In 2023, Nick Diones founded The Expanding Minds with fellow band members Caed Mitchell and Sam Pitman. The band was Nick’s first group and is where he learned to manage and be apart of a band, helping booking their first gig on April 4, 2024 at the Almont Resort (Pictured). Since 2023 he has been the guitarist, social media coordinator and booking manager for the band, they have played venues such as Zuni West Brewery, Gunnison Arts Center, and the Gunnison music cruise to name a couple. The band grew a devoted fanbase of friends around the valley often begging for the fan favorite “Sir Cornelius”. They played original songs and covers ranging from Chappell Roan to John Coltrane leaving there own mark on each tune.

In 2025, Empathy Protocol formed with Sam Pitman, Julian Young and Tobias Jeffus. Empathy Protocol is a Psychedelic Rock Band playing originals that stop time and raging covers. In Gunnison Nick also plays in the 7710 Jazz Group, WCU Steel Band, and the Western Choir. You can catch him playing at various venues throughout the Gunnison Valley ncorporating friends from throughout the town to bring a show that is never like the last.