Christian DiGirolamo Builds a Legacy in Jazz PR Through Authenticity and Hustle

By Robert White, Editor-In-Chief

Christian DiGirolamo is not your average publicist. In fact, he didn’t set out to be one at all. Today, he stands at the helm of Two for the Show Media, a powerhouse boutique agency responsible for promoting Grammy-winning jazz musicians and elevating countless voices across the global music scene. But his path to this role was as unexpected as it is inspiring.

It all started with a phone call that changed everything. “I was out of work, had 37 cents in the bank, and no car,” Christian recalled. “A guy called and said, ‘You came recommended as a publicist.’ And I had this eight-second pause… and I said, ‘Yeah, I’m a publicist.’ That moment started it all.”

From that leap of faith—and a trip to Barnes & Noble for a copy of Public Relations for Dummies—Christian built a company that now handles press for an elite roster of jazz artists. His PR campaigns have supported more than 30 Grammy-nominated albums and two Grammy winners, including Arturo O’Farrill’s Song for Chico and Dafnis Prieto’s Back to the Sunset. As of March 2024, his clients include legends like Taj Mahal, Cindy Blackman Santana, Snarky Puppy’s Larnell Lewis, and studio icon John “JR” Robinson.

Yet his credibility doesn’t stem from titles or accolades alone. Christian is a drummer at heart. “I’ve been playing drums since I was five,” he said. “Technically, that’s 51 years now.” He honed his craft at Berklee College of Music before launching his career in the studios—first at Systems Two in Brooklyn, where he worked with artists like Branford Marsalis and Cassandra Wilson, and then at the iconic Record Plant in Sausalito, where records by Santana and Mother Love Bone (later Pearl Jam) were brought to life.

Christian’s approach to PR is deeply rooted in his musician’s sensibility. “I never go to work,” he said. “I love what I do so much that sitting at my desk is as fulfilling as sitting behind the drum kit.” That sense of purpose informs how he manages his artists—many of whom are longtime idols. “I’ve worked with nearly every drummer I idolized as a kid. I didn’t chase them—they found me. It’s all happened organically.”

As founder of Two for the Show Media, Christian offers more than just press releases and tour support—he provides honest mentorship. “Every artist has a different idea of what success looks like,” he said. “Sometimes, it’s like being a music therapist. I help them figure out how to move forward without stepping on their own story.”

His reach isn’t limited to American shores. Having spent time in the distribution side of The New York Times earlier in life, Christian developed a global understanding of media outlets, which now informs his international publicity strategies. From mailing CDs to 300 outlets to servicing over 4,000 journalists digitally, he’s adapted with the times—and helped his artists do the same.

Despite all the success, Christian remains grounded. “I don’t see celebrities—I see people,” he said. “Everyone puts their pants on the same way. And behind every stage moment is a real story, a struggle, a grind. I’m here to help tell that story the right way.”

With a client list that spans generations and genres, and a work ethic forged from passion, Christian DiGirolamo has become one of jazz’s most trusted allies. As NEA Jazz Master Ellis Marsalis put it best, “He’s a top-notch publicist while keeping his soul intact.”

For more information or to connect with Christian, visit TwoForTheShowMedia.com.

Listen to the full interview with Christian on the Savoir Faire Audio Experience.