HAAM Benefit Day Raising Funds For and Awareness Of Health Care Needs For Local Musicians
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We’re very fortunate to have some of the most talented musicians around working in our lovely city. That may be stating the obvious, but being the “Live Music Capital of the World” includes having that sort of privilege. Amazing bands, incredible songwriters, and up-and-coming artists in practically every genre you can think of are all a part of our vibrant and multi-faceted culture.
At the same time, being a working musician has more than its share of challenges. You work twice as hard to find regular paying gigs, and to put tours together to get your music out there. Oftentimes, you’re juggling your musical career with a day job (or two) to make ends meet. And even if you’re on top of your game, there is the issue of health care – mostly the lack thereof. This is where the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) comes in.
HAAM was created in 2005 to provide access to affordable health care services for uninsured working musicians in Austin, with a commitment to prevention care and wellness. Thanks to the efforts of HAAM and increasing support from the community, many musicians have been able to obtain much-needed health care services for themselves and their families.
One day of each year is designated as HAAM Benefit Day, when local participating businesses donate 5 percent of their proceeds from the day to HAAM in support of musicians’ health care. And throughout the day at various locations all over town, you get to see great local musicians perform. The list is a huge one that includes Nakia, Dana Falconberry, Cerronato, Rattletree Marimba, Miss Lavelle White, Dan Dyer, Not In the Face!, Ruby Jane, Jeff Lofton, The Invincible Czars, Nano Whitman and many, many more. Check the HAAM website for a complete list of performance schedules.
KUT is also hosting a special HAAM mini-showcase in the parking lot of Waterloo Records on N. Lamar, featuring Quiet Company, Akina Adderley & The Vintage Playboys, Robert Ellis and Reckless Kelly, starting at 4:30 p.m.
Make this a special day. Shop at the local businesses donating to the cause, and check out all the live music. That’s what makes our city so unique. And supporting HAAM is one way of saying thank you to these remarkable musicians.
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