The Russian Americans

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To more than just survive…

The tiny corner café in West Hollywood with ten tables and standing room for only another 20 people was all packed on that Tuesday night in October. The lights were off. The bar would only serve beer and soda, but nobody seemed to care. They were all there for her - silky red hair, inquisitive green eyes, an almost transparent skin, an intelligent smile, and a very gentle figure. It was hard to believe that her fragile appearance managed to so dramatically dominate the atmosphere. Her voice so soft and so deep, her piano so gentle and so touching, the lyrics so passionate and so thoughtful; no wonder she had the audience so hypnotized. It is no surprise that she has been chosen among Music Connection's HOT 100 UNSIGNED Artists and received the ASCAP popular award two years in a row.

This is how I met Marina V. Her real name: Marina Gennadievna Verenikina, a 25-year-old singer, songwriter and piano player, who grew up in Moscow, during the final years of communism. The daughter of a nuclear physicist and a child psychologist, Marina first came to the US as an exchange student when she was 15 and returned to stay when she was 17.

She is now one of the many aspiring artists in LA. Unlike many of her peers, though, her musical taste is influenced by an amalgamation of classical European and Russian composers, as well as by the Beatles-her musical icons as a teen. All of these influences come beautifully together in her adult alternative style, and her music, which she likes to describe as passionate, honest and mature.

Marina has the appeal, style and tone embraced by mainstream American media. She spices up her act with a special touch of Russian style, which sets her apart from other artists. She is now working with the manager who once discovered and managed Aerosmith and with the producer who has recorded with her idol, John Lennon. In her personal life though, Marina misses her hometown of Moscow, its beautiful architecture and amazing history. She often reads Russian newspapers online, spends time with Russian friends and sometimes cooks "pirozhki." As many other Russian Americans, she cares about organic food and that's why she loves shopping at Trader Joe's. Marina often buys Russian products from the numerous Russian or Armenian grocery stores in West Hollywood and Glendale.

Marina came to the US hoping to do with her life something more than just survive. She definitely has achieved and surpassed her dream. We wish her great luck in finding a record label and let's hope to see her touring soon in a city near you. To learn more about Marina's music, performances, and fan club check her website www.marinav.com .

California Dreaming

Unlike Marina, Dima chose Southern California not because of the artistic lifestyle but for a much more pragmatic reason-his cousins were already living in Long Beach and offered him shelter and a helping hand in finding a job. Having this support was reassuring for the 16-year-old who had never lived alone.

Dima came from Belarus, where he lived with his parents and two brothers in a standard two-bedroom apartment. He graduated from high school when the country was taking its first steps toward an independent state and a free-market economy. The professional prospects were dim for a youngster like Dima, who had a tough time finding a fulfilling career. And the notion of having to serve in the obligatory 2-year military service was not an enticing prospect for Dima. So, he took a chance, and with no plans or funds, left his family behind hoping to find the solution of all of life's uncertainties in the land of infinite dreams and promises.

Following the typical immigrant path, Dima took a number of odd jobs, switched residence between four or five states and made plenty of sacrifices. After nine years of hard work, things started to fall into place. He moved to California, where he is happily married to a Native American.

His biggest dream is to get an architectural design degree and to start his own business. He loves California and the only other place he would consider moving to is New York City. "These are the places that offer the best jobs" he says.

Although he doesn't consider himself a typical Russian immigrant-like all of the other Russians I have met- he likes spending time with Russian friends and cooking Russian dishes. When he gets a chance, he shops for his preferred natural products at Russian grocery stores, and watches Telemundo for the best coverage of his favorite sport: soccer. He is also addicted to following online news from the former USSR, and prefers European style in fashion and furniture. He dreams of returning back home one day "when I'm old and rich, I am buying a house by the lake," he says.