“We are proud of the success Sebu has achieved and will continue to cheer him on as he advances his place in the music industry,” said Ara Khachatourian, chairman of the ANCA Grassroots committee. “We are also very excited about having Sebu on the ‘Arts & Film’ panel this year and are eager to hear his thoughts about activism through the arts.”

Simonian’s latest project Capital Cities released their debut album In A Tidal Wave of Mystery on Capitol Records / Lazy Hooks this year, with platinum selling lead single “Safe and Sound” climbing the charts worldwide and earning a Video Music Award. The band has toured North America, South America, Europe and Asia all the while hosting and participating in charity performances to promote awareness about the Armenian Genocide.

Born in Syria to Armenian parents, Sebu began studying piano and voice at a young age and received a degree in music from California State University, Northridge. He formed his first band at the age of 15 playing mostly Pink Floyd covers. He began producing from his bedroom at the age of 16 and later from his music studio in Burbank. In the late 90s Sebu was an editorial assistant at Asbarez English Section.

The successful ANCA Grassroots Conference will return on Thanksgiving Weekend, this time in the heart of Hollywood at Loews Hotel. The event bring together academicians, artists, historians, legal experts and political officials who will make presentations about varied topics regarding the myriad aspects of the pursuit of Hay Tahd.

The conference is open to the community, but requires registration. Register now by visitingitsmyseat.com/ancawr or by calling 818.500.1918. To obtain updates on the conference, like the ANCA Western Region Facebook page at facebook.com/ANCAWesternRegion or visit ancawr.org.

The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.