitting the remote control from the other side of the room to track 2, "Noubar Noubar". Armenian music playing in the home of the Greek Master of Music.

It's usually the way of musicians. You sit down, talk a little bit, and then offer up music for the room to listen to. They usually listen to the whole piece, then comment on it. I've been doing it that way since I can remember. Either with friends of musicians. Let the music breathe in your brain, let it soak in, and digest it like wine. Then, talk about it. Classical music takes patience, but, the reward is quite nice. It was the same with Theodorakis, as expected. After the first piece, we then offered up another song for him to listen to. This time, we chose "Vagharshapati" and then after that, the title track, "Shoror". With each song, Theodorakis listened intently, without a word, and completely focused. We were holding our damn breath, especially Iakovos. Aside from the bragging rights of saying we met with Theodorakis, we were there for several reasons. First, we wanted to refresh Maestro's memory on how good Iakovos Kolanian really was, a homegrown half Greek, half Armenian professional who represented Greece proudly on the classical guitar. First, let's prove to Theodorakis that Iakovos is a great talent. Within minutes, I am sure Theodorakis knew that as he smiled at some points during the intricately laid out Armenian masterpiece, "Shoror". At one point, he looked at Iakovos as forcefully asked, "who arranged these?" Without hesitation, Iakovos retorted, "I did". Eyebrows raised, Theodorakis listened more intently to "Shoror".

The other reason we were there, other than a photo-op, was to have the Maestro feel comfortable with the possibility of a direct collabortation with Iakovos to transcribe his music to classical guitar for an upcoming tour, and possible recording. Having a living, legendary composer greenlight a project under his auspices is huge for any performer of Iakovos's caliber. Ditto goes for a record label trying to make it in a business of sharks and sharlatons.

After the conclusion of the song, as Theodorakis got up off his chair, he turned to Iakovos and said, "you play very well". Then, in Greek, as it was explained later to me, Theodorakis told Iakovos "I want you to transcribe some of my music for classical guitar". The process thus began for both parties. Once that was said, Iakovos quickly responded that he appreciated the opportunity to do so. After that statement, Iakovos quickly moved on to the fact that he was going on tour through Pomegranate Music in the Fall of 2006 and that Theodorakis' music would be featured on the program. the Maestro seemed very pleased. I glanced over at the clock in the room and it showed, 5:59pm. Damn, our 40 minutes seemed to be over, Theodorakis was on his feet, it looked as though the meeting would end. Hey, I wasn't complaining.

Right at 6pm, Theodorakis picked up his bell, and rang it several times. He looked at us and laughed, "I have the Power". At that point, it was clear that we were going to be kindly asked to leave as our meeting had expired. While we waited for the secretary to show, he went over to his CD collection and when the secretary entered into the room, he said to her, "Please get me the new CD, with Maria. And, cancel all my appointments for tonight." Kev and I just looked stunned. Then, Theodorakis looked over to us, with one of Fidel Castro's Cuban sent unlit stogies in his mouth and asked, "Do you have time tonight? Can you stay and listen?".

Are you kidding me? Hell YES.

Photo by Kevork Imirzian.

Next time, more Theodorakis/ leaving Greece.

Greece: Day 7- Showtime, Part 1

I decided that today I would sleep in. This was the day I would meet legendary Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis with Kevork and Iakovos Kolanian. Today was my big break. It was finally here. Knowing that, I kept my sleep deprived ass in bed until about 11am and took my own sweet time getting up for the day. While Iakovos and Kevork discussed the final aspects of the Barrios CD in the studio, I ambled downstairs and grabbed some breakfast. We all say down together and eat, excited to be meeting Greece's VIP in Theodorakis. Iakovos and I went to the post office to pick up some CD's I had sent him from the States and we calmly discussed how we would approach our meeting at 5pm. First, we would introduce ourselves and then ask if Theodorakis would like to listen to Shoror: Armenian Folk Music for Guitar. We were only alloted 40 minutes.

The first question I asked Iakovos was how he was able to get this private meeting in the Maestro's home in the first place. The answer was simple, he told Margarita Theodorakis, Mikis's daughter that there was a record label representative and a producer interested in releasing his works in the near future on Pomegranate. Also, Iakovos told Margarita, an old friend of his, that he would be performing her fathers works in the upcoming 2006 tour. Given Iakovos and Margarita knew each other well, the meeting was booked last minute where others would not be able to even close. Connections it seemed were key, and they were on our side.

At around 2:30pm, we left the Gerakas neighborhood of Athens and hopped on the Metro and got off at the Monasteraki stop. I made sure I had a few copies of Shoror in hand. One for Margarita, and the other one for Maestro Theodorakis. The climb to Romanos Publishing, Margarita Theodorakis's company who main mission is to publish and promote the works of her father was San Francisco-esque. This was the one time wearing fancy leather shoes did not work. In any case, we finally arrived at Romanos at 3:30pm where we were warmly greeted by staff members. We saw the Impresario Moraitis there with the Ambassador of Uruguay trying to book a concert there. We also saw a Austrailian-Greek woman trying to pitch the title of a new book she was publishing on Theodorakis. Everywhere you looked in the office, there were picture of the Maestro in different setting and eras. Some black and white, some color. The staff of 8 or 9 were buzzing around the office working on something. Finally, Margarita wisked us into her private office and she and Iakovos started speaking in Greek. Looking just like her father, the near 50ish woman had a steely resolve with a piercing look about her. Despite that, she could not have been more friendly toward us.

As the guardian of her fathers work and legacy, Margarita was doing the job well. Beautiful CD's, books, scores, and literature on her legendary father were scattered about the office. She immediately ordered one of her staff to give us a care package of CD's and scores to Mikis's works. I was given a beautiful hard bound entire score to Zorba the Greek, the Theodorakis Rhapsody for Guitar and Orchestra, as well as some special CD's. It was a very generous gesture. Somehow I felt that Iakovos had maybe exaggerated my stature in the music business in the US. Even so, it was nice to be treated warmly by a legend in her own right. Finally, I was asked if I wanted to bring the Mikis Theodorakis Orchestra to the US for a tour. I had to decline knowing that it would take about $100,000 to pull something like that off. Last time I checked, I didn't have that lying around. But, I appreciated the thought. Iakovos had defaintely done his job.

