Category Archives: Uncategorized
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
Posted in Middle Eastern music, music, oud, Uncategorized
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Experiencing COVID-19 as a musician
In the past several days, we have all been experiencing surreal moments in our lives pertaining to the corona virus pandemic. This hits hard for each of us in different ways and how we react and respond will indicate the … Continue reading
Artists Respond to COVID-19 Crisis
We are currently living in unprecedented times as the world deals with the COVID-19 pandemic. As it gradually makes its way throughout the United States, it became a reality for Michiganders this past week. Government emergency mandates, school closing, and … Continue reading
Posted in Business of Music, covid19, Gigs, music, Uncategorized
Tagged covid19, music, technology
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The Next Generation of Armenian Musicians
A topic of continued discussion has always surrounded the “next generation” when it pertains to industry or when discussing the future of just about anything. Music is no stranger to this conversation as a matter of fact, it is imperative … Continue reading
Posted in Armenian, music, Uncategorized
Tagged Armenian, Clarinet, dumbeg, generations, oud, tradition
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A Siblings Plea: Remembering 104 Years Later
“I am looking for my sisters, Veronica Moonjian and Satenig Yacoubian, from Kharpert, Mezreh. Could those from Gaban Maden have word? Do any Armenians know where my sister’s children Arantsar and Vshnasp Moonjian are? Please reprint this in any Diasporan … Continue reading
Posted in Armenian, armenian genocide, Uncategorized
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A Savior of Greek Music
It goes without saying that Meletios (Meleti) Pouliopoulos loves and respects his Greek music and heritage. Growing up in a household where music surrounded him, Meleti fondly remembers how his parents would sing and dance in their house. He remembers that his … Continue reading
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Karim Bader, Legendary Arab Oudist
Abdul Karim Bader, renown Arab oud master has passed away on February 24, 2019 in Farmington Hills, a suburb of Detroit, Michigan. Bader was born in Beirut, Lebanon in 1921. “Abdel Karim” means “servant of the generous,” a reference to … Continue reading
Posted in Middle Eastern music, oud, Uncategorized
Tagged Arabic, award, Beirut, detroit, Iraq, Lebanon, michigan, oud
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Louise Manoogian Simone (1941-2019)
She has been called a civic leader, a philanthropist, businesswoman, patron of the arts and devoted to preserving the Armenian culture. Louise Manoogian Simone, daughter of the late Alex and Marie Manoogian has passed away at the age of 85. … Continue reading
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Chick: The Blue Collar Musician
As I was growing up listening to Armenian music, there were different groups of instrumentalist musicians that I was aware of that played folk music. One of those groups of musicians were oud players. As far as I was concerned, … Continue reading
Posted in Armenian, belly dance, Middle Eastern music, music, oud, Uncategorized
Tagged Armenian, belly dance, herbie mann, jazz, Middle Eastern music, music, night club, oud
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Amer-abic Percussionist Remembered: Eddie “the Sheik” Kochak
2018 marked the end of another legendary icon of Middle Eastern music in America, his name was Eddie “the Sheik” Kochak. He was 97 years old. Another way to describe Kochak would be to refer to him as a personality. … Continue reading
Posted in music, Uncategorized
Tagged Amer-abic, Arabic, belly dance, Danny Thomas, darbukka, Dean Martin, Kochak, music, New York, oud, Syria, The Sheik, violin
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