Poor Bodhi is an eclectic Denver band known for their powerful lead singer with incredible vocal range. Their music blends elements of jazz, funk, folk, and rock, creating a unique sound that stands out in the Denver music scene. The band formed at the Denver Art Society in 2011 and has since performed at notable venues, including opening for Rubedo at the Bluebird Theater in 2021 and playing at the Denver Museum of Modern Art. I play drums in this band.

"Madhya Chota Khayal in Teentaal – 'Piya Ki Najariya JAdubhari'" is a traditional composition in Raga Yaman, featuring lyrics and performed in teentaal. During this section of the performance, the tabla joins the saxophone, adding a rhythmic layer to the improvisations within the raga. The music focuses on variations of the melody and rhythmic improvisations, with Dustin Adams playing tabla, though you might not recognize him without his beard.

In 2015, I had the privilege of performing drums for the sold-out production Transition Theater: Kali Creates Fate, composed by Maxwell Vision, aka Om Jaya. Held at the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD), a renowned venue in Denver, Colorado, the show featured a fusion of modern dance, live visuals, a rock band, a classical Indian music ensemble, and live painting, creating an extraordinary and immersive artistic experience.

Since 2012, I have had the honor of performing with Kathak dancer and musician Dr. Sarah Morelli and her students at the Lamont School of Music, University of Denver. During this time, I have had the privilege of performing tabla with the North Indian Classical Ensemble, collaborating with renowned visiting artists such as Trina Basu and Aakash Mittal. These experiences have significantly deepened my connection to Indian classical music and enriched my overall musical journey.

Here’s a clip of me playing tabla with Chris "Citrus" Sauthoff on sitar at the Denver Public Library on September 1, 2012. I also performed with Citrus at Swallow Hill Music Association’s Top 'O the Hill concerts.

Minor Note Orchestra was a jazz band I played with from 2011 to 2012. We were the house band for Panties at the Bar Burlesque on Monday nights at 3 Kings Tavern in Denver, Colorado. The band also performed in various locations including Steamboat Springs, Pueblo Train Station, El Charrito, Albuquerque, Manitou Springs, and more.

Here I am playing Rhodes on my original composition Anacronymmunization at the Brian Deneke Memorial Show on December 7, 2007, at the Nat Ballroom in Amarillo, TX. The performance featured Dr. Donovan Stokes on bass and Perry Justus on drums.

Here I am playing drumset with my band Cabinet Crisis at the Unity Through Diversity Festival 2000: In Memory of Brian Deneke at The Peace Farm in Amarillo, TX, during the summer of 2000. The band featured Chris Oles on vocals, Casey Clark on guitar, Donovan Stokes on bass, and myself, Dustin Adams, on drums.