Category Archives: Uncategorized
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
Posted in Uncategorized
1 Comment
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
Leave a comment
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
Posted in Uncategorized
Leave a comment
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
10 Comments
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
4 Comments
His name was George Righellis
My name is George and I never sing about the bitter-sweet issue of love I’m not used in rending daisies, I don’t wait for anyone’s comeback These are the lyrics to Me Lene Giorgo, a song that George Righellis made … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
15 Comments
Hello, 2019
It was inevitable You and I knew it wouldn’t last No matter how much we try to defy the odds, there is always still much more to grasp I think we gave it a really good run Much to be … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
1 Comment
Taqs.im creates community for musicians
Several years before social media became a household word, if you wanted to communicate in a collective group across the globe and share ideas, thoughts or questions you either created email groups or listserv forums. About twenty years or so ago, … Continue reading
Posted in Armenian, Business of Music, music, Uncategorized
Leave a comment
Music and Dementia
I believe most of us can attribute a loss within our lifetime to a loved one or friend that has had a form of dementia. I have experienced it first hand with my father and grandmother. I have often said … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
Leave a comment
Topouzian included in 2018-2021 Arts & Humanities Touring Directory
The Arts and Humanities Touring Directory features some of the state’s most-talented performing and visual artists, and humanities presenters. The directory offers artists and humanities professionals the opportunity to present their work throughout the state through work with nonprofit recipients … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
Leave a comment
