ANC-WR, Viza team up for human rights drive

PanARMENIAN.Net - Socially-conscious rock band Viza will team up with the Armenian National Committee – Western Region for its Saturday, October 22 show at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, Asbarez reported.

The ANCA-WR and other human rights organizations have worked with Viza in the past to raise awareness and promote understanding of various issues, including Armenian Genocide recognition, feeding the homeless and providing assistance to orphans and disadvantaged youth internationally.

A robust act whose music is a blend of rock and eastern melodies sourced from the oud, duduk and dmbek, Viza is considered to be one of the biggest locally-grown acts in Los Angeles. Even though the band calls L.A. home, it has taken its unique music coast to coast and worldwide, continuously touring throughout the United States and Europe.

The ANCA-WR has, in the past, teamed up with Grammy-Award winning hard rock band System of a Down, among others, to promote the cause of justice for the Armenian Genocide. It may not come as a surprise, then, that the two activist rock bands not only have a similar outlook on social justice – as they also share the stage: Viza opened for System of a Down front-man Serj Tankian throughout Europe during the summer of 2010.

“As an artist and an activist, it’s important to stay vigilant about issues that matter to us as citizens of good conscience,” stated ANCA-WR Chairman and VIZA member Andrew Kzirian.

Viza performs annually at the “Silence the Lies, Rock the Truth” concert in Los Angeles. The show’s purpose is to remember the martyrs of the Armenian Genocide and speak out against crimes against humanity through art and music. As a result of championing human rights and other worthwhile causes, Viza has led the L.A. music scene in drawing attention to globally important issues.

Viza bassist Alexan Khatcherian concurs: “We believe that if we can use our music to expose or reinforce a message to our fans and supporters, we should do it and because we believe in the ANCA and its cause – the synergies are already there.”