We had the unique privilege to be able interview Gregory Agid for his upcoming JAZZ ROOM performance.  Greg, originally from Hawaii, moved to New Orleans at a young age for his father’s work. Although Greg had always loved music it grew once his uncle introduced him to the clarinet.

“Once playing the clarinet for a few years I went to New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. After graduating High School I went to Loyola University to receive my BA in Music/Classical Clarinet.” Immediately after I graduated I went on to be a 5^th-7^th grade band director for a year after which I took a leap of faith to start a professional career as a clarinetist.

His love for Jazz started at a young age, when he attended the Louis Armstrong Jazz Camp.

“This is where I fell in love with Jazz. It was amazing to go from being a student to an intern to a mentor over the past 15 years.  This is where I met Alvin Batiste who later became a wonderful mentor and teacher to me. The camp has grown substantially, and it has been amazing to be a part of it.” At camp Alvin Batiste provided him with one of the best pieces of advice, “You’re going to figure it out.” Even though he no idea what that meant at the time, and did not understand how that could be good advice…..he has always referred back to the quote from his former mentor.

Alvin Batiste and Delfeayo Marsalis have had a significant impact on Greg’s musical career. “Alvin Batiste was my clarinet mentor for 7 years. I could type a book about my experiences with him. I met Mr. Bat at the Louis Armstrong Jazz Camp in 2000. He was also the chair of the Jazz Department at NOCCA while I was a student in High School. He is the reason I play music, he is my musical father, and he showed me everything! All of my interactions with Mr. Bat were absolutely surreal.”

“Delfeayo Marsalis has been a mentor for the last several years. I have worked with him in his quintet and Uptown Jazz Orchestra. [He] also supervised my first CD, Mystery Blues. “

It is clear that Agid is looking forward to revisiting Charlotte. “December was the first time I had been to Charlotte, and I loved it. I am looking forward to being back in the city and spending some more time with Jazz Arts Initiative and playing with the some great musicians again. The caliber of musicians that is provided for these shows is top-notch, and I cannot wait to be able to work with all of them again.”