As our meeting with Margarita ended on a happy note, she expressed her admiration for the Armenian people and felt that we were very similar to Greeks. She also mentioned meeting Atom Egoyan during his latest promo blitz of Ararat. She was quite moved by the movie. You could tell she had the feistyness of her father, but with such a remarkable amount of grace. The Theodorakis legacy is in good hands. As we said goodbye, she gave us directions to her fathers house- just underneath the Acropolis in a residential area. Iakovos's friendship with Margarita was over 20 year and she was gracious in setting an appointment with her father. With our goody bags of music, scores, and DVD's in hand, the three of us trudged up the hills of Athens to meet the Grand Greek.

To me, it still seemed like a practical joke. Were we really going to be seeing Mikis Theodorakis? The further we went up the hilly streets of Athens toward his home, the more confident I became that this was really going to happen. We found his home and were about 15 minutes early. If you looked up from Theodorakis's doorstep, the Acropolis was in full view in the daylight with an unobstructed sightline. We took some pictures and actually fought off some nerves before laughing that this would be a once in a lifetime experience. However, I still knew that this was too good to be true and that he may not be home, or maybe Theodorakis was just not feeling well enough to see us. As the time ticked closer to 5pm, I had my business card in hand and CD's firmly in grasp. Iakovos, Kevork, and I looked at each other and just paused before breaking out into spontaneious laughter. The journey that started late 2003 when Kevork suggested signing Iakovos had taken us minutes away from meeting the most important man in Greece. Culturally, politically, musically, Mikis Theodorakis was about as good as it gets in Hellas. It would be a landmark moment for all of us.

As the clock stuck 5pm, we aligned ourselves in front of Theodorakis's front door and Iakovos rang the doorbell. After about 10 seconds, the housekeeper opened up the door and let us in. Iakovos did all the talking and for the first time I could remember, I was actually nervous for some reason. She ushered us into Theodorakis's parlor and offered us up some drinks. I looked around the room at the wealth of music, scores, and history located in this room. The piano in one corner, the stereo in the other, the place was beautiful. The housekeeper came back 5 minutes later and told us that the secretary had not seen any meeting for 5pm? AHA, I knew it, something was going to go wrong and we would be ushered out of the house. But no, Iakovos calmly called Margarita and within a few minutes, the secretary was also on the line. Everything was sorted out and the meeting was confirmed.

It was going to happen. After about 20 minutes, I was still very nervous. Theodorakis had not shown up yet. His house was three stories and had a clear view of the Acroplois from his window. Suddenly, we heard a male voice outside the red French parlor doors talking to the housekeeper. He was here. Suddenly, the red doors opened and a tall, distinguished, large man in a red shirt towered over us and cracked a smile. He said in accented English, "welcome to my home, please take a seat". Actually, we leapt out of our seats and lined up to shake Mikis Theodorakis's hand and offer up the usual thank you's.

I was in absolute awe.
For more information on Mikis Theodorakis, please go here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikis_Theodorakis

Photo by Kevork Imirzian.

Greece: Day 6- Hydra, The Photo Shoot, a Flying Dolphin

I popped a couple of pills before I boarded the boat in Pireus. It was about 8 in the morning and we were headed for the tourist island of Hydra, about 2 hours fromthe port near Athens. This was going to be the other featured photo shoot day in a dramatic setting. The goal for Kevork and myself was to capture guitarist Iakovos Kolanian in a casual, but distinct setting. We needed a cover shot for our Barrios CD with accompanying photos for the press and other panels in the booklet. We could not have asked for a better day in terms of weather. About 65 degrees, sunny, and clear blue water. I boarded the boat and grabbed a seat. I had not really slept the night before due to some jet lag issues again. But, sleep was not really in the schedule for this trip. Get as much out of the experience as you can and sleep at home.


The generic Dramamine I bought from Target about a year ago was doing its job well. I was started to doze off as we started going about 90 MPH on a Catamaran type boat called the Flying Dolphin. There is whole boat system in Greece called "Greek Seaways" that acts as any train or airplane company. Reservations, tickets, seats, etc. With over 1000 islands in Greece, about 100 really inhabitable for tourists, the system was pleasant to deal with. The interior looked like a stuffy airplane on one of those international flights, but overall fairly comfortable. The roundtrip from Pireaus to Hydra was about $50.
About 5 minutes into the boat ride, I was gone. When I woke up 2 hours later, we were there. The island of Hydra. Touristy and very quaint. So, here is the deal regarding the island. It's been around for ages, has no cars, you can only get around by walking or taking a donkey ride, and after dark there really isn't anything to do. During the day though, it is drop dead gorgeous. Narrow walkways with high walls, light blue colors splashed against window shutters and churches, donkeys, old men with those Zorba hats, Chinese tourists, it had everything you would want for a day trip. Getting to work in our case was just walking around until we found the perfect spot for Iakovos to be photographed. My job again was to carry the guitar and get out of the way. Kevork again had the right eye capturing Iakovos in some very cool poses.

After a good couple of hours walking around the island, the boys decided to eat some fresh calamari at a local restaurant in the middle of a walkway that had donkeys passing through. This was what a business trip should be like. Nice weather, the water to look at, talking music, and working toward something you know will be a success. After lunch, a few more photos were taken and then it was time to board the 4pm boat back to the Athens area. Once again, I popped a Dramamine pill and went right to sleep on the Flying Dolphin. It seemed like where I was felt like a dream. Indeed, two hours later, we were again at the bustling port city of Pireus, the place where Iakovos was born. Born to an Armenian father and Greek mother in this very town, Iakovos grew up with two distinct, but somewhat related cultures. However, his Armenian side had pulled him back to the first Pomegranate project of Shoror at the suggestion of Kevork. Delving into his roots, he produced a masterful piece of work on CD. Now, it was time to shift gears and tackle classical guitar's crown jewel of a composer, Agustin Barrios.

