Welcome Joe Riggi, JazzArts Charlotte’s new Digital Media Content Manager. Joe joins us with a background in visual effects, graphic design, and animation. He has bounced around the Southeastern region from West Virginia to Florida, and has settled back in Charlotte with his young family, where he went to high school.

JazzArts Charlotte looks forward to taking our digital platforms to the next level with Joe’s expertise.

We had a chat with Joe to get to know him a little.

What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?

Creative describes everything I’ve done since I was six years old. Whether that was art, imagination, stories, film, everything I try to do involves creativity. That’s what drives me more than anything.

Focused. I get hyper-focused on whatever I’m doing. That has both a good and bad side, but it is just part of my personality.

Growth. I’m interested in more things than I can count, and my interests might even change month to month. I’m always trying to learn new things and expand.

What are you looking forward to in this role?

I’m excited to be in a position to grow JazzArts Charlotte’s platforms. Everything is in a good starting point. I see a lot of potential to grow and I look forward to being the one to do that, digitally. Right away, I’ll be working to creating more interactivity on social media, so don’t be shy to appreciate, share, and comment on what you like!

Favorite things to do when not at work?

Sit on my couch and do nothing, mixed with some yard work and gardening, these days. Most weekends, I am happily busy with the kids, chasing them around, carting to lessons and friends. So just hanging out with my family.

Are you naturally a music fan?

What first piqued my interest about this role was the music. I’ll admit I am a casual jazz listener, but music is a top priority in most of my life. Music is a therapy. As a kid, I found my parents Michael Jackson tape and skyrocketed from there. I’ve been blasting Pedrito Martinez since the last JAZZ ROOM, and am excited to have this a chance to work with jazz and learn more.

You might see Joe behind a camera or running a screen at an event – tap him on the shoulder and introduce ourself so he can get to know our jazz family.