"CONCERT UNDER THE STARS" DRAWS SUPPORT FOR LA-YEREVAN PARTNERSHIP
Allen Yekikian
AZG Armenian Daily 09/07/2008
Culture
Amid the hustle and bustle of life in Los Angeles, several of the
brightest stars of the Armenian community came together at Hollywood’s
Ford Amphitheater Sunday evening for a "Concert Under the Stars"
in benefit of the Los Angeles-Yerevan Sister City Association.
The concert, sponsored by Prana Cafe, and organized by the Los
Angeles-Yerevan Sister City Association (LAYSCA), featured an eclectic
array of artists that came out to sing in support of a cause, they
all described, as their responsibility.
The evening’s line up featured the stand-up comedy and musical
impersonations of Michael, the Man of Many Voices; the emotive prose
of Armen Movsessian, the oriental vibes of near-east rock band VISA;
the national and folk music of Nersik Ispirian and his Daron Band;
and a surprise performance by famed lyricist Elon, who performed on
his acoustic guitar.
"The performers we selected to be part of this event were very excited
and enthusiastic about getting involved," explained Raffi Ganoumian,
the chairman of the concert’s organizing committee’s. "They all
decided to contribute their time and perform because of the mission
of this concert."
As the first major event organized by the LA-Yerevan Sister City
Association (LAYSCA), the concert’s primary aim was to raise funds to
support various projects currently being planned by the organization,
according to LAYSCA board member and Vice President Baydsar Thomasian.
"The main goal of the concert was to raise funds for our school
revitalization program, which will upgrade old and outdated furniture
and equipment at a number of Yerevan’s schools," explained LAYSCA
President Souzi Zerounian-Khanzadian. "The LAYSCA is also working
to create the framework for an LA-Yerevan exchange program that
will provide students and professionals in Yerevan with scholarship
opportunities to study and intern in Los Angeles."
"This concert should be considered as a milestone in the cultural
exchange of these two cities," noted Los Angeles Vice Consul of
Armenia Sahak Sargsyan. "Events like this not only help present
Armenian culture to Los Angeles, but also to help raise funds and
support for activities."
One of the organization’s hallmark projects currently in the planning
stages is a joint venture with the City of Los Angeles to build
a Little Armenia Gateway. The Gateway will stand as a monument to
Armenian culture and heritage in the heart of Hollywood, and promote
Armenian culture in Los Angeles.
Such projects are vital to the life of this community and it’s
important for artists to lead by example and motivate the community
to action, exclaimed Michael.
But good causes and ideas are only as good as the work that is put into
making them happen, noted VISA’s lead singer K’noup, who explained
his band’s consistent readiness to get involved with, and support
worthwhile projects like the LAYSCA.
The Los Angeles-Yerevan Sister City Association is a nonprofit
organization that promotes friendly ties between Yerevan and Los
Angeles, as well as between the United States and Armenia. Established
in 2007, the organization works to foster cultural links, educational
opportunities, commercial ties, and scientific collaboration between
the two cities.