Los Angeles to host Silence the Lies, Rock the Truth concert

PanARMENIAN.Net - As the Armenian Diaspora and human rights activists from around the world prepare for the 99th Anniversary Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, Angelenos will join community artists to raise awareness of genocide prevention and education through the 6th annual Silence the Lies, Rock the Truth concert, Asbarez reports.

This year’s concert will take place on April 24 at the Mayan Theater in Downtown Los Angeles. “This is the 99th year of denial of the Armenian Genocide,” stated Viza oud player Andrew Kzirian.

“We’ve worked for several years to do something special and different on April 24, and this year we will be again teaming up with our community’s stakeholders to let the world know that we stand united on this issue,” he added.

Silence the Lies, Rock the Truth! is a social justice concert dedicated to raising awareness of the Armenian Genocide. For the past 5 years, socially conscious artists in the Los Angeles area have come together to work with the community through music, activism and commemoration. Viza, Chameleon Conductor, Armenian Public Radio and several others will take the stage on April 24, 2014 at the El Rey Theatre as the arts will inspire the need for recognition and contrition through a uniquely powerful performance that will indeed Silence the Lies and Rock the Truth.

Various community organizations like the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region, Armenian Youth Federation – Western Region, and UCLA Alpha Gamma Alpha are teaming up with these artists to make for a high impact show.

“April 24, 1915 marked the beginning of a plan to exterminate an entire race; a genocide that is denied to this day. Not only are we fighting for genocide recognition, but also for the continuation of our culture and heritage that we fought to preserve, stated AYF Commemoration Committee Chair Lori Tashdjian. “’Silence the Lies, Rock the Truth’ highlights our beautiful culture and resilience. Through programs such as the AYF Youth Corps, Armenian youth are given the opportunity to travel to our beautiful homeland, experience working with the children there, and take part in the activism that shows the futility of the Young Turks plan. We will persevere to reach our goals of recognition, restitution, and reparations,” she added.

“Organizations like the AYF and ANC do a tremendous job of helping society become more aware and involved in contemporary issues that impact the concerns and interests of the community,” Kzirian added. Kzirian has served as Chairman of the AYF Central Executive in the Eastern United States and Executive Director and Chairman of the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region.

This year, proceeds from the concert will be donated to two needy organizational projects. The Armenian Youth Federation’s Youth Corps 6-week program provides a memorable and productive opportunity for youth to establish and strengthen ties with the homeland, consisting of 4 weeks of volunteer work and 2 weeks of touring. Beginning in 1994, volunteers first came to the Nagorno Karabakh Republic to help rebuild war-torn villages after the cease fire. In 2008, the AYF opened a summer camp in Gyumri, Armenia’s second largest city, and continued to empower Diaspora Armenians with more direct roles in nation-building. This is a chance for some to make a direct impact on the lives of Gyumri’s most impoverished children and families.