From Student to Leader: Music, Mentorship, and Legacy in New Orleans with Gregory Agid

Gregory Agid is a musician and the Executive Director of Second Line Arts Collective, and he joins us to talk about how a single summer at the Louis Armstrong Jazz Camp changed the trajectory of his life. Gregory shares his journey from moving to New Orleans at age 12 with no background in the city’s music culture to being mentored by legends and growing up alongside future icons like Jon Batiste and Trombone Shorty. We dig into how those early experiences shaped his understanding of music as a spiritual practice, a community responsibility, and a powerful tool for personal transformation.We also unpack the realities of being a working musician in New Orleans, the gap between artistry and sustainability, and why education, mentorship, and entrepreneurship are critical for the next generation. Gregory breaks down his philosophy behind Second Line Arts Collective, his thoughts on navigating the music industry without losing integrity, and how artists can embrace new technology, including AI, without sacrificing humanity or culture. This conversation is about legacy, adaptability, and doing the work to make sure New Orleans music doesn’t just survive, but thrives.Our show's host, David Adams, founded Elation Entertainment, a New Orleans-based multi-media entertainment company. With a solid foundation of 8 years working in the Los Angeles music scene conducting multiple music camps with Grammy Associates, Musicians, and Producers, David brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons, encouraging him to bring the entertainment industry standards and creative spaces to New Orleans, a place he calls home. Follow Elation EntertainmentInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/elationent/Website: https://www.elationent.com