Schedule of Events
12:00 – Welcome. Words of wisdom by Fr. Yeghishe Ksachikyan
12:20 – Masis Isayan and Emily Sahakyan
12:30 – Karine Khurshudyan, piano
1:00 – Sofi May, vocals
2:00 – Arsen Sultanyan, saxophone
2:30 – Masis Isayan, vocals
3:30 – Welcome. Words of wisdom by Fr. Yeghishe Ksachikyan
3:50 – Masis Isayan and Emily Sahakyan
4:00 – Karine Khurshudyan, piano
4:30 – Zartonk Dance Academy
5:00 – Sofi May, vocals
5:30 – Arsen Sultanyan, saxophone
6:00 – Masis Isayan, vocals
6:30 – RAFFLE!
About the Artists and the Performers
Zartonk Dance Academy
The heritage of the Armenian dance has been considered one of the oldest and most varied of its kind. Out of the love for this heritage and the longing to keep it alive, Zartonk (meaning: awakening)
Dance Academy was born and established on November of 2012, by Armen and Gohar Mikayeliyans.
Today, Zartonk Dance Academy together with Shnorhali kids Choir serves as a cultural center for dance, music, and poetry and is home to over 60 talented students.
During the past six years, Zartonk Dance Academy has brought the Armenian heritage and culture to life for those who adore the language, music and beautiful movements of the Armenian dances. Zartonk has served by performing in cultural events and festivals in Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose, Turlock, and surrounding areas.
Masis Isayan
Masis Isayan was born in Etchmiadzin, Armenia, and received his education at Mesrop Mashtots School, followed by the Armenian Seminary of Jerusalem and the Gevorkian Theological Seminary. It was during his time at both seminaries that he discovered his love for Armenian Church and classical music. Masis received professional vocal training from renowned vocalists, including Varuzhan Margaryan, among others. Later on, he moved to Sacramento, CA, to continue his musical education and prepare for a career in music. His favorite genres include singing Armenian church hymns, classical pieces, and Armenian folk songs
Sofi May
Sofi May (Sofya Mayramyan) is a talented jazz vocalist native to Yerevan, Armenia.
Prior to relocating to Sacramento several years ago, Sofi graduated from Yerevan State College of Variety and Jazz Art and studied under Artur Grigoryan at the State Song Theater in Yerevan.
Her repertoire includes works by great American Jazz masters, as well as interpretations of songs in other languages. Her soothing voice is particularly delightful when she performs songs and compositions in Armenian.
Check the schedule for Sofi’s performance and do not miss this fantastic addition to the Sacramento Armenian Food Festival entertainment repertoire.
Arsen Sultanyan (Saxophone)
Arsen Sultanyan is a young musician who specializes in music production and playing the saxophone. Arsen has been involved with music since age 6 and started playing the saxophone at the age of 13. Before picking up the saxophone, Arsen had professional vocal education for 7 years. Even though saxophone is his favorite instrument to play, Arsen also plays the piano and the guitar.
Whenever he is not playing or practicing the saxophone, he is creating and arranging music at his recording studio.
Although a teenager, Arsen has managed to master the art of entertainment and knows hot to bring life to any party with his live music.
Karine Khurshudyan-Gevorgyan
Karine Khurshudyan-Gevorgyan is a professional musician.
She received her education at the Armenian Pedagogical University, named after Khachatur Abovyan, specializing as a music teacher and choir director.
Karine started her career as a piano teacher at a music school named after Ghazaros Saryan in her birthplace, the city of Ararat, Ararat region of Armenia. Then, for about six years, she taught music at a community school in the border town of Azatamut, Tavush region. Karine continued work in 2016-2023 at her home school – primary school No. 4 in Ararat. While working as a music teacher, she also led the school’s four-part choir. Karine believes that the work of a choir director, although very difficult and responsible, is also fascinating because you teach your students to listen to each other, the magic of harmony, and the art of creating beauty in the world.
Today, Karine works at Saint James Armenian Church’s Saturday School in Sacramento and dreams of conveying cultural and high human qualities through music to the students.
Emily Sahakyan
Emily Sahakyan is a high school senior with a strong background in singing and club volleyball.
Her 11+ years of choir experience include solo performances, three national honor choirs at the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and performances at the Oregon Bach Festival in 2022 and 2023 with the Stangeland Family Youth Choral Academy.
In addition to her musical talents, Emily plays club volleyball for the past five years as an outside and opposite hitter while studying sports medicine.
Her diverse interests span music, sports, and creativity, making her a well-rounded and ambitious individual as she approaches high school graduation.
Vrej Davtian
Vrej Davtian is a college graduate with a background in Computer Science & Engineering.
He has been an active member of the St. James Armenian Apostolic Church since 2012, where he has been able to hone his public speaking and presentation skills and serve as a subdeacon. During his service at the church, Vrej has had the opportunity to present at multiple Armenian cultural events, including giving an opening speech for the 44-Day War March held at the State Capitol.
He has emceed for the Sacramento Armenian Food Festival since 2018, where he celebrates his cultural heritage, savors the flavors of Armenia, and creates lasting memories at the Food Festival.