Beloved Imperial Beach Street Performer Passes at 64

Gregory Allen Jagow was a street performer and philanthropist. He spent every day making the world a better place through random acts of compassion and kindness.

You may have known him as “Greg and Brat.” He often played guitar at Imperial Beach with his blue Macaw, “Brat” the skateboarding parrot. For decades, Greg entertained and enthralled kids and families with his routine. See his Patch interview from July 2012 here:

https://patch.com/california/imperialbeach/brat-the-parrot-skateboarder-greg-jagow?utm_source=share-link&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=share

Before moving to IB, he performed at Seaport Village, the Gaslamp Quarter and Balboa Park. He warmed the hearts of all who knew and loved him, as well as the many strangers he encountered along the way. Greg genuinely loved all people unconditionally, sharing food, shelter and a hug when they needed it most. He had a heart of gold and knew the struggles of the mentally ill and unhoused first-hand.

Greg was a disabled veteran who was homeless when he first came to San Diego. He befriended people that others scorned – the invisible people, the downtrodden, and folks just down on their luck. He gave them compassion, safe harbor, and family. Kindness and empathy came easily for Greg and we pray he finds the Lord’s grace and everlasting joy in heaven.

Greg’s father was a brilliant rocket scientist with an edgy sense of humor who brought home missile fuel and blew things up to Greg’s delight. He introduced Greg to home repair and computers from an early age. His mother, a pianist, administrator and master bridge player nurtured his musical gifts and creativity.

At 14, Greg bicycled 200 miles from Sacramento to Big Sur on a rickety ten-speed that he dutifully repaired every day. Even as its spokes were falling off, Greg was undeterred. He graduated from Bella Vista High School in 1980, where he played tennis, saxophone and guitar.

Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force. From there, he moved to Highland Park in Los Angeles County and eventually to San Diego and Imperial Beach. During this time he tended bar, worked construction, built fences and assisted with property renovation and management. He could fix everything from cars to plumbing to electrical and technology.

When a dear friend passed from pancreatic cancer, Greg adopted his friend’s bird “Brat.” Brat was Greg’s emotional rock and the love of his life. He taught her tricks and they delighted children and families with their performances.

The last few years were a test of Greg’s endurance and strength. He lost the use of his legs in 2021 due to a spinal infection, and periodically performed in a wheelchair since. Even as his health deteriorated, he continued to offer solace, hope and refuge to friends and strangers. Greg passed quietly in his home from complications related to congestive heart failure. He had just turned 64.

Greg’s friendship, loyalty, and light will always be remembered by the many people whose lives he touched. He is survived by Brat, two sisters and a brother, a nephew, both his parents, and countless dear friends that he had adopted like family.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please donate to those in need or pass along some kindness to a stranger or two. That’s what Greg would have wanted.