Right before we boarded the Metro back to Iakovos's Gerakas neighborhood, he received a phone call from Moraitis, the Impresario. The message was brief, but, very clear. Call Margarita, the Greek composers daughter when we come up for air from the Metro in a few minutes. Iakovos did not let on to anything at the time. It was all Greek to me. Again, the sparkling Metro system in Athens was playing classical music in the subways while we waited for our train. I was impressed with the lack of trash and graffiti in the train station. It was as if the entire national had their main city cleaned and didn't want to get it dirty again. Remarkable. After we were picked up by Iakovos's wife at the end of the train line, we went home and started on dinner. Suddenly, Iakovos received a call from Margarita Theodorakis. Her father would meet all three of us for a 5 pm appointment at his house right underneath the Acropolis tomorrow, Friday evening. Kev must have been upstairs briefly at the time the call came through, but, Iakovos and I looked at each other in shock.

We were about to meet the most famous man in Greece tomorrow at 5pm. Composer/icon/political lightening bolt/confirmed communist/ Greek God- Mikis Theodorakis was going to meet US tomorrow at his house. It was not sinking in at the dinner table just yet. The rules set forth by the Theodorakis camp were simple. No smoking in front of the 81 year old man, he likes flower, and bring him a CD of Iakovos's work. Done. Lastly, the meeting would have to be no more than 40 minutes.

The prospect of meeting the Aram Khachaturian and then some of Greece was just plain shocking to me. How was Iakovos able to pull this off? What did he tell Margarita about Pomegranate and Kevork? How the hell were we going to be stepping into the house of Greek royalty? I was nervous as could be, but, on the other hand, I was abslolutely on cloud 9. If I was supposed to be asking for a break in the music business, at least in Greece or most anywhere else, meeting Theodorakis doesn't get any bigger. The composer of the music to Zorba The Greek and hundreds of other works was going to get to know guitarist Iakovos Kolanian. We were along for the ride.

Margarita Theodorakis made plans for us to meet her at her Romanos Publishing office at 3:30pm to prep us on how to approach Mikis Theodorakis. Nikos Moraitis, Theodorakis's manager was also going to be at Margarita's office meeting with the Urugayan Ambassador in hopes of getting the government to sponsor a Theodorakis festival.

Right before I went to sleep on that Thursday night, there were a few things going on in my head. First, this was the break in the music professional I had been looking for in the last 5 years. A connection to the top. Make the most of it, and don't blow your chance. Second, I wondered how the hell Iakovos pulled this off? Lastly, I better reference some Theodorakis pieces before I met him tomorrow. One day to go, and it would be perhaps the biggest of Kevork and my professional career. For Iakovos, it seemed like he was taking it all in stride.

Photos by Kevork Imirzian, execpt number 2 & 6 from top to bottom. Those were taken by moi.

Day 7 Preview: Theodorakis meeting? Or a practical joke?

85 years ago...

Eighty-Five years ago from today (March 15, 1921), Soghomon Tehlirian executed Talaat Pasha in his hiding place in Berlin (Germany). He was subsequently tried and acquitted of all charges by the German court. The Turkish government had previously stated that all of the Turkish leaders during the time of the Armenian Genocide had been tried, sentenced, and killed. When Tehlirian killed Tallat Pasha in Berlin, the former Turkish leader had already been considered dead...Getzeh Ung. Tehlirian...

On the road again

Anyone who knew me pre-DC years knows this: I can't sit still. I've been nicknamed the wondering nomad, the vagabond, the gypsy, you name it. If I stayed in one state for more than a month, I went crazy. Since I've been to DC, traveling hasn't been as plentiful, but it's about to be possibly more than I can handle. I hope not, because me and my camera are hitting the road.

It begins with a trip to NY for a massive family gathering, as I shared in my last log. The great thing I just found out is that we'll be stomping around Manhattan all day in the 20°F cold that the weatherman predicts. YAY! This after sunny 80°F weather in DC this week. (For you who only know celsius, no, we are not melting. It's quite beautiful.)

From there... well... back to DC really. But then I'm off to LA for a 2-3 week adventure. Not quite sure what I'll be doing there other than visiting family. I initially was suppose to help with the Souls concert. That got cancelled. But I always have time for LA, and frankly I've never done photography there (hard to do since it's not a distinct cityscape, the Armenian elements are too much to capture, and who knows where to begin? But I'll do my best in the few weeks I'm there.

And then I return to DC again. Can't really get far, can I? Well, that wont be true for long. May 1 takes Arsineh outside of American borders yet again! Paris, here I come. I'll be there for 5 days roaming the streets aimlessly. Actually, my former intern who lives in Paris will be taking my sorry butt in and feeding me (I hope). YAY PARIS through the eyes of a fellow Armenian. The camera will be READILY available for that. I haven't been to Paris since I was 13 with my bronchitis and parents by my side taking me on the cheesy castle tours. Sorry mom and dad, that was no fun.

May 6 - I arrive in Yerevan at a surprisingly normal hour... 9:55 pm God willing no delays occur. Yeesh, I just jinxed it. I can smell the burning trash on the street mixed with wet pavements of Armenia already. And then of course from there, I'll have that chance finally to go to Georgia, Lebanon, maybe even Iran, who knows. Ah yes, on the road again indeed, just me and my trusty camera (trusty I hope, that thing better last!)

Free at last!

Greece: Day 5- The Impresario and the Streets

Wednesday was another "free day" in terms of the photo shoot with classical guitarist Iakovos Kolanian. The plan was for producer/photographer Kevork Imirzian and I to head into town together with Iakovos seeing students for the day. Once in town, Kevork and I would head over to a great little label called Libra Music. After that, I would head over to two distributors in Greece to see if they were interested in carrying Pomegranate as a record label. Kev would continue to hit the streets of Athens to see if we can get "the shot" for our album.

Athens these days has less traffic than before due to the new spectacular Metro system they have developed and the traffic curbing measures of driving into town on specific days according to your car inspection sticker. From the Gerakas neighborhood where Iakovos lives, it took about 25 minutes to get to the Megaro Musikee area near Syntagma near the center of town. We decided to go to Libra Music first. Libra is a small, but interesting music label based in Athens. For those who recall, they signed Ara Dinkjian and Arto Tuncboyaciyan to a couple of albums in the mid 1990's that helped Arto get his career started there. Ara was already well known with his "Dinata" single with Elefthreia Arvanitaki. Also featured on Libra was the group Nor Dar with Kora Mikaelyan. After a little difficulty, we tracked down Libra Music and Kev ended up buying a CD there. We weren't treated with the best manners in the world considering we had come all the way from Boston to visit the company and actually purchase a CD. But, what can you do. We picked up their catalog and were on our way.

