The Armenian Youth Federaton Crescenta Valley “Zartonk” Chapter’s annual Open Mic Night will be held this Sunday, March 2, at 6:30 p.m. at the Crescenta Valley Armenian Center located at 2633 Honolulu Ave., Montrose, CA 91020.

This community event aims to present talented artists, dancers, writers, actors, and comedians in an intimate and vibrant environment where they can showcase and perform their work. Community members over the age of 16 are encouraged to attend and perform.

Last year’s Open Mic Night had over 20 performers and artists. This year, the “Zartonk” Chapter is happy to announce a total of 30 confirmed performers and artists. The chapter is excited to showcase new individuals eager to share their talents with the community.

For any questions, or if you would like to perform, please contact zartonk@ayfwest.org.

For the tenth consecutive year running, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) is mobilizing youth throughout California for a massive one-day effort to beautify the streets of Little Armenia in Hollywood.

On March 8, the 10^th Annual Little Armenia Beatification Project (LABP) will kick off in the courtyard of the Rose and Alex Pilibos High School on Saturday morning, where there will be a festival. Hundreds of volunteers are expected to partake in this year’s project.

The event, organized by the AYF Hollywood “Musa Dagh” Chapter and the Hollywood chapter of the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), helps revitalize the streets of this densely populated district of East Los Angeles. The AYF took on the project after the official designation of “Little Armenia,” as it is home to more Armenian-Americans than any other city in America.

“Many of us, whether we live in Hollywood or not, view this area as our home away from home,” says Lori Tashdjian, a member of the Hollywood chapter. “We organize this event each year because it is our responsibility to make sure it is a clean and beautiful place to live.”

For many years, former Los Angeles City Councilmember and current Mayor Eric Garcetti and California State Senator Kevin de Leon have been avid supporters of LABP. Over the past 10 years, according to Los Angeles Sanitation Department estimates, the Project has resulted in the collection of more than 40,000 pounds of trash. This year, through the office of L.A. City Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, the city will once again be donating supplies including rakes, brooms, shovels and garbage bags.

As this is the 10^th anniversary of the project, organizers are looking to increase its magnitude and aim to attracting hundreds of members of the Hollywood community. “We wanted to expand the project this year, as it is the tenth anniversary of LABP,” said “Musa Dagh” Chairperson Maria Maadanian. “For the first time ever, there will be a festival held in the courtyard for the entire Hollywood community featuring tasty foods, fun games for children and various musical and cultural performances.”

In an effort to continue to growth and reach of LABP, the AYF has also teamed up with the East Hollywood Neighborhood Council, the Rotary Club of Thai Town and the Thai Community Development Center. In addition, the AYF has chosen to make the official color of the event purple in solidarity with International Women’s Day, which also falls on March 8.

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.

Los Angeles, CA – 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 of genocide prevention and education through the 5^th 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 4 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, 2013 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,” states 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,” states 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 www.silencethelies.com.

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.