Justin Adams had an early and indelible introduction to the Organ Grinder restaurant in Denver:
“My earliest memory of being at the organ grinder was when I was five years old. This was around 1977, 1978, the same years as Star Wars came out. My whole world exploded with wonder and awe, and the mighty Wurlitzer at the organ grinder was just the most special thing – we made weekly pilgrimages.”
But little did five year-old Just realize at the time, that he’d be a regular staff performer there, before even entering high school. But he was definitely working toward that event, performing publicly in the most 70’s and 80’s of venue: The Mall:
“In those days, I was taking lessons at the organ store in the mall, and after my lesson, or before my lesson, I’d go into the very front of the store and play music for passers-by, and love to just – I was a natural performer, so I’d love to get crowds, and generally the salesman loved it because then it would bring people into the store to hopefully buy organs.”
It wasn’t long before Justin was discovered.
“I think that that’s probably how I got discovered, or got the first gig at the organ grinder was, hey, you got to hear this kid who’s not afraid to play for other people, and it was just such an honor.”
Justin began performing on the Wurlitzer there at the age of 12, and was an instant hit, especially with young audiences.
“When I first began at the organ grinder I worked every Wednesday night from five to nine. I made ten dollars an hour plus tips which were at some sometimes substantial, and played for the silent movies and things like that. It was just such a ball, and then other organists would call me to fill in.”
As Justin entered his teen years, he used his saved-up earnings to buy the most essential 80’s item:
“When I made $10 an hour at the organ grinder, I thought that I had made it – and I saved. I began saving my money and I bought a Technics stereo system – with the speakers that were about this tall [indicates desktop height] and the turntable on top – for $1,000.”
We caught up with Justin during our Denver Road Trip in May. Justin spoke about many topics, including his time at the Organ Grinder, and how he felt when it was closing, and how it has provided meaning for him as he pursued a musical life.
“My life is working, playing professionally as a musician – as a pianist mostly these days. I’ve played so many different varieties of music with such great people. I’m very into Latin music. My band, Medianoche Honrado, is a Latin jazz band. I’ve played with the great Denver band, Conjunto Colores. I was the musical director for Denver’s Lannie Garrett, we did big band music. We did all variety of Gershwin things. I’ve got a really great chance to play with Ron Miles, and some of the Denver jazz greats. I got my degree that way in jazz piano. So as you can tell, my culture is just really steeped in music, and especially jazz music.”
Today, Justin passes that gift of music on to others, both as a high school teacher at Kent Denver, a premier independent school, and as a private tutor. Just is proud that his students’ ensembles have won National Outstanding Performance Awards from Downbeat Magazine. And, he has never forgotten his roots:
“Without the organ grinder – Without that chance to go see and to be moved and inspired by what was happening there – I don’t think I’d be… I’d be missing a giant part of the musician that I am. And It’s such a part of my life – Just how meaningful – How meaningful spiritually and personally and musically that place was for me – and I hope for everybody else.”
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