13th Annual HAAM Day To Support Austin Musicians

AUSTIN, TEXAS — A citywide benefit supporting local musicians will be launched next week with more than 200 musical performances at various venues across Austin.

The Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM), along with presenting sponsor Whole Foods Market, will host the citywide benefit raising support for local musicians on Sept. 11. On that day, Central Texans will have access to 200-plus performances from local musicians at venues across Austin.

Select restaurants and retail outlets will be participating by donating 5 percent (or more) of their daily sales back to HAAM. Time and cost will vary by location. HAAM Day is the largest fundraiser of the year for HAAM.

The event kicks off at Whole Foods Market, 525 N. Lamar Blvd., at 6 a.m. on that day. For the full lineup, visit: http://myhaam.org/HAAM-Day

Notable daytime events and showcases:

• Mayor Steve Adler will read a city proclamation at Whole Foods Market on Lamar and Fifth Street at 6 a.m.
• Following the proclamation, Sydney Wright will kick off the day’s music live from inside the store
• Congressman Lloyd Doggett will kick off HAAM Day at 8 a.m. followed by music by Akina Adderley from inside the store.
• Following the kick off, Brendon Anthony with the Texas Music Office will present the official HAAM Day proclamation from the State of Texas at 8:15 a.m. at the Whole Foods Market on Lamar and Fifth Street.
• We Are Blood will host a mobile blood drive at Whole Foods Market’s on Lamar and Fifth Street from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For each blood donor seen at that drive, or at We Are Blood’s locations on Sept. 11, $10 will go to HAAM.

Other notable evening events and showcase (AT VENUES ACROSS AUSTIN):

• Texas Music Office, Dubois Bryant & Campbell, and Sendero Health Plans present Marcia Ball at Threadgill’s World Headquarters from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Bumble and the ATX Music Office present The Nightowls at Gueros Taco Bar from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Lyft, Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Cayetano Development present Nakia & Jackie Venson at Antone’s from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• We Are Blood presents The Dirty River Boys at Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• FVF Law & SXSW present Superfónicos at The ABGB from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m

“HAAM Day is critical to the continued success of the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, and our mission of providing access to preventative healthcare for Austin’s working musicians,” Reenie Collins, executive director of HAAM, said. “Our musicians bring in billions of dollars through live performances each year, and it is important for us, as a community, to ensure they are alive and well, and able to keep playing that music we all love. Supporting organizations like HAAM helps to foster and nurture Austin’s unique creative appeal, and takes care of the musicians that make this city The Live Music Capital of the World.”

In 2017, more than $525,000 was raised on HAAM Day for Austin musicians, organizers said. This year, HAAM hopes to raise $565,000 to continue to expand services and meet the needs of Austin’s working musicians so the live music scene can continue to thrive, according to officials. Patrons will find music at locations all over Central Texas, including conventional music venues as well as participating restaurants, retail stores, bank lobbies, grocery stores and more.

“Whole Foods Market is pleased to be the presenting sponsor for this year’s HAAM Day.” added Omar Gaye, Regional President for Whole Foods Market. “For more than a decade, Whole Foods Market has had the privilege of being involved with HAAM Day and such a necessary organization, which helps to promote the lives of musicians that make music Austin’s cultural identity. We first developed our roots in Austin, and feel empowered to be giving back to our community and supporting the health of our musicians.”

About the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians

The Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) provides access to affordable healthcare for Austin’s low-income, underinsured working musicians with a focus on prevention and wellness. Local philanthropist, savvy businesswoman, and Austin music lover, Robin Shivers, founded HAAM in 2005 in an effort to alleviate some of the financial burdens on musicians. For more than 13 years, HAAM has kept the Live Music Capital of the World alive and well. With the continued support from its many community partners, the organization has helped more than 4,900 musicians access over $44 million healthcare services, including both primary and specialty care and in areas including dental, vision, hearing and mental health. Seton Healthcare Family, St. David’s Foundation, Capital Area Dental Foundation, Estes Audiology, and Central Health provide healthcare services. For more information, visit https://myhaam.org/.

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