Youth Event Commemorates Armenian Genocide Through Music
NEW MILFORD, N.J.—A youth event in commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, titled “100 Years and Beyond: Culture. Honor. Celebration” and featuring live Armenian music by Yerakouyn Band and DJ Shant, will take place on Sat., April 23, from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Hovnanian School. The event is sponsored by the Knights of Vartan Mid-Atlantic Lodge and the Hovnanian Alumni Association.
(L to R) Raffi and Shant Massoyan of the Yerakouyn Band
Yerakouyn Band, which is comprised of members Shant Massoyan (lead vocals, dumbek, shvi), Raffi Rachdouni (piano, backup vocals), and Raffi Massoyan (oud, backup vocals, dhol), play folk Armenian music to a new generation of Armenians. Citing Onnik Dinkjian, Adiss Harmandian, Ara Dinkjian, John Berberian, and Oum Kalthoum as influences, the trio has made a name for itself on the East Coast since the founding of the band in 2011.
“We are young Armenians trying to keep our culture alive through music,” said the trio.
The organizing committee, which includes Taleen Babayan, Anoush Gulian, Anahid Kaprielian, and Jirayr Khorozian, under the guidance of the Knights of Vartan, felt it was important to host this event for the second year in a row because of the enthusiasm that was sparked during the Centennial concert last spring.
“It is important to focus on the youth, who as the next generation of Armenians will carry forward the history, culture, and language of our people,” said Jirayr Khorozian, a member of the Knights of Vartan.
“One Hundred Years and Beyond” will take place at the Hovnanian School, 817 River Rd. in New Milford. A cash bar is available. Attendees must be over 18 to enter and over 21 to drink (ID will be checked at the door). For tickets or for more information, visit www.100yearsandbeyond.ticketbud.com.
‘One Hundred Years and Beyond’ will take place at the Hovnanian School, 817 River Rd. in New Milford.
Source: Armenian Weekly Mid-Atlantic