Once Kev and I were at Syntagma Square (the Hrabarag of Athens), we split with him off to capture new photos. I was on my way to "Greek Record Club", a distributor who handles all of the classical music distribution in Greece, Nestled inside a small arcade where the Opera House is located, I made my pitch to them and found out that the guy was spoke to was a former student of Iakovos. I promised to call back in a few days. I offered my Pomegranate catalog to them, with the highlight being Iakovos's upcoming CD's. After walking in 60 degree weather, I decided to take the Metro to another distributor about 40 minutes away from where I currently was. I walked into Kinesis Music and was promtly rejected, although very nicely by the person who makes distribution there. I had to wait about 1 hour to catch a cab to the Metro station and had an interesting conversation with a Greek violinist taking the cab with me. She lamented how tough it was to make it in the music business in Greece without connections. I remarked that I could sympathize with her.

Once I got to the home Metro stop, I took the bus and then cab back to Iakovos's place where he had some news for me. At about 7pm, we were expected at the home of the Impresario's house. That was the good news. The bad news was that the outside chance of a meeting with the famous Greek composer was off. He could not see us. Mixed feelings for sure, but, it would have been a miracle to be able to sit and visit with the famous Greek composer.

The ride from Iakovos's place to Nikos Moraitit's studio home was about an hour away. It was located in a posh suburb of Athens the name I cannot remember. The jet lag was kicking in. I had to be in top form as Nikos was one of the legendary impresarios in Greece having brough in the likes of Marcel Marceau, Mercedes Sosa, and exporting talent such as George Dalaras, Mikis Theodorakis, and Harris Alexiou. Iakovos had even been presented by Nikos a few years back as well as a new Latin American tour Nikos is putting together for him in the fall 2006. The specific reason we were going there was to strike a distribution deal for him to take care of our Iakovos Kolanian current and future CD's. In addition, it was nice to meet the Kolanian representation Greece while he met the North American representation of Iakovos in myself.

Heading into Nikos's studio, there were guitars everywhere. Posters signifying past concerts were on the walls. There was a great big piano in the middle of the room. A 60 something Moraitis with his French wife greeted Iakovos and I warmly. We struck a deal for the Iakovos Barrios CD as well as Shoror. I also listened intently while asking questions of how the impresario business worked. Given Nikos's vast experience, I was drinking in the water he poured (A Iakovos expression)in terms of anecdoes. I learned more from him in one hour than I had learned in 4 years of presenting concerts in the US. It was a mindblowing experience. We set plans to have dinner waterside in his town on Friday night at 8:30pm. We were leaving Saturday morning at around 4am, so, this would be our final experience in Greece, dinner with the great impresario. He was so connected, it was beyond ridicuous (in a good way). I felt we had made our connection in Greece and was content knowing that our work would be thorough and complete.

On the ride home, I told Iakovos that I felt like he had personaly ushered me to the top ranks of the music field in Greece and that I appreciated his support. While it was my job to make sure Iakovos was represented properly in the US and North America through recordings and concerts, I felt he was taking care of me in Greece doing what he could to not only help himself, but help my career as well. It's artists like this that don't come around often. It's a professional relationship I would eventually thank Kevork Imirzian for introducing me to. Without him, I would have never been able to meet Iakovos Kolanian and so on.

Once home, all four of us had a home made dinner and enjoyed our modest success that night. From my own vantage point, I suddenly thought to myself how amazing it was to be doing exactly what I wanted to be pursuing in my life, making records and presenting music. It doesn't get better than that.

Top Photo by Kevork Imirzian.

Greece: Day 6 Preview; The island Hydra- the photo shoot continues. Donkeys, no cars, a quaint island.

Remember Me?

Yes, I know.. I have been a BIG TIME slacker (when it comes to blogging, that is). Ever since I came back from Armenia in January, I decided to take on a more "hectic" lifestyle. I'm currently working 3 jobs (because one wasn't enough?), and preparing to have my tonsils removed on Friday! Yup... there go more organs! hahahaha... The good news is that I will guiltlessly eat as much ice cream as I'd like and take a whole week off from the real world. :)

So many things going on in LA.... I'm sure I'll forget to mention a lot of it....

In music: There was an Alla Levonyan concert back in January... Hooshere was in LA just last month, and of course Gor continues to perform at different venues almost regularly.

In politics: There was a Turkish singer in town, who gave a huge performance (to which a lot of Armenians went to), and the AYF passed out flyers about Turkey's human rights violations. There is also a major ad campaign on Armenian TV and newspapers about boycotting Turkish products. Coming up, there will be a protest on March 24 at 11am in front of the Beverly Hills Hotel where the World Affairs Council will meet and the minister of national defense of Turkey will be....

I was also been busy with planning the Badanegan seminars which took place in February. Both sessions went really well and the over 180 kids who attended had a blast and learned a lot! Now I'll be focusing on the upcoming Youth Corps trip this summer. If anyone's interested... let me know!

I guess that's about all for right now... I've started planning my departure from Cali... I'm aiming to be outta here by May 5... wish me luck! Final stop.... Hayasdan (of course) :)

TSUH! :)~

Saturday Night at a Synagogue?

Yup, that's right. I spent my Saturday night in the historic synagogue, Sixth in the City. Why you ask? To laugh my head off. As you may know, I'm a huge fan of the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Well, on the show, my favorite fake news correspondent is Rob Corddry who has to be the silliest man alive. He gave a "talk" at this synagogue about the behind the scenes of the Daily Show. Hence, I laughed my head off in a synagogue last night.

Afterwards, we managed to get a photo with him...

On a similar subject, a friend of mine works for Congressman Schiff's office who was recently interviewed by Steven Colbert for the Colbert Report show. Apparently many of the questions were focus on Schiff's position on Armenian issues... my friend told me he had some pretty funny jokes on the subject. It should air this week on Comedy Central.

