BOSTON, MA, 25 AUGUST, ARMENPRESS: Armenian musicians from around the world are teaming up with the New England chapter of Armenians for Kerry and Pomegranate Music Events for an unprecedented music festival in honor of Democratic party Presidential nominee John Kerry. “Armenstock 2004” will take place on August 28th, from 11:00am – 8:00pm at AYF Camp Haiastan, in Franklin MA and promises to be a celebration with Armenian food, music and dance dedicated to Sen. Kerry’s twenty years of support on issues of concern to the Armenian American community. The day-long festival – a veritable “Kef for Kerry” – boasts the participation of five bands with a full range of Armenian musical styles from progressive kef to Armenian jazz, pop and traditional and alternative folk. The bands include the: ** Vardan Ovsepian Jazz Group (Armenian Jazz) ** Gor Mkhitarian Band (Alternative Folk) ** Arev Folk Ensemble (Traditional Folk) ** Cascade Folk Trio (Traditional Folk and Armenian Pop) ** John Berberian Ensemble (Progressive Kef). In addition to the band performances, there will be two solo oud performances by John Bilezikjian and John Berberian, the latter accompanied by Ara Dinkjian (guitar), and, finally, a solo performance by world-renowned percussionist Arto Tuncboyaciyan. The musicians will be collaborating together throughout the day, with John Bilezikjian joining the John Berberian Ensemble, John Berberian sitting in with the Gor Mkhitarian Band and the Ara Dinkjian-John Berberian duet and a number of additional impromptu collaborations. Extensive biographical notes on all the bands and performers are available on the Armenstock 2004 website – www.armenstock.com .
In the tradition of Woodstock, Armenstock 2004 combines a celebration of Armenian music with American political activism. The festival will kick-off a nationwide Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) postcard campaign encouraging Armenian Americans in swing states to support the Kerry/Edwards ticket in November. Voter registration will be a key focus, as part of the ANCA “Hye Voter Turnout” campaign, working to increase the Armenian American voice at the polls in November through an extensive registration and “get out the vote” effort. More than a dozen speakers and activists will address the audience between musical sets, including a prominent figure close to the Kerry campaign yet to be announced. Each will be outlining the importance of greater community-wide participation within the American political process during election season and beyond. Speakers will also outline the clear differences between the Kerry/Edwards and Bush/Cheney teams on issues from Armenian Genocide recognition to efforts to build a stronger U.S. / Armenia relationship. Response from Armenian Americans and music lovers from throughout the New England and Mid-Atlantic states has been overwhelming, with groups planning road trips from as far as Racine, Wisconsin and flying in for the day-long concert at Camp Haiastan. Tickets for the concert are available on the Armenstock 2004 website – www.armenstock.com .
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