SILENCE THE LIES! ROCK THE TRUTH IS BACK FOR 5TH YEAR
Tuesday, April 16th, 2013
Silence the Lies! Rock the Truth V will take place on April 24
April 24 concert to raise awareness about Genocide prevention and
education
LOS ANGELES-As the Armenian Diaspora and human rights activists from
around the world prepare for the annual commemoration of the Armenian
Genocide, Angelinos will join community artists to raise awareness
about genocide prevention and education through the 5th annual Silence
the Lies, Rock the Truth concert.
Silence the Lies, Rock the Truth is a social justice concert
dedicated to raising awareness of the Armenian Genocide. For the
past four years, socially conscious artists in the Los Angeles area
have come together to work with the community through music, activism
and commemoration. Viza, Hotel Sleep, Blackmore, The Dirty Diamond,
Hooshere, Ayline, Heibert, String Harmonies and Bei Ru will take the
stage on April 24, 2011 at the El Rey Theatre as the arts will inspire
the need for recognition and contribution through a uniquely powerful
performance that will indeed Silence the Lies and Rock the Truth.
“This is a really special concert,” stated Viza and String Harmonies
oud-player Andrew Kzirian, who is also a long-tenured AYF alumnus the
AYF Eastern USA. “Over the past several years, we’ve really worked
hard to bring the community and a host of organizations together
with artists to create a positive atmosphere of commemoration and
celebration. Through this unity and solidarity we spread a message
about the importance of ending denial of the Armenian Genocide,
while contributing to needy charities.”
Various community organizations, such as the Armenian National
Committee of America – Western Region, Armenian Youth Federation –
Western Region, AGBU GenNEXT and Alpha Gamma Alpha, are teaming up
with these artists in order to set the stage for a high-impact show.
“As youth of the diaspora, and as active members of a modern and
forward-thinking global society, we regard Silence The Lies as
a strong means of engaging our cause-the cause of all people who
believe in human rights-and bringing it to life for the community at
large to witness and take part in,” stated AYF-WR Executive Director
Stepan Keshishian. ANCA-WR Executive Director, William Bairamian,
describes the event as “a one-of-a-kind show, combining art, activism,
and commemoration into a concert which brings together people of all
stripes to remember the Armenian Genocide and celebrate the rebirth
of the Armenian nation after it.”
This year, proceeds from the concert will be donated to the AYF Youth
Corps Program, and to the Orran Charity. AYF Youth Corps is a program
through which Diasporan Armenian youth volunteers are able to have
a lasting impact on the development of Armenia, through teaching
and engaging its youth, many of whom are underprivileged and devoid
of such learning opportunities. Over the last century, Armenians
have experienced near-extinction through genocide, a devastating
earthquake, a full-scale war for the liberation of Armenian territories
and peoples, a current economic blockade on the east and west, and
countless other hardships. In a climate of such immense difficulty
and need, AYF Youth Corps has proven to be a means through which we
can all help rebuild the shattered lives and ancient heritage of the
global Armenian community. The Orran Charity provides vital support
and assistance to needy Armenian children in Yerevan.
Established in 2000, Orran, which means “haven” in Armenian, works to
decrease the disparity between the needs of at-risk groups and the
availability of essential services. Orran provides food services,
academic assistance, cultural enrichment opportunities and medical,
psychological and social services for vulnerable communities in
central Yerevan.
Silence the Lies, Rock the Truth will be co-hosted by community
activists, Vache Thomassian and Arek Santikian. Thomassian is an AYF
alumnus, a lawyer, and a student at Columbia University. Santikian is
the current chairperson of the Hollywood AYF chapter, and a UCLA ASA
alumnus. Both have an extensive portfolio of community involvement,
and are excited to host this year’s event.
The artists and organizations involved with this special concert
would like to encourage everyone in the community to participate
in an event that will provide incredible talent and entertainment,
but will also benefit those in need. For more information and tickets
please visit
Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation is the largest and most
influential Armenian American youth organization in the United States,
working to advance the social, political, educational and cultural
awareness of Armenian-American youth.