On the bad news front, System cancelled Souls, but we were lucky to have it for as long as we did I suppose. I just wish I could have experienced it.

I'm on my last few days of work, which ends Wednesday, so I'm looking forward to some free time to relax. YAY! It's been too long. From there, I go to New York for some family reunion time. It's been too long since I have been able to hang with family free of worries. This is my chance. I miss them a lot and I can't wait to catch up with them for no reason whatsoever. There's no holiday, no party, no nothing. My mom and I are driving up (sadly my dad can't make it), my cousin and his wife are flying out from LA, my aunt and uncle are driving up, and my sister and her husband, and my cousin and her husband and all the in-laws are already there. Family is everything in the world... everything. Nothing else matters for anything. Those who have a great family (even the disfunctional ones) should be grateful. I know I am.

Perspective

I had a moment of realization this morning. Every day, I go into work with talented and intelligent designers who have a solid education and an extent of understanding of world events, right? Yet I had to teach them a lot about Armenia, including where it is on the map. This morning, I parked my car in the garage across the street and passed by one of the parking managers. He has a bit of an accent (I think he’s Morrocan), and the guys in my office often have a laugh or two about him and the others who park our cars once in a while... just joking around.

This morning as I walked by and said good morning, he asked why I was leaving and where I’m going (since I quit my job and only have a few days left) to which I replied that I will be going to Armenia. His immediate response was “How are things with
Azerbaijan these days? Is the war over?” I asked him how he knew about that and he said he knows a lot about us and how strong we are for resisting all the hardships we have faced throughout history. Sometimes it just takes a comment, a glance, a statement, even silence to expose truths in this world. I don’t blame my co-workers for not knowing as much as this parking guy. It’s just very telling of how we are products of our environments. Sometimes we assume that higher education means better educated. Somtimes we can never assume.

Greece: Day 4- Athens

To be able to work on a musical recording and present it to the general public is my greatest professional joy in life. Owning a company (even though I am the only employee) is great because you answer to no one. Fusing the Armenian element into all of this is even more satisfying. I made the conscious jump "out of the Armenian market" this time around by accident in a way. Kevork Imirzian was the person who brought Iakovos Kolanian to my attention in 2003. He gave me a much heralded copy of Iakovos's earlier rendition of Armenian folk music for guitar published in 1993. When I asked Kev to develop a new project, he thought we should redo the same concept, add a few more songs, and see how it turns out almost 12 years later. He made the right decision and hit a home run on his first producing attempt. It doesn't get any better than that. While on tour with Iakovos in 2005, he included the music of Barrios on his playlist. Again, Kev mentioned that doing an all Barrios album may turn out to be a good idea given Iakovos's passion for this music. The music of Agustin Barrios is considered among the best in the guitar repertoire. It takes technical prowess and lyricsm to pull it off. At first, the thought of having a Pomegranate CD not include Armenian music seemed like a foreign concept to me. However, the Armenian link was still there in that Iakovos was Armenian. Still I had to think about this one. Ultimately, I decided to take up Kev's suggestion to move forward with the project due to the fact that 1. It was where the artist (Iakovos) was in his career, 2. There seemed to be an open market for an all Barrios album, 3. The music just plain moved me. Again, Kevork stuck gold in terms of a concept and I was more than happy to back the project. The other major reason for moving into the general classical music industry was because I have something to prove. While it can be argued that selling music from an ex-Soviet republic to the global market would seem harder (and it is), selling an artist that is talented, but overlooked in many markets is even harder in my opinion. The great thing about presenting tha artist is that if you know he/she is talented and they have a great product, then half the battle is over with. Then, the responsibility of having that album/artist be a success really falls on the shoulders of those marketing and representing them. I feel this way about Iakovos, and have brought in my heavy hitters to catapult him to modest fame. I cannot do it alone on this project, that is why Kevork Imirzian and Arsineh Khachikian have been brought in to help me create a star. It will be done, but, only in time and with some lucky breaks here and there. The CD producing process works like a track race. You pick your best, and then em rip. The process starts first with the musician creating the music, then the producer steps in and tweaks the program, after that we have the post production process with the photography and design, then it is time to market and sell the album with concerts being the main vehicle driving the sales.

Tuesday morning, Kev and I took the Metro into town. the plan was to meet up with some aquantances from both of our pasts. After getting off on the Syntagma Metro stop, we promptly asked around for directions to an old aniques shop owned by a Greek Armenian. He's been in business for years and is considered the dean of Armenian culture in Greece. In fact, almost 20 years before, Hagop J. had a very prominant role in helping Iakovos Kolanian collect Armenian folk music for what would become a multi year delving into his Armenian roots with the output being an LP in 1987 of Armenian Dances for guitar. In his late 60's, and perhaps early 70's, Hagop J. was indeed a central figure in Greek Armenian culture. Kev had met him years back when he visited Greece. So, for him I could feel the excitement, and for me I was just plain curious. After all, Hagop J. is a collector of fine art, antiques, and the largest single contributor to the Sardarabad Museum in Armenia to date. They have a wing named after him there.

After ringing the doorbell a few times, there was no answer. Suddenly, we walked a few feet to the right and noticed a couple of people sitting down and talking in the gallery. We had rung the wrong bell and all we had to do was just walk in. We did, then Kev and Hagop shook hands. The Hayastansi gentlemen that was in the store was on his way out, and we were coming in to sit and chat with a pillar of the Greek Armenian community. As Kev and Hagop chatted away, I reached into my bad and slowly handed him the first of four Pomegranate CD's I thought he would enjoy. He gave his approval and gave us a CD of Armenian patriotic songs in return sung by Vartouhi Vartanian. Hagop's place was what you think of when you have an upscale antique/finearts store in mind. His slender frame and long gray hair exhibited the characature of your "wise man", with a touch of eclecticism in this case. This guy was all about being Armenian and culture/arts. What a perfect place to start our Athens day off. After our visit, he promised to write some reviews in the Greek Armenian paper about our Karabagh and Hover CD's. "To make propaganda" as he said. I could tell Kevork was happy as well to meet the Dean of Armenian culture in Athens as one of his thanks in the Shoror album was to Hagop.

