All About HAMS…Headwaters Acoustic Music Society (HAMS) was formed in November 1998 to present a fall/winter series of music concerts entitled "Live! At the Opera House". The core group is made up of musicians and live music enthusiasts who felt that the Orangeville area, at that time, was under-served in offering live acoustic music; the nearest live performance venues offering this style of music were in Toronto and Guelph, Ontario.HAMS is a non-profit, community-based group of volunteers committed to supporting Canadian performing artists in the Traditional, Folk, Roots & Blues categories. We present high quality performances within the beautifully restored 250 soft-seat Orangeville Opera House. We have striven to present professional performers of recognized excellence who we feel deserve to be heard and recognized as well as giving them the opportunity to promote and sell their products, that are not always available in the local music stores.In an on-going effort to promote up-in-coming talent, we include an "opening guest performer" set, providing encouragement for emerging musicians to increase their fan base while our audience members experience many new artists they may not otherwise have the opportunity to hear. In attempts to continue to increase an acoustic music presence within the community, several very successful Artist Workshops following the previous nights performance have been offered.
In 2006 the organization decided to offer a limited number of house concerts (with a maximum seating capacity of 50) to touring musicians, providing a more intimate performing atmosphere for both the artist and audience to enjoy. Additionally, a limited number of concerts will be co-presented with HAMS and music storeowners Paul & Trish Menard of Broadway Musical, providing a medium size venue accommodating up to 100 seats. Our first presentation, featuring veteran Canadian artist VALDY, was a sold out success!
We look forward to celebrating another successful season in 2007!