In his biography, Chen Zimbalista is described as "a force of nature."

The world-renowned Israeli percussionist has played music since he was 5 years old and is a master of more than 40 exotic instruments.

"Chen plays music because he has to; it's who he is, it's in his blood," said Laura Hartmann, Zimbalista's U.S. manager. "On stage he is vibrant, charismatic, exciting to watch ... Music transcends all languages. If the artist feels what he is playing, the audience will feel it too."

Zimbalista will take Boll Theatre's stage with his vibes, marimba, hand drums and a few surprises at 8 p.m. Feb. 10 for the World Rhythms Series' "Chen Zimbalista: 40 Sticks, 4 Hands."

"Like many of the Arts Series programs, it features exceptional artists who are performing only here at the University of Dayton and nowhere else in Ohio," said Eileen Carr, Arts Series coordinartor. "But with this show in particular, I can promise highly appealing music with terrific energy. It's the perfect antidote for middle-of-the-week blues."

At the two-hour concert, presented by UD's Arts Series and Cityfolk, Zimbalista will join forces with jazz percussionist Lewis Lash.

According to Hartmann, Zimbalista and Lewis will perform music with various world influences. They will play work by German composer Johann Bach, an Israeli pop tune, a piece by a Russian composer, a Japanese folk tune and more, she said.

"Visiting a new place means exploring different minds, new energy and feelings, new people with which to share my love of music," Zimbalista said. "It means that you have the opportunity to have a new success in your career. Like my teacher said, every day is a new day."

Hartmann said it is special that two artists from very different backgrounds are coming together for this program. Zimbalista is a primarily classical artist, while Lewis is the leading jazz drummer of his generation, she said.

Carr said the concert will embrace the diversity of cultural traditions.

"These works hold up a mirror to the music of the world," she said. "The interesting thing that emerges is both a recognition of similar ambitions in music making - the compelling rhythms, the simple tools - and the fabulously different solutions that have evolved across the globe."

Hartmann encourages the UD community to attend this event.

"I would say go because it will be a wonderful cultural experience," she said. "Go, because you don't hear artists of this caliber every day. Go, especially after the Grammy's when anyone can be famous for something that has nothing to do with being the master of a craft. Chen and Lewis are true masters of their instruments."

Tickets for this performance cost $18 for general admission, $16 for UD faculty, staff and alumni, and $9 for students. Contact the KU box office at (937) 229-2545 or the Cityfolk box office at (937) 496-3863 to purchase tickets.

"Seeing our show is a true experience for music lovers or for anyone who is willing to take this rhythmic journey with us and feel all the wonderful, colorful and energetic rhythms we will be playing," Zimbalista said. "Together we can learn a lot from each other."