Category Archives: Middle Eastern music
Building my YouTube channel
Not too long ago, I decided that I wanted to grow my video music YouTube channel. Currently I have over 100 videos that I have posted over the last several years. In the past, I didn’t put much effort into … Continue reading
Musicians Reunite, No Missing Beats
This morning I was thinking about a musical gig I did the other night. Luckily now that the pandemic part of COVID seems to be behind us, playing music has picked up once again and we are seeing live music … Continue reading
Mal Barsamian & Qawsaan (Two Bows) Concert Recital at Tufts University
It is not every day that I watch a concert of live Middle Eastern music and become completely impressed and immersed into the entire performance. That is not to mean that I haven’t been impressed by Middle Eastern musical artistry, … Continue reading
Guy Chookoorian, Iconic Armenian Musician and Entertainer (1923 – 2021)
Unique. Pioneer. When I think of the Armenian icon Guy Chookoorian, I immediately think of these words which describe this Armenian singer, musician and actor. Sadly, he passed away on January 31st at the age of 97. “He had an … Continue reading
Ara Dinkjian with The Secret Trio and New York Gypsy All-Stars Live at Princeton University
As we attempt to push forward through a global pandemic, the quest to find solace in our everyday lives is more important than ever before. The medicinal effect of making and/or listening to music is scientifically proven to reduce anxiety—something … Continue reading
Armenian Musician Harry Minassian, Student of Udi Hrant Passes
The Armenian music community has lost another gentle giant, Harry Minassian. Known throughout the east coast as a prominent oud player (Middle Eastern lute, 11 strings) as well as a singer, Harry’s playing and vocal skills made him a versatile … Continue reading
Nina Stern & The Crane
I am a frequent user of the online music app, Spotify, which has allowed me the ability to experience a broad range of musical artists and genres. As a matter of fact, I have discovered more artists using this app … Continue reading
The Exciting Sounds of the Mal Barsamian Band
Traditional Armenian village music has traveled hundreds of years and has faced major hurdles in order to survive and tell an important story about the Armenian people. So much has been lost due to the horrors of the Armenian Genocide, … Continue reading
The Sarkissian Brothers: Mike & Buddy
Recently on Facebook, someone posted the asked the question to readers to mention the name of a Middle Eastern musician ‘gone but not forgotten’. As Facebook inquiries go, this was actually interesting to see all the names generated in this … Continue reading
A Musical Refuge for Ronnie Malley
In September, 2018, I had an opportunity to attend ArtsMidwest in Indianapolis. This was a large conference that featured different arts organizations, councils and artists from around the Midwest. As I was scanning the big expo hall filled with different … Continue reading