Improv percussionist Tatsuya Nakatani favors the visceral over the melodic. His lauded Nakatani Gong Orchestra draws on the physical power of the gong, using the instrument’s resonant, hypnotic qualities to to create a dense texture of sonic intensity and entrance listeners based on feeling alone. His solo work uses a similarly physical approach; he employs cymbals, singing bowls, bells, drums and various metal objects. Nakatani’s Athens performance will feature help from local improv maestros Killick Hinds, a versatile guitarist, and Alec Livaditis, a cellist who favors the instrument’s potential for abstract sounds. Nakatani's master of texture and timbre is a must see for any fan of non-traditional music.

8 p.m. athica.org