Dastan Ensemble and Homayoun Shajarian, Fri., May 22

Iran has its share of cheesy pop music, just like the United States and Europe do. But Persian traditional music is safe for the culturally lactose intolerant, because like the poetry that comes from ancient Persia, its classical music is just as poetic and venerable. The Dastan Ensemble keeps this audible art of Iran alive by playing traditional acoustic instruments, and the quintet will be joined onstage with classically trained vocalist Homayoun Shajarian on this tour, who will undoubtedly perform the Persian version of yodeling. That’s right: Yodeling ain’t just Swiss cheese. 6000 J Street, Shasta Hall 113; www.csus.edu/imesc; (916) 705-8798.