BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Pop singer Nick Jonas is known for his solo work as well as his time as a member of The Jonas Brothers.
One member of his live band hails from Buffalo — bassist Zuri Appleby.
Appleby has been playing with Jonas for about three months.
“This is my first tour and it’s amazing. It’s just a busy schedule but it’s busy doing everything that I love to do and I’m happy…” says Appleby.
Appleby started playing music in 3rd grade, trying out instruments like the guitar, french horn and violin. Despite trying these, bass is what stuck with her.
According to Appleby’s website, she was recruited to play in a variety of musicals and groups in the western New York area at the young age of 15.
At 16, Appleby was playing gigs on a weekly basis with a number of well-known musicians while still making time to sing in her church’s choir on Sundays, according to her website.
She was later accepted into the USMC Band as the first and only woman of color to play bass in the group. Appleby was also the youngest to do so.
Upon graduation from the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts, she began her service in the United States Marine Corps.
Appleby was honorably discharged from the service in 2009 and subsequently furthered her education at Buffalo State College.
In the past, Appleby has opened for artists like PJ Morton, Sisqo and Snarky Puppy.
When not playing live, Appleby models, teaches music and works with Young Audiences of Western New York teaching children in Buffalo.
Appleby will play with Nick Jonas at the First Niagara Center on July 17, 2016. Tickets can be purchased at the First Niagara Center Box Office, online at tickets.com or by calling 888-223-6000.
Watch her full interview with News 4’s Teresa Weakley in the video above.