On September 12, I attended AASA Mesopotamian Night 2026 at CordeValle Winery in San Martin, California. The Assyrian Aid Society of America uses the event to promote Assyrian arts and culture and support humanitarian and educational work. For me, the evening showed how preserving culture gives the next generation something to connect with.
Key Takeaways
- Events like Mesopotamian Night preserve Assyrian culture while supporting humanitarian programs through the Assyrian Aid Society of America (AASA).
- Community connections, whether through music, art, or shared heritage, create lasting meaning and identity for younger generations.
- Being part of a community extends beyond professional life; personal relationships and cultural participation matter deeply.
- Supporting organizations that help people today while preserving culture for tomorrow makes a real difference.
Read time: 6 min
It was a beautiful evening surrounded by friends, members of the Assyrian community, music, and art. The evening featured the legendary Linda George, whose music has been part of the Assyrian community for generations.
More Than a Night of Music
Mesopotamian Night was created by the Assyrian Aid Society of America (AASA) to promote Assyrian arts and culture while supporting humanitarian and educational programs. The project began in California nearly two decades ago and has grown into an important cultural tradition for Assyrians in the United States.
AASA’s work goes far beyond cultural events. The organization supports education, Assyrian-language schools, healthcare programs, village projects, and humanitarian assistance for Assyrian communities in the ancestral homeland.
That made the evening feel different from simply attending a concert.
At one point, as I walked around the grounds and looked at the Assyrian artwork and sculptures on display, I found myself thinking about how remarkable it is that symbols and stories from ancient Mesopotamia are still meaningful to us today. Generations have passed, families have moved across countries and continents, but the connection to our history remains.
Celebrating Where We Come From
One of the things I enjoyed most was seeing people come together simply to celebrate who we are.
There was music, conversation, food and wine, but everywhere you looked there were reminders of Assyrian heritage. The artwork depicting Ashurbanipal and scenes inspired by ancient Assyrian history especially caught my attention.
For me, preserving culture isn’t only about remembering the past. It’s about making sure the next generation has something to connect with.
Our children and grandchildren may grow up thousands of miles away from the places their families came from. Events like Mesopotamian Night give them an opportunity to hear the music, see the art, meet members of the community and understand that they are part of a much longer story.
That has always been one of the purposes behind Mesopotamian Night. AASA describes the project as a way to provide a stage for Assyrian artists while sustaining Assyrian culture and supporting humanitarian work.
Community Has Always Mattered to Me
As a dentist, much of my life is spent inside the office caring for patients at Omni Dental of Arlington Heights. But being part of a community doesn’t end when I leave the office.
I believe relationships matter. Whether I’m talking with a patient in the dental chair, spending an evening with friends and family, or meeting people at a community event, those personal connections are what make a community feel like a community.
That was probably my favorite part of the evening, seeing people reconnect, laugh, take pictures, enjoy the music and celebrate something they share.
And knowing that our participation also helps AASA continue programs benefiting Assyrian families makes the experience even more meaningful.
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An Evening I Won’t Forget
I’m grateful to everyone at the Assyrian Aid Society of America and the MesoNight team who put so much work into creating the evening.
Organizations like AASA depend heavily on volunteers and individual support, and their mission combines two things that are especially important: helping people who need assistance today while preserving a culture for tomorrow.
I came home from California with some great photographs and memories, but also with a renewed appreciation for the people who dedicate their time to keeping Assyrian culture alive.
It was wonderful to be part of Mesopotamian Night 2026, to celebrate our heritage, and to support a cause that continues to make a difference.
Dr. Bilus Poles is a practicing periodontist and founder of Omni Dental of Arlington Heights, Illinois. Beyond his clinical practice, he is passionate about community involvement, supporting cultural organizations, and building connections that strengthen identity and belonging. Learn more about Dr. Bilus.
About the author
Dr. Bilus D PolesDDS,MAGD,DICOI, DIDIA
Founder and lead dentist of Omni Dental of Arlington Heights. Master of the Academy of General Dentistry and Board Certified Diplomate of the ICOI and IDIA. Illinois license #019.027365.
