ZARBANG is a world percussion ensemble representing the finest percussionists from Iran and Afghanistan. Inspired by tribal rhythms, ZARBANG creates a new sound by utilizing instruments of various cultures while staying true to the essence and origin of each instrument. ZARBANG’s sound is dynamic, meditative and internal on one hand and ecstatic and trance inducing on the other, drawing upon Sufi and ancient Persian rhythms used for inducing altered states. The members that give ZARBANG its vitality and innovative sound include Behnam Samani; the acclaimed Iranian Tombak and Daf player; Pejman Hadadi, the recipient of the prestigious Durfee Master Musician Fellowship and hailed the “finest Iranian percussionist in the West”; the celebrated modern jazz’n’world percussionist, Hakim Ludin; the versatile Iranian musician Reza Samani who performs Iranian wood wind instruments, Ney-Anban and Zorna in addition to Tombak and Daf; Javid Afsari, a highly accomplished Iranian Santur player and Mehrdad Arabi, one of the most gifted Iranian percussionists. ZARBANG is also joined by Morshed Mehregan, one of the few Morsheds or guides adept in the ancient practice of Persian Martial Arts (Varzesh-e Baastaani) who has collaborated with a secular music group, offering his piercing vocals and drumming on the traditional Zarb-e-Zoorkhane. ZARBANG also performs with dance and can be presented with Banafsheh Sayyad and her dance company NAMAH.