NewMusicWorks
Avant Garden Party
The Return to Live Oak Lagoon!
Sunday, June 8th, 2025, 2-6pm
2888 Sandy Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
You are cordially invited to donate something wonderful
to help support NewMusicWorks’ 2025-26 season
All AGP proceeds go towards support for New Music Works
Names of contributors to the Silent Auction will be
displayed on a large easel at the event.
Acknowledgements will be listed in the program book
AND at newmusicworks.org
AND, of course it’s tax deductible!
We expect about 500 attendees at this year’s party.
Gourmet Cuisine by INDIA JOZE provided with admission
No-Host Bar of varietal wines and beer
AZA
AZA weaves the rich musical traditions of North Africa’s Tamazight culture with contemporary global influences, creating a unique and captivating sound. Led by Moroccan-born musician Fattah Abbou, the band blends the intricate melodies and dynamic rhythms of styles like Ahwash, Rwais, and Gnawa. With a history spanning over 20 years, AZA has performed at prestigious festivals and venues worldwide and released four acclaimed albums. Based in California, the group is dedicated to celebrating Amazigh heritage, sharing the vibrant traditions of North Africa’s indigenous people through music, art, and education. AZA’s performances are a powerful celebration of cultural exchange and unity.
Founded by Fattah Abbou and Mohamed Aoualou, AZA unites traditional Tamazight music, indigenous to North Africa, with the global influences of its diverse members. With elements of indigenous Moroccan musical styles, including Ahwash, Rwais, and Gnawa - among others - AZA’s stirring performances feature deep, danceable rhythms, intricate melodies, and soaring, soulful vocals. Visually dynamic and engaging performers, AZA has been inspiring international audiences for more than 20 years.
Fattah Abbou is native to Morocco (Imazighen), where he was immersed in Morocco's folk music and formed AZA when he moved to California's bay area as an adult. The unique exchange between Morocco and Californian musicians has proved potent; AZA has produced four albums of original compositions, performs at music festivals, universities, and renowned venues internationally.
AZA’s endeavors are not limited to music. The Imazighen are the indigenous people of North Africa whose recorded history dates back to 3,300 years ago. Fattah has always been part of the Amazigh movement and effort to revive a culture that has been marginalized for centuries. Through music and cultural events, AZA continues to inspire awareness in people of all ages about Amazigh culture, that it may be recognized and appreciated among the indigenous cultures of the world. Members include Fattah Abbou (banjo, vocals), Genoa Brown (Saxophone, vocals), Elizabeth Torres (Saxaphone, vocals), Pete Novembre (Bass), Kevin DiNito (Drums), Terre Lee (Violin, vocals), and Russel Kreitman (Keyboard).