HAAMing It Up
Austin bands celebrate keeping local music alive and well
The Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) is essential to the lifeblood of Austin music. Since 2005, the nonprofit has provided affordable health care to local musicians who have the neither the means nor the insurance to pay for it. To date, more than 3,000 of the city’s music makers have received regular, cost-effective healthcare services through the organization.
On HAAM Benefit Day, a yearly citywide event sponsored by Whole Foods, musicians all over town perform at various venues and businesses, which donate five percent of the day's proceeds or other cash to the nonprofit.
This year's HAAM Day brought the city alive on a bright and beautiful fall Monday. It culminated with ATX – The Concert at ACL Live featuring Eric Johnson, Christopher Cross, Jimmie Vaughan, Marcia Ball, Suzanna Choffel, Monte Montgomery, Quiet Company, Charlie and Will Sexton and many more. There was even more to see, hear and enjoy in smaller clubs, groceries, restaurants and record stores. What's captured here is a just a slice of the range and diversity of Austin music and musicians. May both remain healthy and hardy for a long time to come.
For more information about HAAM or to make a donation, visit www.myhaam.org.