Rare Iranian Folk Music Performance Zâ Comes to Davis This Sunday With a Local Sacramento Musician

Looking for a unique way to spend your Sunday evening? A touring performance called Zâ is bringing traditional music from Iran’s Lorestan province to International House Davis this August 2nd, from 5 to 7 p.m. The show features Nariman Assadi, a percussionist and teacher based right here in Sacramento, alongside other talented musicians from the Iranian diaspora.

The name Zâ means“birth”in Persian, and the performance is structured as a musical journey through life’s milestones. You’ll hear lullabies, work songs, wedding music, and mourning pieces played on traditional instruments like the Kamancheh, Tar, and Daf. Musicians involved describe it as a living tradition that is rarely shared outside of Iran. One of the performers noted that this music connects people of all ages, and that it offers a glimpse into a culture beyond what dominates the headlines.

This is the kind of local event that reminds us how rich and diverse our community is. Whether you’re a lifelong music lover or just curious about world cultures, this performance is a rare opportunity to hear something truly different. Have you ever attended a cultural music event in the Sacramento area that stuck with you? Share your experience in the comments.