Agarita Finds a New Home in Southtown
An innovative chamber ensemble dedicated to producing bold, collaborative musical events, Agarita has traversed the city for years, offering free concerts at various venues.
At last, the company is thrilled to announce that it has found a permanent home in Southtown — the Agarita Loft, located at 724 S. Alamo #2. This multifaceted loft will not only serve as a rehearsal and office space but also as an intimate concert venue, home for lecture series, a locale for special events and fundraisers, and an art gallery featuring works by local artists.
The Agarita Loft will embody the nonprofit’s commitment to making the arts accessible to everyone in the community. It is a space designed to inspire creativity, collaboration, and cultural engagement. The move marks a significant milestone in Agarita’s mission to foster a vibrant and inclusive arts scene in San Antonio.
Founder and executive director Marisa Bushman said, “The Agarita Loft represents a new chapter for Agarita. Located in the heart of Southtown, it will be the epicenter for Agarita’s innovative musical events, providing a versatile platform for us to continue to engage the community in new and exciting ways. The Agarita Loft will be a dynamic space for artistic expression and community connection in the rich cultural tapestry of Southtown. We also look forward to further collaborating with local businesses and partners in the area.”
The Agarita Loft is expected to be fully operational in early 2024. Meanwhile, Agarita will continue its ongoing programs while making the move by providing free public concerts at venues throughout San Antonio.
The company will visit area districts through its outdoor mobile Agarita Humble Hall concert venue and conducting classical music performances at local schools through its educational program Agarita Inspires!. It also will expand its partnerships with small business owners and partners such as Garcia Art Glass and La Frite Belgian Bistro, among others.
2023-2024 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Humble Hall in District 2
Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023 at 2 p.m.
Witte Museum
Join Agarita for an outdoor concert with their mobile concert hall, the Humble Hall at the Witte’s annual Holiday Market. Junior Tuesday Musical Club Young Instrumentalists will open for Agarita at 1:15 p.m. Bring a blanket and chairs and join Agarita for a great outdoor concert featuring guest violinist Aimee Lopez.
Humble Hall in District 3
Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023 at 4:30 p.m.
The Echo Bridge, 2617 TX-536 Spur
Join Agarita for a special performance with Humble Hall under the Echo Bridge in District 3, featuring guest violinist Aimee Lopez. FREE tickets have already sold out, but stay tuned and “like” the Echo Bridge Appreciation Society for details on limited tickets that will be released the day of the event. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for the walk down under the bridge. Bringing blankets for sitting on small chairs is encouraged (with small chairs to be lined up against the back wall). Try to only bring small or low beach chairs if you need one and no large ice chests are allowed due to space limitations.
Pop-Up Art Show Benefiting Agarita
Friday, Dec. 8th, 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Warehouse on Burleson: 221 Burleson St.
Artists Andrea Guttman and Joseph Bushman are having a pop-up art show with 50% of all proceeds benefiting Agarita. Come do your holiday shopping all while supporting independent artists. Small and large works for varying budgets will be available.
Agarita and sumRset Movement
Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, 7:30 p.m.
McAllister Theatre, 1300 San Pedro Ave.
Agarita joins forces with Tanesha Payne and sumRset Movement in a collaboration centered around movement.
Agarita and Acclaimed Guitarist Pablo Sáinz Villegas
Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, 7:30 p.m.
The Betty Kelso Center, San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Pl.
Back by popular demand, internationally acclaimed solo guitarist Pablo Villegas returns to San Antonio for an evening at the San Antonio Botanical Garden filled with South American flair. In addition to works by Astor Piazzolla, Heitor Villa-Lobos and more, the program features commissioned work by composer Laura Vega.
Agarita and Colombian Award-Winning Cellist, Santiago Cañón Valencia
Saturday, Apr. 27, 2024, 7:30 p.m.
Carver Community Cultural Center, 226 N Hackberry St.
One of the rising stars of our generation, award-winning cellist Santiago Cañón-Valencia performs with Agarita for a diverse program inspired by his Colombian roots and his experiences as a painter and photographer.
Agarita and The Witte
Tuesday, June 18, 2024, 7:30 p.m.
Dawson Family Hall, The Witte, 3801 Broadway
Agarita marks its first collaboration with the Witte Museum with an adventurous, varied program that highlights and interacts with themes in the museum’s collection.
*These bilingual concerts are FREE and open to the public. Tickets will be available two weeks prior to the concert. Note that performances may sell out early and dates are subject to change.
ABOUT AGARITA
Founded by Daniel Anastasio (piano), Marisa Bushman (viola), Ignacio Gallego (cello), and Sarah Silver Manzke (violin), Agarita nourishes the local community through artistic collaborations, community engagement and free, adventurous programming. With concise, eclectic performances that are “splendid — unified, spirited, [and] well prepared” (Greenberg, Incident Light), the young chamber group offers a new, open-armed experience for listeners. Visit the company’s website for more information.
Photos courtesy of Agarita.
