Armenian culture, cuisine to be showcased at Watertown fest

PanARMENIAN.Net - The third annual Boston Kermesse Armenian Festival will be held in Watertown from July 20 to 22 at the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center (ACEC) and will showcase Armenian culture and cuisine - with live music by internationally renowned musicians, art exhibits from local artists, traditional Armenian food, and gourmet tastings from local food vendors, the Armenian Weekly reported.

Last year, the open-air festival attracted over 5,000 guests from the Greater Boston area and beyond, raising proceeds to benefit the ACEC, a non-profit organization tasked with sustaining and nourishing Armenian culture and education through the community center.

This year, the event will feature performers Harout Pamboukjian, Arman Hovhannisyan, the John Berberian Ensemble featuring Onnik Dinkjian, the Arev Armenian Folk Ensemble, the Karen Kocharyan Quartet featuring Jerry Bergonzi, and Classic Groove. Festival-goers will be able to experience authentic Armenian cuisine with cooking demonstrations from local chefs including Ani Catering & Takeout and Armenian Market Bakery, and shop the latest collections of bangles and necklaces from Alex and Ani Jewelry.

New York Times best-selling author Chris Bohjalian will be signing copies of his newly-released epic novel “The Sandcastle Girls” on Saturday, July 21, at the Hairenik Bookstore stand.