Category Archives: art

Cultural Identity, Repeated History

105 years ago, our ancestors were driven from their homelands by the order of the Turkish government. A well documented massacre that can be easily researched for those unfamiliar with this important and dark piece of Armenian history. In order … Continue reading

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Harry Bedrossian: Euphoric Oud Ride

If you have ever met musician Harry Bedrossian I think one of the first things you would say about him is that he loves life, doesn’t take himself too seriously (as none of us should) and is an excellent musician. One … Continue reading

Posted in Armenian, art, Middle Eastern music, music, oud | 4 Comments

Armenian Liturgical Music performed on traditional instruments

Recently I received an email from a friend that shared a rare look and sound of Armenian liturgical music performed on traditional instruments. After posting on my personal Facebook page, the comments and views went through the roof. This is … Continue reading

Posted in Armenian, art, Liturgical, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

A 10 Year Old Armenian Musical Prodigy

If I mentioned the name Kristine Engoyan most of you would not know who she is. She is a remarkable Armenian young girl that has mesmerized many of us that enjoy and perform Armenian music. She plays the kanun, the … Continue reading

Posted in Armenian, art, music, Uncategorized | 1 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

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

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TheOudPlayer Releases Album – nOUD

Antranig Kzirian has always loved music and so it was no surprise that he gravitated to the oud (Middle Eastern lute) as a young Armenian musician from Philadelphia. “The oud cast a spell over me from a young age. The … Continue reading

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Kresge Artists in Detroit – 2017 Class

Always an exciting time of the year for me when the Kresge Artist Fellows are announced and I can look to see if a friend of mine has won. It is equally enjoyable for me to meet new Fellows and … Continue reading

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Creative Class: Kathleen Pfeiffer

Kathleen Pfeiffer is an essayist, memoirist and literary critic living in Rochester Hills, Michigan. Kathy was raised in Trumbull, Connecticut.  She earned her B.A. from Emmanuel College, and her M.A. and Ph.D. from Brandeis University.  Kathy taught writing at Yale … Continue reading

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Creative Class: Heidi Kaloustian

Heidi Kaloustian is a writer who lives and works in Detroit. She has received numerous awards and honors for her writing, including a 2015 Schulze Fellowship for a debut novel, a 2012 Kresge Fellowship in the Literary Arts, and a … Continue reading

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