The Health Alliance for Austin Musicians Annual Fundraising Bash Celebrated Ray Benson’s Birthday
Since 2005, HAAM has provided $200 million worth of services and programs to local musicians
On March 11, the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) hosted its annual fundraising bash celebrating Ray Benson’s birthday at the GSD&M Courtyard, featuring incredible music from Asleep At the Wheel with special guests Jimmie Vaughan, Steve Earle, Cody Braun, Sam Seifert, Jake Worthington, and Willi Carlisle, and performances by Hayes & the Heathens, Rochelle and the Sidewinders and DJ KICKIT. Ranch 616 hosted an intimate Platinum Party before the main event with Ray Benson and a performance by the Reverent Few.
Providing Access to Affordable Healthcare
The night raised over $300,000 to support HAAM’s mission to provide access to affordable healthcare for Central Texas’ working musicians, DJs, and music teachers. The celebration also marked 20 years since the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians was founded by the late Robin Shivers in the spring of 2005. Robin Shivers believed that every musician deserves access to healthcare, and her legacy with HAAM has transformed the landscape of Austin’s local music scene.
Austin’s identity as the “Live Music Capital of the World” is powered by the creativity, dedication, and contributions of its musicians who are essential to our culture, tourism industry, and local economy. Half of HAAM musicians make less than $24,000 a year and need access to health coverage, dental services, support for insurance premium payments, and assistance with basic needs. Each contribution to HAAM directly supports critical, life-saving programs for the musicians who make Austin the internationally-recognized music city we all enjoy.
Over the last two decades, HAAM has worked to bridge the gap between low-income, working musicians and the healthcare they need. HAAM’s partnerships with healthcare providers, businesses, donors, and volunteers sustain an innovative model of care that has been recognized nationally for its effectiveness and community impact.
HAAM’s Support of Local Musicians
HAAM’s services have not only improved health outcomes for individual musicians but have strengthened Austin’s entire music ecosystem by enabling artists to continue creating, performing, and enriching our community. Since 2005, HAAM has provided $200 million worth of services and programs to local musicians. Learn more about how to get involved with HAAM at myhaam.org.
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