Author Archives: aratopouzian
Remembering Art Melkonian
I first met Art a few years ago while I was researching Detroit area Armenian musicians for my film documentary, Guardians of Music. It was my friend Simon Javizian who was able to get my contact information and come to … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
Leave a comment
Thoughts from Arts Midwest 2018
A few weeks ago I was given a great opportunity to travel Indianapolis for the annual Arts Midwest conference. Thanks to John Bracey, Executive Director (soon to be retiring – congrats again!) from Michigan Council of Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) … Continue reading
Posted in art, Creative Industries, music, Uncategorized
2 Comments
2018 Kresge Artist Fellows Announced
Each year I eagerly await the announcement of the Kresge Artist Fellows. I am always impressed by the winners and their artistry. As a musician, I feel proud to be part of such a group of artists but more importantly … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
Leave a comment
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown – Armenia
If you haven’t heard about the recent episode of Anthony Bourdain traveling to Armenia as part of his series Parts Unknown, you have most likely been living under a rock for the last month. I have to admit I have … Continue reading
Posted in Armenian, armenian genocide, art
Tagged Anthony Bourdain, Armenia, art, children, CNN, Food, Karabagh, Parts Unknown
Leave a comment
Latest Michigan Nonprofit report shows impact of arts organizations have on economy
I have long been an advocate for the arts both on a local and national basis. The arts plays such a vital role in so many categories – education, child development, jobs, and economic impact. Currently, I am involved with … Continue reading
Posted in Creative Industries, Uncategorized
Tagged advocacy, Arts, chamber of commerce, culture, economy, Education, jobs, michigan, nonprofit
Leave a comment
Armenian Music in Hartland, MI
Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to perform Armenian and Middle Eastern music in Hartland, Michigan. This is a small community with under 15,000 people and not richly diverse, but a community that wants to embrace diversity. The Cromaine … Continue reading
Documentary and presentation on Armenian Genocide in Detroit
SHALL NOT PERISH The Story of Near East Relief and The Near East Foundation Documentary and Presentation The documentary details the unprecedented humanitarian efforts of thousands of Americans who saved a generation of refugees and orphans in the aftermath of … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
Leave a comment
Jim Stoynoff, Greek/Macedonian Klarino
In a recent blog about Yiannis Roussos, I mentioned my friend Jim (Dimitri) Stoynoff. He is another phenomenal musician that is a bit of a walking encyclopedia of history about Middle Eastern music and more importantly, the scales (makams) which … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
Leave a comment
Fred Elias (1922-2018) – Legendary Violinist
Fred Elias was a legendary musician. An Arab violinist, living to an impressive age of 95 years old, passed away only a few hours ago from the publishing of this blog. He was well regarded throughout the country, especially in … Continue reading
Posted in music, Uncategorized
Tagged arab, Armenian, Fred Elias, Middle Eastern, music arabic, violin
11 Comments
Greek Santouri player Yiannis Roussos
Several years ago, I met Jim Stoynoff, a Greek/Macedonian clarinet player from Chicago. We met at a Chicago music/folk dance festival that I attended because I knew oudist Joe Zeytoonian was coming in to play the gig and we had … Continue reading
HYE Times 