The delicate strings of the setar take a lifetime to master, said Farzad Amoozegar. For the UCLA anthropology and ethnomusicology graduate student, his studies began when he was 6 years old and his grandfather introduced him to the instrument, but really took off when he began studying under Persian classical master Mohammad-Reza Lotfi in Berkeley. Read more...

Photo: UCLA ethnomusicology and anthropology graduate student Farzad Amoozegar will dedicate his performance at the Fowler Museum to his mentor, Mohammad-Reza Lotfi. Amoozegar will perform classical Persian music on Thursday. (Courtesy of Farzad Amoozegar-Fassie)

Participating in drama at Emerson Community Charter Middle School coaxed 12-year-old seventh-grader Akira Shelton out of her shell, allowing her to make friends while building her skills in acting and singing. Read more...

Photo: Under the guidance of UCLA alumna Nina Kasuya (lower left), Emerson A Cappella, a group of Emerson Community Charter Middle School in Westwood, will perform at a concert event to raise money for the school’s arts program. (Courtesy of Nathan Peralta)

The 29th annual JazzReggae Festival embodied more music genres than what its name entailed. From alternative to hip-hop music, JRF broadened its lineup in its new home, the Los Angeles Tennis Center. Read more...

Photo: Indie rock band Portugal. The Man performed at the 29th annual JazzReggae Festival Saturday. (Felicia Ramirez/Daily Bruin senior staff)