St. Mark's Armenian Festival, Springfield, Massachusetts

Deciding which old favorites to play next are Armenian musicians ( l. to r.)  Dave Ansbigian - guitar; Joe Sarkisian - dumbeg & vocals; Bob Raphalian - oud; Leon Janikian - clarinet

           

Arriving later than she would have liked, Marash Girl spent most of yesterday afternoon at St. Mark's Annual Festival, dancing barefoot on the grass to the Armenian music of Leon Janikian, clarinet; Dave Ansbigian, guitar; Joe Sarkisian, dumbeg & vocals; Bob Raphalian. oud. Old country Armenian songs (and the newer  "Catskillin Jampah" played at the request and to the great amusement of the dancers) delighted hundreds of folks from all over the Springfield area (and from all over the world), folks visiting one another as they feasted on shish kebab, pilaf, salad, and home made Armenian pastries.

Folks of all ages enjoyed the festivities!

Waving a white handkerchief,  Haig Rakijian leads
 the ladies in the ancient steps of the traditional Armenian "bar".  Photo by Marash Boy

So taken by the Festival was the rain that it awaited the end of the picnic before displaying its down-pouring powers!