Kef Time Fresno II Draws Hundreds to Enjoy Traditional Armenian Music

Natalie Agazarian
Editor

“The sound of the music, the lights, the atmosphere… you find yourself singing along to every word, dancing with the people around you. Other times, you are just standing in awe, taking it all in. It’s a feeling of being completely immersed in the moment, and nothing else matters except the music and the experience,” said Michael Mazman, former president of the Fresno State Armenian Students Organization.

After the success of its revival last year, “Kef Time Fresno II” was “back by popular demand” this year on Saturday, January 28, 2023. Word spread quickly after last year’s event, and the Kef Time Legacy Band partnered with the Triple X Armenian Fraternity to host “Kef Time SoCal” in September of 2022. This year, “Kef Time Fresno II” sold out in less than a week. It was organized by the Kef Time Productions Committee and held at Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church.

“On behalf of the Kef Time Productions Committee, it is personally rewarding and a pleasure to organize this event that serves to bring the Fresno Armenian community together and to preserve the music of our ancestors,” said Andrew Hagopian.

The Kef Time Production Committee also gives back to the community, as proceeds of the evening were donated to the Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State.

The dinner and dance were attended by Armenian community members from Northern and Southern California, the Central Valley, and the East Coast. Younger and older generations joined together for an evening of pure bliss – dancing side by side, enjoying a classic kebab dinner, listening to traditional Armenian folk music, and laughing among family and friends.

It certainly was and continues to be a popular event – this year with over 400 people in attendance.

A memorabilia “Kef Time II” shirt, depicting the Fresno community, was sold at the dance and the net proceeds were donated to the Armenian Studies Program.

“It was nice to see the younger generation enjoying the old traditional music,” said Hagop and Silva Arikian. “It brought back a lot of memories from when our parents used to listen to those songs, and it was nice seeing a young band bringing back the songs we don’t hear that often anymore.”

“I love that I can get together with other Armenians who share a love for their culture,” said Vartouhi Kevranian from San Francisco.

“I love the sense of community Fresno gives me and how spending time with other Armenians makes me feel at home.”

The event truly embodies the characteristics of the Armenian people: hospitable and friendly, coupled with a deep-rooted appreciation for the culture. The Fresno Armenian community was established in the early 1880’s, and has since expanded to consist of churches, cultural centers, museums, and regular events. These establishments and recurring events in Fresno are major contributors in upholding the Armenian identity, and “Kef Time Fresno” serves to do just that.

“The Armenians in Fresno have always been very welcoming and appreciate me for being more than just a musician, and that’s what really matters to me,” said Kef Time Legacy band member Michael Kamalian.

Kamalian travels from Wisconsin least annually to join his friends on stage for a night of music-making and memories.

“What I love about performing in Fresno is that I know the community on a personal level. I have met so many people and have created friendships in the community,” said Kamalian.

The “Kef Time Legacy Band” members are: Phillip Hagopian on the oud and vocals, Michael Kamalian on clarinet, Andrew Hagopian on percussion, Mal Barsamian on guitar, and Jim Karagozian on kanun.

“I enjoy working with my fellow musicians on stage, entertaining our community leaders, family, and friends,” said Andrew Hagopian.

“To look out into the crowd and see a group of Armenians coming together in unity, holding pinkies and line dancing, is a wonderful feeling.”

“Kef Time Fresno” helps to encourage the maintenance of culture in the Fresno Armenian community through its exhilarating appeal.

It shows the support Armenians have for one another within the community, and how the music unifies Armenians of all ages and backgrounds.

“Personally, dancing was my favorite part. It was cool to see everyone dancing together and being a part of that. I think ‘Kef Time’ is a great way to bring the Armenian community together and strengthen bonds between all of us through our culture,” said Clovis North student Anthony Zohrabian.

Beyond the allure ‘Kef Time’ has on its attendees, it also encourages young Armenian musicians to delve into the musical realm of their ancestors. “I started playing doumbek a few years ago, and it was through my exposure to Armenian folk music that I became interested in this instrument,” said Mazman.

The effect that events like “Kef Time Fresno II” have on the younger generations provides hope for the perseverance of Armenian culture.

Through creating friendships, listening to familiar melodies, learning dances, and inspiring the next generation of Armenians, “Kef Time Fresno II” is likely to become a reignited tradition in the Fresno Armenian community for years to come.