Then, it was time for me to make a quick stop and say hello to the father of one of my old friends I used to room with in Boston when I was in college. As you may recall, he climbed Mt. Ararat last September 2005. His dad is the top diamond dealer in Athens and also a leader in the Armenian community there. I wasn't sure if he would remember me as the last time I saw him was in Greece 15 years ago. But, Hagop walked us there to the office and the meeting was brief and friendly. Getting in there was like Fort Knox with the steel doors, cameras, etc. By the end of the conversation, he remembered me and was talked a bit about his son. After about 5 minutes, it was time to go and eat some lunch. The Plaka is the section of Athens knows as the "old town". It has narrow streets, and is meant for pedestrian strolling and shipping in the markets. You can find anything there. Mostly tourist stuff, but, still very fun. Kev and I decided on a late lunch at a very touristy restaurant where they served up some gyros and Greek salad. It was good, not great. But, the relaxed Greek hospitality was again evident. After we were done with the meal, the waiter served us up some Halva on the house. However, I hate that stuff and kindly declined his nice offering. Undeterred, he said he had something else if we didn't want the Halva, and out came two shot glasses with Ouzo poured in. It was free, on the house, and completely spontaneous. Again, it was what Greece was about. Living in the moment. I downed the strong stuff and it was time to hit the Plaka and look for something to get our wives as gifts back home.

We all have our vices. Among my many, is Coca Cola. Can't stand beer, like the hard stuff when in Rome as they say, and enjoy Coca Cola with a meal now and again. At night as we were about to head home on the Metro, I was one of those convenience stands with cigarettes, porno mags, calling cards, and candy, went to the back of it where I picked up a broom, and had to do a quick pose for the camera. The American presence in almost any country is pretty overwhelming in terms of products. As you all know in Armenia, Coca Cola in Armenian was pretty cool when it first came out. I know friends here that saved the first few bottles when they first were out. How, it is no big deal. However, the capitalism that makes the world go round was alive and kicking in Greece. And without a doubt, in Athens.

As I headed toward the Monasteraki Metro stop headed toward our Metro stop in Gerakas to go back home to Iakovos's place, that feeling of needing to pull off something big on this trip aside from the photo shoot was still in my head. While it was nice to globe trot, I knew I was here on business and creating some action would be neccesary. When the business funds are limited and nothing can be wasted, you tend to want to be as productive as possible when in a place where business is to be created. The Greek music market was a strange one. No company wants to even touch an import CD as the taxes in imported goods for CD's are around 30% of the invoice price that needs to be paid upfront. Thus, a decision had to be made if Pomegranate was going to start printing CD's in the EU and shipping them throughout Europe, including Greece. That is a whole new game plan that needed to be explored. And an expensive one. This being Iakovos's market and hometown, his products would be fine here, but, how about my others. Live and learn, I guess.

As we exited the last Metro stop and headed for the bus to Iakovos home, we had to wait about 5 minutes for people to get on. I was completely exhausted after running around all day, and the pressures of being productive while in Greece. We boarded the 407 bus we were told to take to get to Iakovos's neighborhood. It was the wrong bus, and in the middle of the route, the bus was blocked by cars parked in a narrow and residential street. Finally, everyone had to get off the bus and walk to a major street. We took the cab home and Iakovos and his wife welcomed us home with the patented Greek dinner we were getting quite used to. At 11pm, it was late, I was tired, and just as I went up to hit the sack, Iakovos quickly mentioned that he had some news for me. He called the daughter of a famous composer in Greece and there was a better chance we may be able to meet with him on Friday, right before we left on Saturday. The condition was upgraded from an outside chance to a 50%-50% chance. I asked if he was kidding, that this guy was a Greek icon and legend. Really, the most famous man in all of Greece. He nodded and said, "Be patient, I will get you this meeting". I was in disbelief. Also, Iakovos mentioned that we would be meeting the best known Greek impresario tomorrow. We were going to go over the rules tomorrow. But, this would be a chance to cut through all the red tape in Greece and talk to the top tier of the music business in terms of getting talent. It seemed as though Iakovos was more well known in the music circles than he led on. It was part of his modest demeanor.

And just like that, the big break was coming sooner than expected. Could Iakovos really pull off this meeting? The impresario was one thing, the Greek composer for the ages was quite another. Yet, the impresario manages the Greek composer. It is all interconnected. Holy Sh*t, everything is falling into place.

Wednesday would have me going to a couple of Greek distributors to see if they were interested in my products. Kev would have a free day to shoot some photos that are featured above. News on the composer and the meeting with the Greek impresario.

All photos taken by Kevork Imirzian

Greece: Day 3- The Iakovos Kolanian Photo Shoot

Today's destination was the seaside city of Nafplio, Greece. The main attraction in the city is the fortress that towers above the ritzy town. The two hour ride there was a pure joy in terms of seeing Greece outside of Athens. Photographer Kevork Imirzian was definately pumped about the upcoming photo shoot. We would be there during prime light hours, between 8am and 10am and between 2pm and 4pm. I can't explain the lighting process with photography, but, I was assured that these were the best times during the day to shoot. During the ride to Nafplio, it was amazing to think that I was actually going to be in the Peleponesis section of Greece next to cities such as Argo (Jason and the Argonauts), Corinthia, etc. These were historic places that you read about in school. Now, to be near the locations was pretty cool.

As the owner of a record label, you hire the best people you know to do the important work on the album that you cannot. I've know Kev for almost 17 years and the one thing he can do (as well as many others) is do photo shoots. Both he and Iakovos were preparing for the upcoming sessions while getting out of the car and into the main square in Nafplio. Being a good leader in any industry requires that you let the pros do their thing. So, I gave the photographer and artist plenty of space to map out their plan for the next few hours. My role would be to carry bags and a guitar case for the afternoon and keep my mouth shut.

