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The Grand Exhale NYE Gala Featuring NIK WEST with DJs TAKIMBA and SUNSEI


  • Alberta Abbey 126 Northeast Alberta Street Portland, OR, 97211 United States (map)

NIK WEST

"She's a baaaaad mama jama!... lighting licks and thunder thumbs..." -Quincy Jones

"The Female Lenny Kravitz"- Dave Stewart (Eurythmics)

"Holy Funkadelic!!" - Steven Tyler

"Great stage presence"..."She inspires me in the same way Rosie and Sheila did..." - Prince

"She wears a colorful mohawk shaped like a bass clef on her head" - Soul Train

Explosive stage presence isn't enough to describe the way Nik West moves, wows, and shocks crowds everywhere. "She is a real life gumby on stage, all while singing, dancing, and slapping the hell out of her bass guitar!"With credits that include work with artists such as, Dave Stewart of Eurythmics fame, Prince, John Mayer, Glee and more, bassist, singer and songwriter Nik West is anything more than just another pretty face.

Noted music journalist Alex Henderson (Billboard) sums West’s incredible talent up saying “Nik West is one 21st Century artist who isn’t lacking in the chops department. She is a young singer and electric bassist who clearly knows her way around her instrument and plays like she has been inspired by the funky likes of Larry Graham, Louis Johnson (of Brothers Johnson fame) and Marcus Miller. Nik West is also a highly expressive singer." Known for impressively recording a cover of "Back In Black" by AC/DC, Nik shocked many rock fanatics and instantly became a new favorite of legend Steven Tyler and Lenny Kravitz.

West’s musical journey began in her hometown, Phoenix, AZ. It was there that her father —an accomplished guitarist—taught her how to play the rhythm guitar when she was just 13-years-old. Growing up in a household filled with music and creativity, West’s family includes her sisters (keys, drums, violin, and guitar) who were her first band and singing act, and an older brother, a few of which she still records with today. Though she began her musical journey playing the guitar, the left-handed phenom truly realized her calling when she discovered the bass in high school while listening to Michael Jackson's "You Wanna Be Startin Somethin". After discovering the instrument there was no stopping her.

Music was not the only area West excelled in. The accomplished runway and print model and musician was a straight A student in high school and a track and field state record holder. She's so passionate about calculus that she has a blog dedicated to her love for it. Unfortunately for the universities that offered her scholarships for her mind and athletic acumen, West chose music as her career path.

While working on her first album “Just In The Nik Of Time”, Dave Stewart of Eurythmics also became acquainted with West’s work, fell in love with her soulful voice, and reached out to her to work with him on several projects. Within days she was performing with Stewart in Los Angeles to capacity crowds. She also began working with Stewart and Grammy-winning songwriter/producer Glen Ballard (Alanis Morissette, George Strait, and Michael Jackson) on a recording project. Since then, Nik has become the first black woman to compose music for the Disney sports network, ESPN. She has accompanied, recorded with, and jammed with artists such as Prince, Quincy Jones, John Mayer, Santana, Larry Graham, Macy Gray, Esperanza Spalding, Orianthi, Bootsy Collins, and more.

“Nik West is definitely bringing back the funk groovement and I love everything about what she stands for!” -Bootsy Collins

West’s skill was noticed early on by legendary music company, Fender. They took notice of her standout voice and funky bass playing and offered her an artist endorsement. She has endorsements and partnerships with companies such as Rockstar Energy, Audemars Piguet, James Allen Diamonds, Vanderhall, Roland, and more. She is also the brainchild behind the Bass Domination Course, discovering, inspiring and teaching beginner bassists self esteem and discipline on an instrument.

www.nikwestbass.com

TAKIMBA

Takimba is a DJ, music producer, and event curator with over 20 years of experience in the electronic music scene. His style is characterized by a seamless fusion of electronic beats with funk and global influences, resulting in a captivating and distinctive sound. Whether he’s behind the decks or working on his Live Project, Takimba’s passion for music shines through in everything he does. With his diverse style and ability to connect with his audience, he has earned a reputation as one of the most exciting and innovative DJs in the electronic music scene today.

Takimba - https://tinyurl.com/5xtjf4v7

SUNSEI

Sunsei's deep love for music inspires her to carefully curate and blend high-quality tracks that are guaranteed to get you grooving. From one venue to the next, she electrifies dance floors across the West Coast, constantly searching for hidden gems that are perfect for every occasion. Her ability to infuse each performance with a fresh, vibrant energy ensures that every place she plays is a unique and unforgettable experience.

Sunsei - https://tinyurl.com/mv6haxk4

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December 27

[POSTPONED to 01/21/24] AMAZING BUBBLE MAN

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January 4

Main Stage Open Mic!