The featured musicians are all Armenians with a passion for that classic Kef sound.  While they typically perform together as a group, they may also be seen working with other noteable musicians.

from left to right...

MICHAEL GOSTANIAN
vocals, kanun, & bass

Residing in Queens, New York, Michael is a talented vocalist, kanun player, and bassist.  He is fluent in various Armenian dialects and performs songs in various languages with striking realism and character.   Michael began studying his first instrument, the bass, in high school during which time he built a strong musical foundation.  It was at this point that he also began singing with local Middle Eastern bands.  In his college years, he took up the kanun and soon began playing beautiful leads and harmonies to accompany his vocals. Today, Mike is recognized as one of the more versatile performers of his generation.

SEVAN SIMONIAN
guitar & keyboard

Located in Emerson, NJ, Sevan is a classically trained pianist who has recently begun to explore the guitar.  He played piano by ear at age five, mimicking the Armenian melodies his father played on the oud.  A year later Sevan began a formal study of classical piano which spanned a twelve year period.  During this time, he continued to expand his Middle Eastern repertoire and develop his own unique style for adapting such music to the piano.  In college, Sevan started playing keyboard bass lines and rhythm with other Middle Eastern musicians, learning to add punch and color to the mix without cluttering it.  Today, Sevan continues to "hold down the bottom end" on the guitar for a more classic sound.

HAIG BUCHAKJIAN
oud

Haig began his career in music at a young age studying guitar.  In his early teens he discovered his passion when he received his first oud as a gift from his parents.  He quickly taught himself the basics and began forming relationships with other musicians including many of his uncles.  Over the years Haig has received much guidance and inspiration from those relationships.  Today, Haig continues to hone his technique and expand his repertoire by studying the work of Middle Eastern musicians the world over.

CHRISTOPHER VOSBIKIAN
dumbeg & keyboard

Born and raised in the Philadelphia suburbs, Chistopher comes from a long line of talented musicians.  His father and uncles play in the famous Vosbikian band, and Chris has been surrounded by Middle Eastern music and culture all his life.  He studied percussion and piano throughout his teenage years and has won various New Jersey state drumming competitions. Now in his early twenties, Christopher is recognized as one of the hottest young dumbeg players in the East.  His speed and precision, combined with his charisma on stage, make him a constant crowd pleaser.

DAVID HOPLAMAZIAN
violin, oud, & guitar

A Philadelphia native, David is best known for his passionate, rip roaring playing style.  The violin was his first instrument, and Dave studied the classics for years as a youngster. In time, he branched out to guitar and eventually the oud under the guidance of his father, oud player (and maker) Jack Hoplamazian.  Drawing upon his father's experience and extensive music library, David has developed a vast repertoire and an incredible ear for music.  Today, David's remarkable technique and distinctive sound have earned him the respect of vetran kef musicians nationwide.