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	07.11.2008. First American tour by Croatia's oldest klapa
	Text: Toni Veldić

The “Filip Dević” male klapa from Split returned home a few days ago following their tour of the United States of America where they had been 23 – 30 October at the invitation of the “Croatian Cultural Center“ from San Pedro (California) and the centre’s president Alxious Bailey. The Dević klapa’s tour around America was made possible with the wholehearted assistance offered by the Split branch of the Croatian Heritage Foundation. The klapa had several performances during their seven days tour. On Thursday, 24 October they held a concert at the Croatian Cultural Center hall in San Pedro. During the intermission Ms. Gabriela Brajevich – born in Split – entertained the audience by reading verses from her own poetry. She has lived in San Pedro for over 40 year now but prior to migrating to the USA, she herself was a member of the “Filip Dević“ women’s cultural association. After the concert officially ended, song and merriment continued on late into the night which certainly entertained the local Croatian community. The next day a concert was organised in the Sv. Ante American-Croatian Pastoral Centre in Los Angeles which was followed by life achievement awards being handed over to three deserved Croatians. The awards were given by the Croatian National Association which is an umbrella organisation of Croatian organisations from that town and headed by its president, Dr. Mirko Giaconi. The concert in Los Angeles was honoured by the presence of Croatian Ambassador to the US, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović and Consul-General in Los Angeles Ante Barbir who also attended the concert in San Pedro the evening before. The awards went to Philip Boskovich, Leo Majich and Msgr. Srećko Diomartić.
Philip Boskovich was born in Los Angeles in 1915 and is one of the most successful farmers in Southern California and his products are sold throughout the United States. He was one of the many large donors during the time of the Homeland War. The evening was launched with the intonation of the American anthem sung by Boskovich’s granddaughter Ann Marie. This was followed by the Croatian anthem sung by the guests from Split. Boskovich’s award was given to him by the Vice President of the Association, Niko Hazdovac.
Leo Majich was also born in Los Angeles in 1934. He graduated in economic at Loyola University and is one of the leading managers engaged in the building industry. During the pontificacy of John Paul II, Majich was accepted the Holy Order of Knights of St. George which is one of the highest recognitions by the Catholic Church in the service of the Church and common good. During the Homeland War he was the president of the Croatian National Association and helped in the struggle for Croatia’s independence. He was awarded posthumously and the award was accepted by his wife Eva Majich which was presented by the Vice President of the Assocaition Vido Artuković.
Msgr. Srećko Diomartić was born in Zlarin in 1914. He completed high school in Šibenik and studied theology in Split and Zagreb. Since 1950 he lived in the USA. Apart from being 93, he has been a priest for 70 years. His award was presented by the president of the Association Dr. Mirko Giaconi.
In addition to the concert prepared by the “Filip Dević“ klapa the audience as able to enjoy a performance by “St. Anthony's Kolo Group“ from Los Angeles who sang and danced several numbers from northern Croatia.
The official programme for the klapa ended on 26 October with a performance in the Dalmatian-American Club in u San Pedro at the traditional annual fashion show held in honour of recently passed Milena Bogdanovich – a reputable member of the club who was a benefactor and who origins go back to the island of Biševo and whose family founded a fish company in San Pedro.
Both performances were recorded by Croatian RadioTelevision and the Croatian public will be able to view the concerts as part of the Glas domovine programme to be aired on Friday, 7 November 2008. During the tour the klapa was able to take a sight seeing tour of Los Angeles, San Pedro, Long Beach, Santa Monica and spent some unforgettable moments amongst the local Croatian community. The head of the Split Branch of the CHF, Ms. Branka Bezić Filipović outdid herself in organising a successful and pleasant tour which was also made possible with the kindness and assistance of Gabriela Brajevich and her family in the Untied States as well as members of the Croatian Cultural Center' from San Pedro including Alxious, Dany, Pablo, Kristiana… Croatians readily opened their doors to their guests from Split and everyone was willing to join in and sing with their honours guests but of course time was limited. On the last evening of their stay the klapa was received by Mike Bubalo.
In their long career the Dević klapa has lined up 47 year of concerts throughout Europe and the worlds (Australia, New Zealand), however this was their first tour of the United States. If one can judge by the sentiments experienced by the klapa and their hosts, this is probably just the first tour of many….