Where it all began
A passion for live music and the desire to promote local talent were the seeds that eventually led to the creation of Happyland Music Alliance, LLC. Founders, David and Deanna Piercy, spend much of their vacation time in New Orleans, largely because of the music scene. Returning to the small Oklahoma town in which they live was always a bit of a let-down after each vacation spent in a city where music is so intimately engrained in the culture. The truly frustrating thing was that the talent was there. For a relatively small rural area, Ada has an astounding quantity of talent. It just wasn’t being promoted or utilized very well.
That has changed. Happyland Music Alliance was formed in 2014 as a means to promote live music. In a fairly short period of time, live music could be found in numerous venues around town. With a music scene established it was time to shift gears and broaden the focus.
Where we are now:
HMA Foundation, a 501c3 was formed in the fall of 2016 in order to “promote, perpetuate and encourage the music, arts, culture, and heritage of Ada, Oklahoma and surrounding communities through festivals, programs and other cultural, educational, civic and economic activities.”
HMA Foundation partners with local entities and sponsors to help host regularly scheduled events such as East End Eats, Music in the Park, Taste of Ada, 4th of July at Wintersmith Park and AdaFest, as well as one-time events such as the Ada Songwriters Weekend and the hugely popular “On the Roof” event featuring a Beatles tribute concert on the roof of The Grandview.
Our vision:
HMA Foundation envisions a rich and thriving arts community providing diverse opportunities for artistic expression as well as unique and enjoyable events for the citizens of Ada and the surrounding communities. Expect to see many new and exciting arts-based events in the months and years to come.