Viza advocates several issues of concern to the community
LOS ANGELES—Socially-conscious rock band Viza will team up with the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region for its Saturday, October 22 show at the Troubadour in West Hollywood.
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.
At the forefront of political activism in the Armenian American community, the ANCA-WR is no stranger to promoting the respect for human rights and justice through the arts, and particularly music. 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. “The organization and community are proud to join forces with Viza, as we have with others in the past, to promote a common cause – projecting positive messages of social justice and change through art,” he added. “Voter registration is supremely important to participating in our form of government – and this upcoming show will offer concertgoers the chance to sign up and get involved,” he remarked.
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.”
The show will be at the Troubadour (9081 Santa Monica Boulevard) in West Hollywood on October 22 at 10:30 p.m. Tickets for the concert are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. For more information please visit the band’s Web site.
