Troy Sawyer is a New Orleans-born musician, educator, and the founder of Girls Play Trumpets Too, a nonprofit empowering young girls—especially Black girls—to break gender barriers in jazz. We talk to Troy about growing up in a deeply musical family, discovering the trumpet after seeing Wynton Marsalis perform, and how the Satchmo Jazz Camp ignited his passion for self-expression through jazz. He shares the impact of Hurricane Katrina on his journey, his role in rebuilding New Orleans, and how that experience shaped his purpose.

We also dive into the mission behind Girls Play Trumpets Too—a movement that goes beyond music to include financial literacy, cultural exchange, and mentorship for young girls. Troy discusses the music industry’s shortcomings in supporting artists in New Orleans, the importance of passing down music business knowledge, and how he’s using his production company and nonprofit work to build a more inclusive, empowered future for musicians.

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. 

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