Category Archives: detroit
A Tribute to Simon Javizian: A Guardian of Our Music, Memory, and Community
A couple of days ago, we lost someone truly special: Simon Javizian, at the age of almost 92. To many, he was a musician, a funeral director, a storyteller, and a pillar of the Armenian community. To me, he was … Continue reading
Posted in Armenian, detroit, music
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When Music Becomes a Passport: The Role of Global Festivals in Preserving and Sharing Culture
Last weekend, I had the opportunity to perform at Troy Family Daze in Troy, Michigan, as part of their Global Troy celebration. I shared the stage with my trio — Jerry Gerjekian on dumbegs and George Nigosian on guitar — … Continue reading
Posted in culture, detroit, music, world music
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Michigan Creates, New Podcast Series
For several years I served proudly on the Michigan Arts & Cultural Council (MACC) through appointments by both Governor Snyder and Whitmer. The experience I gained being a council member exposed me to abundance of artists and arts organizations in … Continue reading
Posted in art, creativity, culture, detroit, music, Uncategorized
Tagged amazon, apple podcast, Ara Topouzian, art organizations, artists, Arts, culture, fyp, marketing, michigan, michigan creates, musicians, painters, podcast, promotion, spotify, writers, youtube
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Reflecting on a 2023 Musical Journey
As the curtains draw on 2023, I find myself humbled and grateful for the musical journey this year has unfolded. It’s been a year filled with melodies, challenges, and milestones, and I’m excited to share some of the highlights from … Continue reading
Posted in Armenian, detroit, Middle Eastern music, music, Reflections, world music
Tagged 2023, 2024, Armenian, art, Clarinet, detroit, dumbeg, kanun, michigan, music, oud, Refections
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The Next Generation and Cultural Continuity
Armenia, with its rich history and vibrant cultural heritage, has faced numerous challenges throughout the years. Recently, the conflict in Artsakh has left an indelible mark on the Armenian diaspora, highlighting the need to fortify cultural bonds in the face … Continue reading
Posted in Armenian, armenian genocide, art, Artsakh, culture, detroit, Genocide, music, Uncategorized
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The Magic and Sustainability of the Silver Screen
We all can relate to the fact that the pandemic halted or altered our lives for over two years. As we seem to have returned to a new norm of a ‘normal life’, on occasion, certain thoughts attract my attention. … Continue reading
Posted in detroit, film, Reflections, Uncategorized
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A Cultural Experience Performing at The Hawk
In the last few years, I have tried to avoid writing blog posts about my performances as I am really looking to create content in these postings which may be more thought provoking or promotional of other topics. However, I … Continue reading
Posted in Armenian, armenian genocide, art, creativity, culture, detroit, music, Reflections
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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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HYE Times 