Austin Music Minute

Your AMM host hears a lot of stories from local musicians about HAAM. These are praises shouted from the rooftops. “If it wasn’t for HAAM, I wouldn’t have been able to see a doctor…” “Without HAAM, I wouldn’t have been able to get this dental work I needed…” “If HAAM wasn’t here to help me, I would not have been able to get my surgery…”

The Health Alliance for Austin Musicians provides access to affordable health care for the population that makes this city the Live Music Capital. Since 2005, HAAM has helped thousands of musicians across seven counties with everything from eye exams, to out-patient procedures, to referrals, to basic health needs. Even a musician working several gigs a week or working multiple side jobs may not be able to afford insurance, let alone rent or groceries. With community support, HAAM has essentially saved lives.

Today is HAAM Day 2023, a citywide celebration featuring live music performances at venues and other spots around town, while participating businesses and restaurants donate a portion of today’s sales to HAAM. Check HAAM’s website for a full schedule of today’s shows, which include Live at Geraldine’s with Chief Cleopatra; a huge Paul Simon tribute show at Sagebrush with Akina Adderley, Bonnie Whitmore, Dossey, Graham Wilkinson, Dawn and Hawkes and more; the Ephraim Owens Experience at The Continental Club Gallery; Tameca Jones and Money Chicha at Antone’s; HAAM Day Live at Volstead with A. Sinclair, Thor and Friends, Danny Golden, and Tearjerk; Zach Person at Still Austin; and a show at The ABGB on W. Oltorf, where KUTX’s Susan Castle will host performances by Shinyribs, Selena tribute band Bidi Bidi Banda, and Primo the Alien, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.