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On Thursday night, April 9, 2015, Ian Media and staff attended a very special event at ABRIL Bookstore in Glendale, CA.

Aligned with the national poetry month and the 100^th year anniversary of the Armenian Genocide (April 24, 1915), this literary treat exhibited a variety of short fiction, personal essays, poetry, spoken word, and music by new and familiar voices.

Aida Zilelian Reading from her novel “The Legacy of Lost Things” at Abril Bookstore, Glendale CA – Photo: Hugh Hamilton

New York based author of “The Legacy of Lost Things,” Aida Zilelian read excerpts of her new critically acclaimed novel which follows the intimate lives of a family of Armenian immigrants through generations as they settle in the U.S.

Born and raised in Kuwait, Anto (THE Wordsmith) Boghokian recited short stories (and a bit of a song) reflecting on Armenian survival in foreign lands in addition to an incredibly charming and entertaining take on getting to know a woman by knowing the types of shoes she might wear.

The lively Karineh Mehdessian was the Energizer bunny of this event, with the humorous approach to subjects of family, fathers-and-daughters, loss, and old-country longings in the first world.

New and familiar Armenian voices share short stories, essays and observations about Armenian culture and the Armenian-American experience in the U.S. – photo: Hugh Hamilton

Award winning poet, playwright, and storytelling observer of the Armenian-American experience (as we like to think of him), Shahe Mankerian’s short tribute to painter Arshile Gorky was both dark and touching. His observation on aging and Alzheimer in “The History of Forgetfulness” was just as memorable and poignant.

Lory Tatoulian, the award-winning comedic actress and playwright (“The Big Bad Armo Show”) injected her own brand of humor to the event, as Lori Bedikian shared a few of her own stories, all touching on the modern day Armenian experience in North America.

Attendees were also treated to a musical performance by Ara Dabandjian.

The event was produced by author, poet, essayist and literary beacon Conrad Romo who has his own impressive resume you must check out by clicking HERE.

CLICK HERE for ABRIL Bookstores official website.