Viza to perform special show with Armenian ensemble in Boston

The Los Angeles-based Viza is organizing a special show in Boston, the group has said in a recent news release.

The performance will be hosted at Boston’s ACEC on Friday, May 13, 2011. While Viza is in the midst of recording its highly anticipated album "Carnivalia" at Frank Zappa’s Utility Muffin Research Kitchen studios in Hollywood, the band is looking forward to upcoming shows across the US and Europe.

“The band is super excited about what’s in store for 2011,” stated Viza member Andrew Kzirian. “Ever since our return from our international tour last summer, we have been super motivated to write new music, grow as a group and continue connecting with fans,” he added.

Viza will perform with the Arev Ensemble, a project dedicated to incorporating both traditional folk and contemporary instruments. The Arev Ensemble has received much acclaim for bringing their unique interpretations to audiences throughout North America. This Boston performance will precede Viza’s show the following day (Saturday, May 14) in New York City at the Highline Ballroom in Manhattan.

“The combination of Arev Ensemble’s traditional folk interpretations of music, and Viza’s modern fusion of international influences with rock, is a beautiful irony of how Armenian Diasporan artists represent music. As artists we need to continue to support and inspire each other. We are excited about sharing the stage with Viza!” commented Arev Ensemble vocalist Ani Zargarian.

“Carnivalia” is set for release in June of 2011, and Viza’s trip east takes place against the backdrop of upcoming dates in Europe this summer. Viza opened for System of a Down frontman Serj Tankian’s “Imperfect Harmonies” tour in Europe during the Summer of 2010 and will return for festival dates this summer and beyond into 2011.

Aside from a busy international touring schedule, Viza also expresses its art in support of humanitarian problems. Viza’s work in raising awareness of genocide prevention, feeding the homeless, and aiding orphans and social service centers is well documented, including coverage in the Los Angeles Times. On April 24, 2011, Viza will headline “Silence the Lies, Rock the Truth III”, a concert in Los Angeles dedicated to commemorating the Armenian Genocide and assisting the needy in Armenia.

“We believe in working with the community,” noted Kzirian. “We are artists and individuals but we are also citizens of good conscience – we want to do what we can to have our voice heard on issues that matter to us as a group,” he remarked.