We are home.

Yes, our couple of days away in Detroit for our Armenian folk/world music concert seem like a whirlwind now…but oh, they were so special.  What a privilege to meet the community in Detroit, work with them and perform for them in concert!

This weekend’s show was such a special concert.  And one reason for this would have to be that the presenters were some of the most gracious people I have ever met.   I am still so moved by their hospitality and kindness and organization.

The concert was planned so carefully, from start to finish – with every detail being attended to by the meticulous group of presenters.  Salpi Toroyan, David Dardarian, John Yavruian, Anahit Toumajan… these were the main contact people that we got to know, but I know that there were many others, working hard to ensure that our show was a success in every way.  Thank you to each one of you with all my heart.   It was such a joy to meet you all, and to get to know you better.  You were so kind to us, so genuine, and so fun to work with!  And so relaxed too!!  Always a bonus!

Father Garabed and Yeretsgin were a delight as well and I loved spending time with them and having a tour of St. John Armenian Church – what an absolutely beautiful place…  Father Garabed, who also holds a degree in Art History gave us a thorough explanation of the architecture of the church and we were in awe.   The church, which is modelled after Zvartnots in Armenia, is stunning…  On Sunday, we attended the church service, and were completely mesmerized by the choir… truly other-worldly to hear the acoustics in the church…and Rubik Mailian, the extremely talented choir director, did an amazing job singing and leading the wonderful choir.

Having my husband with me all weekend was also an extra special part of this show.  There were so many details that I didn’t even have to worry about because he took care of everything… ah, I am very grateful to have such a caring, able, fun life partner!

My band – Chris Rosser, Eliot Wadopian and River Guerguerian, were as always, amazing…  each time we work together, the sound and arrangements only grow richer.  I love listening to their solos…  I get transported each time.  Thank you, guys!!  You are the best!

And we had a very special (there is that word again!) treat at this particular show!  Our dear friends, Sarkis and Seta Chorbadjian just happened to be in Detroit for the weekend and Sarkis is a gifted musician who plays every instrument you can think of.    One of those instruments is the duduk… oh, yes!  So he joined us on stage for Dle Yaman… we were all blown away by the beauty of his playing…  such a haunting sound… thank you, Sarkis!

And thank you, Detroit… I just loved meeting so many of you after the show… thank you for sharing your stories with me… your stories about your mothers and fathers and grandmothers and grandfathers… stories of other survivors of the Armenian Genocide…I was deeply moved by each account.

You were a super audience.  I loved your energy and your passion!

We can’t wait to see you all again soon…

Tags: Armenian folk music, Chris Rosser, Detroit, Dle Yaman, duduk, Eliot Wadopian, father, grandfather, grandmother, mother, River Guerguerian, Sarkis Chorbadjian, St. John Armenian Church Detroit