The photo sessions of Napflio consisted of three parts. The first part was capturing Iakovos in intimate narrow streets while heading uphill. Kevork knew exactly that Iakovos would gravitate toward standard poses. Cleverly, Kevork got Iakovos to loosen up and got him to be photographed in some unusual backdrops. Since this city had an element of intimacy with their streets being narrow and with no cars in some areas, the colors and scenic settings seemed to have Kevork in full inspired mode. Iakovos in the meantime was enjoying the spotlight. He had never had a weeklong photo shoot before and was happy that we would have many choices of photos in the end.
The trick of this photoshoot for Kevork was that we are releasing an album of music whose composer was from Paraguay. Thus, we had to had to have dynamic photos without a hint of Greece in them. Given the bountiful scenery in Napflios, that would not become a problem. Once we were done with "street scenes", a trek up by car to the Fortress of Napflios was next. It took about 5 minutes to get there and once we did reach the top, it was time to step into our blockbuster find of the day.

Although I didn't completely grasp the whole history of the fotress, it was built by the Greeks, taken by the Turks, and then captured again by the Greeks where it now stands. How these people built these things back in the day is beyond me. But, it had everything you can imagine in a fortress. Lookout towers, openings in the walls where ammunition can be fired, the imposing high wall, prison cells, everything. Kevork and Iakovos were able to get in some very good shots with that rough wall exterior in the background. The light was perfect and the seas shining in the background.

After a full day of shooting, we headed back down to the center of town and went into a restaurant that Iakovos knew well. A rather portly waiter/owner of the joint came in and without even giving us a menu said in one long sentence, "Where you from, OK, we have lamb, you want lamb, I will get you lamb, what else, some bread, don't worry you will like it, also we will get you dolma, OK?" I looked at the guy who looked like a character out of "The Sopranos" and said , "I'll take your Greek salad and beef steak.". Luckily Iakovos filtered by English to the man and we had a very good dinner. There were about 5 people in the whole place with more workers there than patrons. Neverthreless, the casual nature of Greeks was on display and again I got that fuzzy feeling of seeing this before in Armenia. And, just like in Armenia, I believe they overcharged us. That's OK, it was the theater of the situation that amused me.

After a great dinner, we drove home pretty wiped out. As others went to sleep, I was told by Iakovos and Kevork that there was a George Dalaras concert on at around Midnight. It eventually came on at 1am, and I watched my favorite Greek singer belt out song after song. If Iakovos is the great classical gutiarist in Greece, Dalaras is the king of the Greek vocals. I don't know about you, but, when I watch a good movie or see a fine concert, the creative ideas come forth fast and furious. I got that feeling watching Dalaras. Only this time, that familiar feelings of needing to score big on this trip with a lucky contact with a big name came through again. Aside from the photo shoot, I was in Greece to study and understand the music market. How, who, why, and where. Iakovos had mentioned during the day that there was a very outside shot of meeting a big name composer and impresario later in the week, however, he doubted we could get a foot in the door. He would try and contact them on day 4 of our trip and see what happens. Before I went to sleep, I was pressing for creative ideas on how to market and promote the Barrios album by Iakovos. I stayed up later than expected and starting pouring through niche classical guitar magazines to understand how the market responds to CD's, etc through advertising. Exhausted, I went to bed and could only hope Iakovos could come through on his mention of meeting the VIP's of the music world in Greece.

Day 4 would be a free day for everyone as Iakovos had students to tend to, and me and Kev decided to call on a few old acquantances in Athens within the Plaka. For Kev, it would give him more ideas and free shots of Athens. For me, it was time to visit an old friend's father.

Top Photo taken by Kevork Imirzian inside the Fortress at Napflio, Greece. Posted with permission. The rest were taken by me. As you can tell, big difference in quality. Kev is the pro, I was the tourist.

Back at long last...

Well my luggage didn't come (hopefully it will turn up), the electricity was shut off for some reason - meaning no hot shower either - I have been in transit for 2 days, am exhausted, but the sun is rising and my laptop has some juice left, and I am happy to be home! The 22 hr layover in Dubai was way too long. I went into the city and wandered all over for about 5hrs, hitting all the main sites, and was just not impressed. Don't know what all the hype is about. The shopping may be good, and there may be some cool new buildings on the way, but the famous artificial palm islands in the gulf have not even started rising, the city center was quite ugly, the massive immigrant labor force was a bit hard to fathom... it only seems good for going to a beach resort and shopping. That of course is a pretty quick judgement, but it's not a huge city/state so I don't know how much more there could be to it.

Day Two In Greece

As I arose from my deep slumber on a Sunday morning, I had to remind myself that I was in Greece. 15 years earlier, I had visited Europe and stopped by Athens, Mykonos, and Kifisia to visit a friend and travel with friends. At the time, the city seemed polluted, dirty, and pretty disorganized. What a difference 15 years makes. The new Athens is expensive, virtually spotless, and extremely modern. The Metro system built right before the 2004 Olympics have given this country a huge boost. Greece is actually a prosperous country. EU incluision sure did help.

The first site on our photo shoot with guitar Iakovos Kolanian was to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounyoum. Dating back about 3000 years, it stands atop a huge hill overlooking the water. Photographer Kevork Imirzian was checking out the light and getting himself ready for the week of shooting. There were no expectations today about getting the cover shot or any important photo inclusion in our CD booklet. It was a relaxed and friendly outing in which we started to talk about what direction we wanted to take the new Barrios CD. After the breathtaking views at Sounyoum, we decided to head back and pick up Iakovos's wife and head to a small town near Athens to take a look at a chuch and eat some food.

As an Armenian, it is common knowledge that we attend Greek function in droves, and they do not come to ours. At least in North America. Maybe we need them more than they need us, I don't know. However, the eery feeling I got in Greece upon my first full day there was they seem so much like us in some ways. The warmth in personality, the shared Ottoman history, and even the churches and religion. I felt comfortable in this environment, and even felt at times I was in Armenia, however, only for brief moments. As soon as you see the waters of Greece and the prosperity, the comparison ends. However, there were two spots were I got that fuzzy feeling. The first was in their old churches with the ornate detailing. The other was at their restaurants where dolma, kebab, and other similar Mediterrainian foods were served with unwielding fervor. Cigarettes and everything.

