Funkadelic Jazz Bassist to Play at Tbilisi Event Hall December 31st
Unlike New Year’s traditions in the West, Georgians are more inclined to celebrate the biggest party of the year at home. However, Eastern Promotions is set on breaking the tradition by offering high-class concerts not only all year round the year but also by holding an annual New Year celebration at the Tbilisi Event Hall. Food, drink and dance the night away this New Year in a cozy American-like club atmosphere while enjoying the talent of young female artist Nik West.
Eastern Promotions introduced the New Year tradition to Tbilisi in the Sheraton Hotel ballroom, in 1999, when hardly anything good happened in Tbilisi and there was no gas or electricity – it served as a new light in total darkness. “This is already an established Eastern Promotions tradition,” Giorgi Kereselidze, director of Eastern Promotions told Georgia Today. “Last year we brought Maceo Parker. Before that we had CeCe Rogers, Incognito, Matt Bianco and many others. This year, we are offering new generation female artist Nik West, a pupil of Prince, who is a singer and a bassist at the same time.”
He also remembers that when this away-from-home celebration tradition was first set up in Georgia, the gender case was very topical – there were only options for men to celebrate and only at some restaurants, with the focus on plenty of food and drink. However, this stereotype no longer exists and one can now often see women out with only their female friends, celebrating birthdays and other festive dates.
“Once the stars hear that we have brought Joe Cocker, James Brown and Al Jarreau here in the past years, no one is scared to come, just the contrary. It helps other businesses as well, as Georgia has become an attractive musical destination for jazz players,” says Giorgi.
Almost all the band members coming this New Year sing, a rare occurrence: John Blackwell, a contemporary pop and rock drummer who used to play in Prince’s band; a member of Justin Timberlake’s acting band, Hubie Wang on guitar and vocal; Ariel Bellvalaire on guitar and vocal; Dave Schulz on keyboards; and Rose on back vocal.
Bassist, singer and songwriter, Nik West, the star of the up-coming New Year show, is anything but just a pretty face. Aerosmith once said of her: “Holy Funkadelic, I felt this girl’s energy the first time I was in her presence, I knew there was something special about her with that hair.”
She has worked with Dave Stewart of Eurythmics fame, Prince, John Mayer, Steven Tyler, Glee and, most recently, had special guest appearances on American Idol. Noted music journalist Alex Henderson (Billboard) sums up West’s incredible talent saying, “Nik West is one 21st Century artist who isn’t lacking in the chops department.”
“She is a 25 year old electric bassist who clearly knows her way around her instrument and plays like she was 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 recording a cover of ‘Back in Black’ by AC/DC, Nik pleasantly shocked many rock fanatics. There are many great singers, but only a few have a voice with character that forces all who hear it to listen closely. Lenny Kravitz himself requested a meeting with her when he saw her cover of Teen Town, so impressed was he by her work.
West’s musical journey began in her hometown, Phoenix, AZ when her father —an accomplished guitarist—taught her 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.
Though she began her musical journey playing the guitar, the left-handed phenomenon 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.
Among other hits, Prince’s “Kiss” and Lenny Kravitz’s “American Woman” await the audience. The event is supported by TBC Status, which offers two concerts of Nik West on the 1st and 2nd of January at Tbilisi Concert Hall (Grand stage) exclusively for its clients. The show which begins at midnight on New Year’s Eve in Tbilisi Event Hall, however, is a gift to the ordinary citizens and music lovers with festive tables included in the price of the ticket.
Tickets cost 250 Gel and can be bought on tkt.ge. For more info, call 2-99-05-99, or visit www. tbilisijazz.com Enjoy the party! All the best in the coming New Year!
Maka Lomadze