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.  Last year we represented three theatre and story works and this season we will introduce dance to our presentations. 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. 

In 2024-2025, AGAR Amherst Java & Jazz programs presented at Second Stage include Lew Taylor trio, Isaac WIlliams Ensemble, Quantum Mechanics Jazz Trio, Joseph Henson Jazz, Ken and His Rhythm Changers, Quintana All-Stars, Gus Miller and Friends, Michael Sokolowski Trio,  Patti Finn Quartetand Gary Meisner Group.  Major Concert programs in 2024-2025  include Paddy D Quartet (July), Virtuoso Jazz Singer Stephanie NAkasian and a Quintet of Instrumentalists performing songs of Johnny Mercer in "Accentuate the Positive" (September 14,2024 at Second Stage I Amherst); on Movember 9, 2024 Early Music Access Project of Charlottesville in "Lafayette's Fiddlers" at Sydnor Hall, University of Lynchburg;  Kuumba Dance Ensemble at Second Stage I Amherst on February 8, 2025, and Pedro Giraudo Tango Quartet at Sydnor Hall, with University of Lynchburg on May 31, 2025.  AGAR has received a National Endowment for the Arts "Big Read" grant to read "Homegoing" by Yaa Gyasi with the Amherst Community.  Big Read activities will include collaborative projects with community partners Sweet Briar College's Mary Helen Cochran Library and creative writing and history departments; NAACP Amherst County Branch #9045, Amherst County Woman's Club, Zeta Phi Beta Lynchburg Branch, Kuumba Dance Ensemble and Amherst County Museum and Historical Society. Big Read activities, in addition to reading "Homegoing" will include a virtual lecture and Q&A with Yaa Gyasi, book discussion,s classes in African dance, creative writing workshops, and genealogy studies in Amherst County.  AGAR will also sponsor community arts activities in schools, health and senior citizen  programs, and holiday events.