Ara Dinkjian - The Golden Age of Armenian-American Band Music

Produced by AGBU WebTalks
www.agbuwebtalks.org
Photos provided in part courtesy of Project Save
www.projectsave.org/
Master oud player, musician, and composer Ara Dinkjian takes us on a nostalgic journey to uncover the roots and evolution of the distinctively Armenian-American folk music bands in the United States. During the dynamic period of resettlement of Genocide survivors in America, these musicians produced a unique sound that blended “old-country” standards and American influences that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. For those who came of age to the soundtrack of musical giants like the Vosbikians, George Mgrditchian, Richard Hagopian, Harry Minassian, Onnik Dinkjian and Johnny Berberian, to name but a few, Dinkjian offers fascinating facts and insights about how the legacy of this golden age of Armenian-American music continues to define the Armenian identity across generations.

[@nicogetz]

Thank you, Ara-- you have done so much to preserve, spread, and keep alive the beautiful musical traditions of Armenia -- the Armenian community and indeed the world in general owes you a great debt. ❤

[@Eglinton-ug1ku]

Հայ, Հայաստան, հայրենիք և Աստված.

[@emmaeskandari3922]

Շնորհակալ

[@RubenTonikyan]

Thank you! Very interesting video. Ապրես Արա

[@peterdorian1183]

Absolutely wonderful review and development of Armenian American music. Thank you Ara

[@raffinicoghosian8699]

Phenomenal documentary. Thank you Ara.

[@MarkGavoor]

Awesome... thank you Ara and the AGBU

[@ericn.peterson8570]

Fantastic piece. I grew up hearing a lot of this music in my house. I went to Armenian Sunday school in Watertown, Massachusetts, and attended many Armenian picnics as a child. There were always, bands playing this music, and my mom was friends with many of the local musicians. Artie Barsamian was real popular, as well as Eddie Mekjian. Wonderful music.

[@vikmomjian]

Bravo Ara, and THANK YOU 🙏

[@PeopleOfArarat]

Apris Ara!!!

[@gregssoundroom5394]

Great Video Ara !

[@donmarley69]

Amazing! Looking for a Part 2, 3, 4. Can hear Ara speak about this for hours.

[@benzies123]

Nice one!

[@ednaantonian8369]

This information needs to go back to the old country. They need to hear this. Very fascinating. I wanted to hear more!

[@mariansinn]

Brilliant. Thank you

[@izigambash6525]

Strong story. 👍 I am glad Armenian music developed in the US and is not forgotten.

[@enginkaplan2317]

Amazing music shared by an amazing artist! Thank you 🙏 for this content!

[@aviktopchyan6465]

Thank you for this great insight, Maestro!

[@tiggy2121]

This is amazing! Thank you for all of the details us and sharing this amazing clip!

[@derhova]

🔥

[@zozojan89]

Powerful. Thanks for the video describing the history of American Armenian music and its evolution. Very interesting!

[@serdarsaydan]

Dear Ara Dinkjian, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. Bests 🙏🙏🙏

[@goharbadalyan4860]

Very good and sad History presentation . Many thanks you, Maestro. ( Tigranakert, Malatya, Erzrum ,Anatolia... I'm crying :(

[@harrybedrossian7528]

Wonderful History presentation by Ara

[@zoitsa2208]

❤❤❤

[@almas1847]

Thank you. 👌😊🇦🇲

🇦🇲 proud to be Armenian

[@peterdavidian4359]

Fascinating and very informative. Thanks

[@user-zb1xz1yu6e]

Առանց հայերենի հայոց երաժշտութիւնը կխեղուի․․․

[@toroscholakyan1505]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🇦🇲

[@dalilaheath6043]

Does anyone have the lyrics to hey tamara tamara, vardikit patchan gereva?

[@rafibaghdjian7212]

Many thanks Ara for such a wonderful explanation in your usual calm and clear manner!

[@Levon9404]

The bad thing is Armenian people, they were restricted under ottoman rule to protect their culture, thankfully Armenian people were able redirect them self fast when they had opportunity.