A native of Phoenix, Nik West played her first music on rhythm guitar at the age of 13 as part of a family band. One listen to Michael Jackson’s “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” in her high school days, however, and the lefty quickly switched to bass guitar. Her passion for the instrument and dedication to funk music has landed her recording sessions with Prince and Dave Stewart of Eurythmics, and praise from Bootsy Collins, Steven Tyler and Lenny Kravitz. Now based in Los Angeles, West is also a runway and print model, a high school state record holder in track and field, and a self-professed calculus geek. She brings her purple Mohawk to Salvage Station on Sunday, Aug. 12, for an 8 p.m. show. $17. salvagestation.com. Photo courtesy of the artist
Smart Bets: Nik West

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