Onnik Dinkjian to Perform at Merrimack Valley Hye Kef 5

World-renowned Armenian singer, Onnik Dinkjian will be coming to the Merrimack Valley to perform on Oct. 22 at the Doubletree by Hilton (formerly Wyndham) in Andover, Mass. The Armenian Friends of America, Inc. (AFA), have confirmed that Onnik Dinkjian, this enduring Armenian singer and performer will be accompanied by his son Ara (Night Ark, An Armenian In America) and a local all-star ensemble for Hey Kef 5. Tickets are available for this exceptional opportunity to hear and enjoy the music, dance and the Armenian community. Tickets are $65.00 for regular admission and $50.00 for college students. The ticket price includes reserved seating and a full buffet.

Hye Kef 5, a five-hour dance, will be held from 7 p.m. to midnight and along with headliner Onnik Dinkjian will feature John Berberian, Oud; Mal Barsamian, Clarinet; Ara Dinkjian, Keyboard and Jason Naroian, Dumbeg. Hye Kef 5 is an annual event organized by AFA. AFA was established five years ago to honor, celebrate and most importantly unite the four Armenian churches in the Merrimack Valley.

“It is without a doubt, that having Onnik agree to perform for Hye Kef 5 is extraordinary. At 87 years old, he is a legend, with boundless energy and a timeless love for his music and culture. Please join us for this exceptional opportunity to witness history and enjoy the true spirit of what brings us together as Armenian Americans. All indications are that this will be a sell-out event”, said John Azigian, AFA Chairman.

Onnik was born in Paris, France in 1929. His parents were born in Dikranagerd (Diyarbakir). He overcame the difficulties of being orphaned at a very early age by finding comfort and happiness in singing, initially in the Armenian Church of Paris. Upon arriving in America in the late 1940’s, he began performing at secular functions and quickly became the most-loved singer of the Armenian-American community. To meet the demands of his audience, he released several recordings of Armenian folk and popular music. However, Dinkjian, an ordained deacon, never lost his great love of Armenian liturgical music, and released an entire CD (“Havadamk”) of emotionally performed sacred hymns of the Armenian Church.

His fame as a great interpreter of Armenian song has brought him to concert halls throughout Europe, Jerusalem, United States, Canada, and South America. In addition to his singing, Dinkjian has composed many songs, some of which are sung in his native (Dikranagerd) dialect. He has passed his love and passion of Armenian music to his son, oud player and composer Ara Dinkjian. Ara will be playing along with his father at this exciting event. Ara Dinkjian is also considered one of the top oud players in the world. He was chosen to represent the Armenians in the international oud festivals of Jerusalem and Greece.

“It’s been a wonderful and exciting experience to be a part of this grassroots organization. We have been able to bring together hundreds of Armenians from the Greater Merrimack Valley and beyond, to connect and reconnect who would not have otherwise done so”, said Sharke Der Apkarian, of the AFA.

AFA is a non-profit organization. All proceeds for this event will benefit the Armenian Churches of the Merrimack Valley including: St Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church of North Andover, The Armenian Apostolic Church of Hye Point, Bradford; Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church of Chelmsford and the Ararat Armenian Congregational Church of Salem, and other Armenian Charities.

For tickets call John Arzigian – 603-560-3826; Lucy Sirmaian – 978-683-9121; Peter Gulezian – 978-375-1616; or Sharke Der Apkarian – 978-808-0598