Karen S. Kim
DOWNTOWN -- Glendale's Armenian Cultural Foundation is always coming
up with a different way to celebrate Armenian Independence Day, whether
it be through a picnic, dance performances, speeches or poetry readings.
This year, the organization opted for a musical event at The Alex
Theatre on Tuesday night to recognize Armenia's 84th anniversary of
independence.
Armenia gained its independence from the Ottoman Empire between 1918
and 1920 after Turkish forces killed 1.5 million Armenians during the
Armenian Genocide. In 1991, Armenia celebrated independence again, this
time from the Soviet Union.
The event will include singers and traditional Armenian folk musicians
from all over the world that have volunteered to play for the
celebration, Manoukian said. A historical slide show and other visual
aids will serve as a backdrop for the music.
In addition, the Glendale High School Choir will perform the American
and Armenian national anthems during the show.
"It shows the Glendale community that with all of our diversity, as
Glendalians, we can all be one," Manoukian said, adding that the
foundation is also hoping to reach out to Armenian youth through
Tuesday's program.
"We really want to relay the message to our youth that we have to
remember our past in order to build our future," she said.
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: Armenian Independence Day celebration
WHEN: 8 p.m. Tuesday and on Charter Communications Channel 55 next
week
WHERE: The Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd.
COST: Free
OFFERS: Music dedicated to Armenia.
