About Adithya

As he moved to high school, Adithya began his tutelage under Dave Finucane a local jazz legend and founder/owner of the Sharp 9 Gallery (Durham Jazz Workshop) who introduced him to the music of John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, Thelonioius Monk, Horace Silver, and Wayne Shorter, among others.. It was in this oasis of jazz that Adithya really began to take his craft seriously. Adithya played in multiple ensembles in high school all of which culminated in the Jazz Impressionists, a student led ensemble that played for local gigs in the Triangle. The Jazz Impressionists were recognized as the most outstanding community combo at the 2019 UNC Regional Essentially Ellington competition and had the privilege of opening for performances led by Tim Armacost, Ricardo Pascal, and Kobie Watkins. 

All the while, Adithya was constantly challenged and inspired by the wisdom of Dave Finucane, for which he will always be grateful for. Adithya is also tremendously appreciative of his high school community at Raleigh Charter, particularly  Dr. Cynthia Brown who directed his high school band program. During his high school years Adithya was deeply inspired by the music of J Cole, Kendrick Lamar, and Saba, in addition to that of Butcher Brown, Braxton Cook, and Roy Hargrove.

Beyond performing music, Adithya also strived to build a better community for local musicians. As the leader of the Sustaining the Roots of Music (SOOTS) community work group in high school, Adithya was able to help raise money, promote awareness, conduct interviews, and create a podcast which interviewed local musicians. This program gave Adithya the opportunity to meet the likes of Pat "Mother Blues" Cohen, Phil Cook, Sister Lena Mae Perry, and Lightnin' Wells,