Sessions of Strength

Vancouver Adapted Music Society celebrates it's 25th anniversary with an inspiring, star-studded concert

Photos by Christopher Edmonstone

On November 30 2013, Vancouver Adapted Music Society (VAMS) celebrated their 25th anniversary at the Milton Wong Experimental Theatre. This included the release of The Strong Sessions, recorded with the help of local studios Nimbus and Fader Mountain.

from VAMS’ site:
“Vancouver Adapted Music Society (VAMS) was co-founded in 1988 by two Vancouver musicians, Sam Sullivan and Dave Symington, both quadriplegics.

The Spinal Chords @ Vancouver Adapted Music Society (VAMS) 25th anniversary

Sam, who played keyboards, and Dave, a drummer, formed the society to tackle the barriers faced by musicians such as themselves – issues they had not come across before they became disabled as a result of sports injuries.

Gerry ‘Burner’ Burns @ Vancouver Adapted Music Society (VAMS) 25th anniversary

VAMS kept on growing, constantly reaching out to new people, no matter what their level of musical ability or physical function, while also arranging events to showcase the more musically established members.

“It is very necessary to have a society that supports people with disabilities, that provides links to other musicians, equipment and places to play,” added Dave. “It’s pretty difficult to do all that on your own.”

Digital technology means that making and recording music is more accessible, but… musicians still face barriers, particularly regarding public performance. While a city like Vancouver has many venues that announce themselves as “accessible,” usually this only applies to the auditorium – there are few accessible stages.”

Vancouver Adapted Music Society (VAMS) 25th anniversary finale

Check out the full gallery of photos here.