Under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, the 8th Annual Summer Night Dinner Under the Stars at the Turpanjian Plaza was held on Thursday, August 22, 2019. The event was attended by the Diocesan Primate, Archpriest Father Manoug Markarian Parish priest St. John Armenian Church of Hollywood and 300 guests.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Honorable Amy Ashvanian, Superior Court Judge of Los Angeles County. Mr. Jarod De Gonia, from the Office of LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger was also in attendance.

Diocesan Committee chairs from present at the event were Lily Balian, Chair of Protocol Committee, Alice Chakrian, Chair of Agape Circle and the Scholarship Fund Committee, Silvana Vartanian Chair of Nerouj Network, Dn. Hagop Zerunyan former Chair of Khachadourian Choir and Dr. Vahram Biricik, former Chair of the Stewardship Committee.

Hampig Sinanian Chair of AGBU Asbeds, Hrant Vartzbedian, Chair of Office of Communication, from AGBU Western District, Shoghig Vartzbedian AGBU Chair of AGBU Pasadena Young Ladies Committee, Mark Kosker, Chair of Organization of Istanbul Armenians, and Marale Anjargolian, Chair of Iraqi Armenians of Los Angeles were among representatives of Armenian organizations who were in attendance.

Welcoming remarks was addressed by Araxie Boyamian, Chair of St. Leon Armenian Cathedral Ladies Guild who welcomed the guests and said "Tonight's Gathering is a Musical Tribute to Artist Istanbul born renowned singer Sibil who shaped a new style, and opened a new door of hope to the Armenian music in the Diaspora for the future generation." She added that Sibil is recipient of many Awards namely: “Magical Voice at the Armenian Music Awards in Moscow, “Armenian Music Ambassador Award” in Yerevan for her efforts in spreading and preserving Armenian song. She was among the celebrities who received “Best Singer in the Diaspora Award” at “World Armenian Entertainment Award” in Aqua Caliente in California. During her musical album presentation “LOVE” at Moscow Cinema in Yerevan Sibil received “Gomidas Medal “from the Minister of Diaspora. Also she is granted “The Gold Medal” of the Mayor of Yerevan for her contribution to the dissemination of Armenian music and for her charities in Armenia. Finally but not least in 2015 she was awarded with the “Medal of Gratitude” for her participation and contribution to Pan Armenian games.

Araxie Boyamian thanked the members of the Ladies Guild for their commitment, dedication and pride in making this event a successful one. She also thanked all donors, and sponsors especially Mrs. Sybille Aprahamian who always supports Cathedral's Guild events. Boyamian then invited the Primate to deliver his words of appreciation.

His Eminence congratulated the honoree, wishing her continued success in preserving the Armenian culture.

A Certificate of Recognition was presented to Sibil for her contribution to Armenian culture through her gift of music. On behalf of Supervisor Kathryn Barger, A certificate of recognition was also presented to the performer by Jarod Di Gonia, after which the honoree joined the Primate and Cathedral’s Guild in cutting the commemorative cake.

Popular singer Arthur Hakobyan (Mister X), and saxophonist David Petrosyan were also presented with certificates of recognition for their volunteer participation in the “Summer Night at the Turpanjian Plaza” musical tribute.

Under the direction of Lou Varoujan the musical Director, the honoree Sibil enthralled the audience with popular songs. The attendants enjoyed the atmosphere, the beautiful setting, the plaza lighting donated by Eric and Mari Garabedian, the dinner catered by Ritz Celebration, and cheese and charcuterie table provided by Salpi Mankerian and Karine Haitayan. The audience returned home culturally enriched. 

The evening's honoree Sibil received a painting of a self-portrait offered by Rouben Gallery and 18K Michael Aram Gold cross offered by St. Leon Armenian Cathedral Ladies Guild members.

Proceeds from the event benefited the Stewardship Program of the Western Diocese.