Amherst Glebe Arts Response, Inc. (AGAR)

Amherst Glebe Arts Response, Inc. (AGAR) is an arts and humanities nonprofit organization in Amherst County that features both a chamber and a jazz music series. AGAR's humanities program has interviewed over 135 individuals and made 21 documentaries about their schooling in Amherst County 1916-1975.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, AGAR presented, with funding from Chamber Music America and Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation, virtual jazz events to to hospitals and senior programs aimed at mitigating isolation and depression and supporting resilience of staff, patients, and families. Platforms used included staff hospital cafeteria large screens, in-room patient-facing ipads,  grand pads for seniors receving meals and healthcare at home, and hospital and cancer center in-room patient channels on TVs. In fall 2023, AGAR Amherst Java & Jazz programs presented at Second Stage include Lew Taylor trio, Isaac WIlliams Ensemble, Quantum Mechanics Jazz Trio, Joseph Henson Jazz, Laissez Foure New Orleans Sound and Lenny Marcus Trio at Second Stage Amherst. Java and Jazz in 2024 January -June, 2024 are Quintana All-Stars, Belladonna, Gus Miller and Friends, Mike Soboloski Trio, Lew Taylor Jazz Trio, and Gary Meisner Group.  Concerts and plays in 2023-2024 include organist Peggy Haas Howell and Cantate Children and Youth Choir, Jazz virtuoso vocalist Stephanie Nakasian Jazz Band,  Vibraphonist Cecilia Smith,  The Baltimore Consort, Storyteller Sheila Arnold as Fannie Lou Hamer, and a play directed by Bill Kershner starring Sally Southall, "The Belle of Amherst."  AGAR is also presenting the Singing Violinist Daniel Kepel prior to the Amherst Town Parade on December 1, and Holiday concerts for Central Virginia Alliance for Community Living nutrition centers during the month of December. 2023.