Ellington

Each time Japanese percussionist Tatsuya Nakatani performs, he experiments with sound. "I don't describe my music. It is a unique experience each time, not categorized or placed within any boundaries," he says.

Tonight, Nakatani performs at the North Midtown Arts Center with Jackson musician daniel Johnson, Alcorn State alto saxophonist Maurice Knott and musician Bruce Golden. He will also perform a solo percussion set.

Nakatani, 41, was born in Kobe, Japan, and grew up Osaka where he started to play percussion his friend's rock band when he was 15. He immigrated to the United States in 1995, and has toured 80 cities and seven countries since 2006. Nakatani has also collaborated with artists worldwide and released approximately 50 recordings. He performs with other percussionists and uses instruments like bowed gongs, singing bowls and drums.

"I am inspired by life and the moments before each set," he says.

Nakatani performs tonight at 7 p.m. at the North Midtown Arts Center (121 Millsaps Avenue). Admission is $10. For more information, visit http://www.hhproduction.org