This year’s 2010 AYF-YOARF Senior Olympic games, being held in Philadelphia Sept. 2-6, feature a fabulous entertainment line-up with some of the world’s most popular musicians and singers. Visit www.ayfolympics.org for more information about the weekend and to secure your Hye Pass, which includes all of the functions listed below for only $75.
Friday Night AYF Dance: Sako from California
An incredibly popular icon in the Armenian music industry, Sako has captivated fans all around the world with his talent and creativity. He has received numerous awards and appeared in concerts across the United States, Canada, and Europe. He blends an innovative approach to composing new Armenian music with a unique re-creation of some of the most classic Armenian songs. Don’t miss Sako Friday night at the AYF dance. This year represents his first performance at an AYF Senior Olympics, and promises to be a memorable night of partying and dancing!
Friday Night Alumni Dance: John Berberian Ensemble
Friday night’s alumni affair features John Berberian, who is considered to be one of the finest oud virtuosos in the world. He has been featured in numerous concerts and dances throughout the United States, Canada, and South America. John possesses a rare versatility of talent, academic knowledge, and sensitivity to both his music and his audience. His inimitable style has brought him fame and popularity, and he has been most influential in perpetuating Armenian and Middle Eastern music in America. John will be accompanied by Mike Gostanian on vocals. Mike is fluent in various Armenian dialects and performs songs in various languages with striking realism and character. Mike is recognized as one of the more versatile performers of his generation. The group will be rounded out with David Hoplamazian on violin, Antranig Kzirian on guitar, Chris Marashlian on bass, and Christopher Vosbikian on dumbeg.
Saturday Night Dance: Aravod Featuring Khatchig Jingirian
Aravod’s unprecedented repertoire is truly diverse. It includes songs composed, sung, and performed by our ancestors, music preserved and revered by Armenian Diaspora communities, as well as contemporary music not typically associated with traditional Armenian “kef” ensembles. They are known to keep the crowd dancing all night long. Aravod will feature Khatchig Jingirian, a truly unique entertainer in Armenian music. Khatchig is an artist who touches the hearts and excites the souls of audiences. He’s not just a singer and musician, but a performer reaching out to each and everyone who listens to his music, sharing with them his passion and love for what he does best—singing all styles of Armenian music with an innovative and personal touch.
Sunday Night Ball: The Fabulous Vosbikian Band
The Vosbikian band is one of the most well-known and respected Armenian bands of the last 70 years. How appropriate that the band makes its home in the host city’s chapter of Philadelphia. Famous for its unique brand of “kef”-style Armenian music, the Vosbikian Band’s repertoire contains selections from a broad spectrum of Armenian folk and dance music, including those written by many legendary Armenian composers. Among many unique features of the band, including family hand-made steel drums, a pulsating up-beat tempo, and a variety of great vocalists, the Vosbikian Band has become most notable for its legendary “Big Band” instrumental sound of Armenian music. The Vosbikian Band is dedicated to promoting and cultivating Armenian music in the Armenian communities of the United States. Now celebrating its 69th year with fourth generation members joining in, the Vosbikians promise to provide an incredibly fun night to remember.
Sunday Night Hook-Up and Thursday Night AYF Party: Artsakh Band
Sunday night’s hookup features the Artsakh Band, an up-and-coming local band from Philadelphia. The band’s repertoire focuses on performing traditional and contemporary songs in the modern Armenian pop context. The group performed at last year’s Friday Night AYF Dance and is excited to make an appearance both at the Sunday Night Hookup and the Thursday night event at the Field House.
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