Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Photo: Meher Kourouyan
Careen Derkalousdian
Staff Writer
“It’s a great event to bring the Armenian community together,” said Kef Time guest Alicia Minasian. “It represents our heritage, and we are so proud of it!”
On Saturday, January 25, 2025, the highly anticipated Kef Time Fresno IV took place at the Holy Trinity Armenian Church Social Hall. Featuring the Kef Time Legacy Band, this event was complete with live music, dinner, and folk dancing. Tickets sold out fast, and there was a record-high attendance of 435 guests, warranting a planned expansion of the venue for next year!
With its lively atmosphere and talented musicians, it’s no wonder that hundreds of guests flocked from across California and the United States to experience the splendor of Kef Time. The band features the vocals of the Hagopian brothers – Philip on oud and Andrew on doumbek –alongside three exceptionally talented musicians: Michael Kamalian from Wisconsin on clarinet, Mal Barsamian from Massachusetts on guitar, and Jim Karagozian from Fresno on kanun.
Upon entering the venue, one could see friends and family enjoying a meal together, excited about the music and dancing that awaited. There were radiant, beaming faces all around as laughter and chatter echoed throughout the hall. “Kef Time” is a place where old friends reconnect and where new friends meet. It is a place where Armenians from all backgrounds and generations can unite in song and (mostly) synchronous dance.
As soon as the band started playing, guests were eager to hit the dance floor! A regular “Kef Time” attendee, Zaroohi Der Mugrdechian, often leads the shoorchbars (line dances) and teaches the dance steps to those around her. Like a chain reaction, guests gradually pick up the steps and pass them on to their fellow dancers, creating a supportive atmosphere of community. Especially meaningful is seeing the Armenian youth eager to learn new dances and immerse themselves in the traditions of their culture, highlighting their appreciation for their heritage.
“I love seeing our whole community from all over the United States come together to have fun, celebrate our heritage, and enjoy one another!” remarked “Kef Time” attendee Morgan Marashian.
Later in the evening, the “Kef Time Legacy” band paid tribute to the late Buddy Sarkissian, esteemed percussionist and founding member of the original “Kef Time Band.” The Legacy band celebrated Buddy’s 100th birthday, performing the song “Drumsalero” in his honor. The song was composed by Fred Elias to highlight Buddy’s talent, and Buddy’s drum was featured onstage for the duration of the dance. His daughter, Teena Sarkissian, was present at “Kef Time” and was deeply moved by the band’s honoring of her father’s accomplishments.
As the evening drew on, there was never a dull moment on the dance floor. Andrew Hagopian’s drum solos were a crowd-favorite, fueling the energy of dancers and mesmerizing guests! The audience cheered and clapped along to the infectious beat.
When the traditional Armenian song “Tamzara” began, guests knew just what to do and eagerly partnered up. This simple yet fun dance consists of skipping to your partner and clapping their hands twice, before switching sides and clapping again. Other dances were more complex, requiring just as much brain power as muscle memory. There is nothing quite like the eureka moment when the dance finally clicks, and you can lift up your eyes from your feet as the steps become like second nature.
Each song was someone’s favorite, having different meaning to everyone. The melodies have the power to remind us of home and stir up fond memories. They reflect the resilience of an entire race.
“We are celebrating our culture and who we are as a people and a nation,” said “Kef Time” guest Sofie Yergat.
Everyone can agree that Kef Time’s significance runs deep. Walk into the social hall and at first glance, you see a lively dance floor. Look deeper, and you find at the heart of “Kef Time” the preservation of an entire culture – a testament that thousands of miles from the homeland, there is a community keeping its traditions alive. Whether you are eager to connect with your Armenian roots or looking for an excuse to bust a move, there is one thing left to do: put Kef Time Fresno V on your bucket list!