US Congressman Adam Schiff had lunch with Serj Tankian, the lead singer of the world-renowned American Armenian rock band System of a Down (SOAD).

“We have known each other for years and I greatly admire his music and creativity, as well as his deep commitment to philanthropy and passion for justice. I had read about the band’s electrifying performance in [Armenia’s capital city of] Yerevan during the [Armenian Genocide] centennial, and it was a treat to hear about it firsthand. It always rains in Yerevan on April 24 [i.e. the Genocide anniversary] -- like tears coming down from heaven, it is said -- but nothing could dampen the spirits of the throngs of young people in attendance,” Congressman Schiff commented in his Facebook account.