Araksya Amirkhanyan is a renowned Armenian folk and pop singer, vocal coach, and music educator. Her music blends traditional Armenian sounds with contemporary pop, creating a unique and soulful style. Known for songs like “Qezanic Mas Chunim” and “Dun Im Musan Es,” Araksya has become a prominent voice in preserving Armenian musical culture. She was also one of the soloists of the internationally acclaimed Kohar Symphonic Orchestra, performing on prestigious stages around the world. Araksya graduated from the Romanos Melikyan Music College and the Komitas State Conservatory of Yerevan. She is the founder of Pop Art Vocal Studio, where she mentors and trains aspiring vocalists. Through her performances and teaching, Araksya continues to inspire new generations while keeping Armenia’s rich musical heritage alive.

The American dream came true for Catalina Popescu in October of 1986 when she and her husband Bob created a supper club devoted to serving an experience of superb eats and the shared magic of live performance. That grand experience began at the door where every night her mother Maria would greet each guest as family and share in their love of music. Housed in Hollywood and decked out in a timeless charm, the club offers a cozy ambience under sparkling stage lights garnished with its signature concoction — Jazz. The first artist to grace the stage was the masterful flutist and saxophonist Buddy Collette, and ever since then, over the past 36 years, the Catalina Jazz Club has hosted the most illustrious legends of all time — from the powerful puffers of Dizzy Gillespie to the electrified fingers of McCoy Tyner, the bubbly belt of Dee Dee Bridgewater and Lynda Carter, the flirtatious saxophone of Joshua Redman, the slick strumming of Kenny Burrell, the insane drum clinic of Steve Gadd, the romance of Steve Tyrell, and the masterclass of Mike Stern. For Catalina, Jazz is our way of life. It breathes pain. It knows love. It dreams hope. It bleeds courage. Whether we’re showcasing Broadway, Soul, R&B, or stand-up comedy, the lesson learned from all the greats who have serenaded our spirits is how to connect to one another. And that’s why the Catalina Jazz Club will always have a table ready for you. The Catalina Jazz Club has been honored by A.S.M.A.C., California Jazz Foundation, Los Angeles Jazz Society, and a City of Los Angeles Certificate of Appreciation on their 25th Anniversary, which was awarded by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the LA City Council which included then City Council member and current Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.