Saaz Afghan Fusion Ensemble brings to life the long, rich heritage of Afghan music, weaving a tapestry of vibrant color that transcends historical and cultural boundaries. The quartet performs on guitars, keyboard, and tabla in a distinctive blend of traditional and modern music that reflects their extensive training in the classical music traditions of both East and West. All natives of Afghanistan who came to California when their country's political regime limited musical pursuits, the ensemble features Hamed Shalizi on keyboards & harmonium, Azam and Wali Parvanta on guitar, and Khalid Shalizi on tabla. The recipient of a prestigious Creative Work Fund grant in 2003, Saaz (which means "music" in Dari and Pashtu, the two official languages of Afghanistan) creates a wonderfully complex, mesmerizing sound.