Author Archives: aratopouzian
Merry Armenian Christmas!
Armenians from around the world celebrate Christmas on two different dates. Most of us celebrate on December 25th, but many also recognize and celebrate Christmas again on January 6th. Historically, all Christian churches once celebrated Christ’s birth on January 6th … Continue reading
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Making Music Fun
I guess what they say is true, you can make music out of just about anything. A video that my musician friend Mark Gavoor (and fellow blogger) posted a humorous video on social media (which we have all seen before, … Continue reading
Posted in art, Humor in Music, music, world music
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When Did That Happen?
So another year has flown by, almost behind us, and with comes another year of a pandemic. It is a bit surreal now to thing that we have been in a global pandemic for two years. It also seems that … Continue reading
Posted in Armenian, detroit, music, Reflections
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Why it’s important to tell your story
Last month I had an opportunity to share my passion of Armenian music to a new audience. I was invited to present at TEDx Detroit,. Several years ago I presented at TEDx Oakland University, which was a fabulous experience and … Continue reading
Posted in Armenian, armenian genocide, creativity, culture, detroit, music, Reflections, world music
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TEDx Detroit on Nov. 11th
I have often commented that I have had the privilege to perform music at a wide array of different venues over the years. Each and every gig I have had (paid or not) that was in front of a new … Continue reading
Posted in Armenian, culture, detroit, music
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Creating Out of Nowhere
Of all times to come up with an idea for a blog post, it was while I was outside, after dinner, doing mindless yardwork. Calling it mindless is not an insult because it is not something I dread doing, I … Continue reading
Posted in creativity, Reflections
Tagged brain, creative, creativity, endorphin, mind, yard work
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Revisiting Kegham Tazian
“Personally, I feel that the most exciting aspect of my work – the great pleasure, in fact, that I receive – is the excitement and anticipation of beginning and doing. The end is defeat, the beginning is victory”. These are … Continue reading
Posted in Armenian, art, art work, culture, detroit
Tagged #BirminghamMI, #Earth, #KeghamTazian, #Sculpture, Armenian, michigan
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Lou was always on first
In the past, I have touched on my fascination of old movies, especially old comedies. In many of my stories I have filtered in comments relating to some of the classic comedians of the last century including Charlies Chaplin, The … Continue reading
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Kresge Arts in Detroit announces 2021 Fellows
I have often said that receiving the Kresge Artist Fellowship over nine years ago was a musical game changer for me. The doors it opened for me as a musician allowed me to create and afforded me unique opportunities to … Continue reading
Posted in art, detroit, Uncategorized
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The Great Duduk Master Has Passed
The entire world music community has lost a true living legend, Armenian duduk master Djivan Gasparyan has died at the age of 92. The duduk is exclusively and internationally known as the instrument of Armenia. Made out of apricot wood with … Continue reading
Posted in Armenian, art, Duduk, film, music, world music
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HYE Times 