After our early dinner, seeing a concert was in consideration, but, again we were tired and jet lagged. So, I hit the sack early waiting for our first big trip. The location would be the Peleponesis section of Greece about two hours away where an old fortress on a hill overlooking the water was next on the agenda. Iakovos mentioned that the narrow streets and awesome colors would make for a good backdrop. Kevork was also ready to roll. It was why were there.

So, I watched "Battlestar Galactica" on iTunes I downloaded before I went to bed. I watched about 5 minutes and crashed. In the middle of being awake and being asleep is when they say you have your most creative moments. At that moment, my thoughts were not on the TV show on my laptop, it was concert that in addition to us taking great photos of Iakovos for our CD, I had to create some networking opportunities in Greece for music. Like I said before, in the music biz, all it takes is one break. Until then, you keep moving forward, back and forth at the starting line. The fear was that if this project bombs, I will be out of business for good.

Next- Peleponesis and the Fortress. Greeks had it, Turks took it, Greeks took it back.

Where are we now?

I was talking to my boss the other day (he's Persian) about my involvement in the Armenian community and the influence it has in America. He asked how it's possible that such a small community has managed to be so organized and so powerful. It's not a simple answer. But I saw the envy in him. He expressed his desire to have Iranians as organized and committed. Sometimes you need an outsider to share their perspective to get it.

So on that note, April is around the corner, and as you can imagine, lots to take place around the globe. Last year, i recall www.genocideevents.com being a huge success in posting all the events taking place around the world. I just checked, it will be ready in April. One thing to add right now is System of a Down's annual Souls Concert, to which I will finally attend for the love of God. Tickets go on sale Thursday (check their website for more info... www.systemofadown.com) and the concert is April 23 back at the Greek Theatre in LA. See ya'll there!

There's a lot going on in my personal life. I'm finishing up my last week of work, have a lot of freelance projects coming my way, packing up my life to do, an abundance of parking tickets to pay off, and once again I have decided to get involved with the AYF Summer Internship in Armenia this year. I'll be co-directing with a good friend and extremely intelligent and talented Armenian, Serouj (the breakdancer I logged about before... Midus) and we have an incredible summer lined up. If anyone is interested, application deadlines were extended to March 15 and if you want more info, email me at shishki@hotmail.com. Just talking to some of the applicants, I'm getting chills thinking about living a full active life again. I just want my eyes to focus on something other than this computer screen for once. :)

That's the latest!

Greece, Introduction

In order to capture the best CD imagery possible, it was decided that I would go to Athens, Greece with photographer Kevork Imirzian to do a weeklong photo shoot on classical guitarist Iakovos Kolanian. We left on the 24th of Feb to Athens, Greece via Amsterdam and had no real expectations what we would encounter. Most CD's are hastily put together and it shows. With Pomegranate, that is not the case because I believe that these are documents that will be referenced for years to come. I can't have the thing look terrible. Thus, the extra expense and gamble to do a high end production is made.

Right before we were to board our flight to Athens on our Amsterdam leg, we were escorted from what we thought were going to be our paid coach class ticket seats to World Business Class with reclining seats and everything. I can't say how it happened but, let's just say a friend who works at the airline helped us out. From Amsterdam, we boarded our flight to Athens and there at the airport was Iakovos ready to show us his country. We went to his house and were shown our rooms. The excitement of a new project and new possiblities were definately discussed. At that point thought, I was wiped out. However, at night we went to the Plaka using their new Metro system. There was a big carnival going on and the funny anecdote of the day was that kids were buying these plastic baseball bats and swatting all the adults on the ass and running away. At first I was stunned, but, after a while I understood it was a part of a very loose Greek culture. America makes you uptight at times. This was Greece. After walking around Plaka, we went back home and I slept soundly knowing that we were under the gun to "make something happen" in Greece with the photo shoot and potentially having me develop music contacts there.

In the music business, it is all about timing and tenacity. If you let an opportunity go, that's it and it usually never comes back again. With Pomegranate gambling big on our non-Armenian Barrios album, the pressure was on myself and Kevork to get the best possible shots of Iakovos in his native Greece.

I don't believe in God, and I don't understand prayer, but, with the Acropolis looming in the background, I half jokingly looked at Iakovos, his wife, and Kevork and said that we could use a little help with our album and hopefully make it big with the Barrios album and any other project that comes our way.

Sunday- First Day of Photo Shoot at Sounyou- The Temple of Poseidon
More tomorrow.

This photo by Kevork Imirzian at Peleponesis section of Greece inside an ancient fortress going back 1000 years.

YerazArt photos by Onnik Krikorian on One World

I have just arrived back from Greece for a new Pomegranate CD project with Iakovos Kolanian. More on that later. However, over on the One World blog by Onnik Krikorian, he has some fantastic shots of the YerazArt young musicians from Armenia who will be giving a mini-tour here in the United States. You can view them here at www.oneworld.am/blog or at http://oneworld.blogsome.com/2006/03/03/yeraz-art-photo-shoot/

Right now, the YerazArt young musicians will be in the States on March 24, 2006 to be performing at the Armenian Assembly Gala on the 27th in Washington, DC. Their Boston area debut will be on April 8, 2006 at the Longy School of Music. If anyone in the DC or Boston area would like to host the kids for a day or two and get to know the fantastic talent of tomorrow from Armenia, please email me at yerazart@gmail.com For those who have always wante to get involved with projects IN ARMENIA, this is the best way to start and I can guide you through the process of how and where we need the most help.

Remembering Sumgait

Yesterday we commemorated the massacres in Sumgait. But in light of recent new evidence of Azeri soldiers demolishing Khatchkars in Nakhichevan, this year's commemoration held more responsibility on us to draw attention around the world. Here in Washington, we did our part. nearly 100 Armenians gathered infront of the Turkish Embassy around rush hour to March to the Azerbaijan Embassy just up the street. When they arrived, they were greeted by a handfull of Azeri's counter-protesting. Divided only by 2 lanes of asphalt, the shouting only increased over time.

I have never seen anything like this, but the upside to the story is that it drew much more attention. To follow, Congressman Pallone stood on the floor of Congress to remember the Sumgait Massacres and to mention that Armenians were marching in the cold to remind the world. Here are some photos to tell the story.