Less than a week away from being 21 years old, Justin Nozuka may not be able to get into a bar -- but he is embarking on his first U.S. tour as a young musician.

Students will have the opportunity to see this rising star at 8 tonight at the State Theatre, along with special guests the Gabe Dixon Band and Jay Nash.

"He's a rising performer having been compared to John Mayer and has already played with Ziggy Marley," Kristy Cyone, marketing director for the State Theatre, said.

Nozuka's debut album, Holly, got the attention of VH1 and he became VH1's "You Oughta Know Artist-Artist on the Rise," Cyone said.

Though flattered by the notion of being on VH1, Nozuka said it was odd seeing himself on TV, and in fact, he tries to avoid watching TV all together.

"It's sort of weird to me, it's a little uncomfortable," he said.

Nozuka said he draws his inspiration for his music from his life experiences.

"I'm inspired by a bunch of different stuff: just living life, relationships, artists, you know, when you get excited about something," he said.

Nozuka described his music as "acoustic soul," but added it involves many different elements. Artists he draws inspiration from range from Radiohead and Bon Iver to Omarion and Marvin Gaye. Since a young age, Nozuka played in clubs and other small venues, honing his music skills, he said.

"Nothing bad ever really happened to me, I got kicked out of a few places because I was underage and wasn't allowed to play there," he said.

Nozuka's family was extremely supportive, he said. Most of his siblings are also involved in the arts, whether it is music, acting or other forms, he added.

At the age of 12 he become involved in the entertainment world with his brothers and became part of R&B projects.

"I'm really inspired by my brothers, we always did the same thing," he said.

With his success, his siblings have remained supportive and he remains supportive of their goals, he said.

Nozuka added he is excited about getting his first U.S. tour underway. It is also his first time touring with The Gabe Dixon Band and Jay Nash. The Gabe Dixon band has been compared to Ben Folds Five, Cyone said.

"They have a jazz tinge to them," she said.

Jay Nash is described as a mix of piano rock with an alternative country vibe, Cyone said.

Though Jay Nash was recently added to the roster at the State Theatre, Nash was already set to tour with the group before then, said Mike Negra, executive director of the State Theatre.

Nozuka said plans are in place to start recording a new album in November.