DJ Spooky tonight at the Nelson

DJ Spooky definitely ain’t no DJ P. And he’s certainly much more of a Renaissance Man than say, Kaskade, Pauly D or Skrillex. The DC-born artist has written a collection of essays called Rhythm Science, put his reggae and dub expertise on remixes of legendary Trojan Records tracks, and was a one-time collaborator with Yoko Ono.

Tonight “That Subliminal Kid” comes to town for his world-premiere multimedia presentation highlighting the Modernist works of African-American artist Romare Bearden in the Atkins Auditorium at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (4520 Oak, 816-751-1278).

Connecting Bearden’s current Nelson exhibit, Impressions & Improvisations and the contemporary aesthetics of “diggin’ in the crates,” DJ Spooky will spin his “illbient” turntable beats alongside a string quartet, producing one of the more hip events to come out of the Nelson in a while. (Read: Events geared toward younger consumers of culture.)

The show begins at 7 p.m., and tickets can be purchased for $8 at the door, through the Nelson’s website or by calling 816-751-1ART. Friends of Art supporters will be admitted for free.