By Christina Smart
Celebrating AMP’s lasting impact on artists and audiences
When drummer and composer Allison Miller learned of AMP’s closure earlier this year, she took to her Instagram page to share her thoughts on the unexpected news.
“I feel so many feels about it,” Miller posted on May 8, expressing how AMP served as a space “where artists could build community as well as their artistry.”
For Miller, originally from Olney, the venue’s closure was as much a personal loss as a professional one. She was among the first performers at AMP after its opening on March 6, 2015, sharing the stage with Toshi Reagon and Big Lovely.
Offering a more relaxed, informal atmosphere than Strathmore’s 1,976-seat Concert Hall was one of the goals AMP fulfilled. With a 250-person capacity, AMP’s cabaret-style space provided audiences with a more intimate concert experience. “It felt really special to be able to play where people could really not only hear us but feel us,” explains Miller. “AMP was the perfect size and just feeling that closeness was almost like a congregation. That’s what it felt like.”
Aligned with Strathmore’s commitment to broad access and inclusivity, AMP’s smaller size was also designed to attract audiences who might not typically engage with concert halls. It also allowed Strathmore to expand connections with artists across all genres whose draw exceeded the capacity of the Mansion at Strathmore but fell short of the Music Center.
“I think a lot of emerging artists who are growing their audiences found AMP to be a space where that could happen,” notes Joi Brown, Strathmore’s artistic director and vice president of programming.
Sean Heely, a champion fiddler and singer who came through Strathmore’s Artist in Residence program, is a perfect example. He developed a Celtic Christmas performance that expanded from smaller shows at AMP starting in 2018 to two sold-out shows at the Music Center in 2023.
“Having the opportunity to perform my first Celtic Christmas shows at AMP was absolutely vital in building my larger scale production,” says Heely. “Not only did I gain invaluable experience as a first-time producer, but AMP also gave us a launchpad that allowed us to explore and build the show so that we could evolve it to even greater heights.”
Monica Jeffries Hazangeles, Strathmore’s president and CEO, explains that AMP was not just a venue but also a representation of Strathmore’s innovative spirit and commitment to nurturing unique and diverse artistic voices. A purpose that doesn’t end with the closing of a venue. As it plans next steps, Strathmore will continue to offer artists abundant performance opportunities. “Their development and success drive many of our future aspirations,” Jeffries Hazangeles says.
In a full-circle moment, Miller was also one of the last performers to play at the venue. She’s grateful for Strathmore’s ongoing support. “[It] still values the artist-presenter relationship and helping an artist realize a bigger vision and build and grow.”
STRATHMORE’S PROGRAMMING TEAM SHARES THEIR RECENT AMP MEMORIES
“Working at AMP, I was introduced to so many new artists, most notably Front Country. During their sound check, when the lead vocalist started to sing, the engineer and I just looked at each other in amazement.”
Beth Radovsky
Senior Program Event Manager
“I loved seeing the beautiful art pieces from the Montgomery Arts Association at Soles of Duende’s performance. It was incredible to see dance, music, and painting in conversation with each other.”
Genevieve Jecrois
Senior Program Coordinator
“I cannot pick a moment as my favorite because there were too many. It was truly an embarrassment of riches. To those artists who looked audience members in the eyes and shared their most authentic selves, you have my deepest gratitude.”
Joi Brown
VP, Programming and Artistic Director
“A snowstorm blew through during Gerson Lanza’s AMPlify residency in January 2024. We all showed up in sweatpants, snow boots, and parkas ready to play. It felt like being in a reverse snow globe, and it was beautiful!”
Sarah Farmer
Senior Director of Programming