Businesses perform live to raise money for hard-working musicians
Last week, the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) raised more than $150,000 during the 12th annual Corporate Battle of the Bands, presented by Cirrus Logic with stage sponsors, H-E-B and Epicor. Bands were given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform in front of a live audience at ACL Live at the Moody Theater. Funds raised will go directly towards providing healthcare services for the musicians HAAM serves.
HAAM is a local nonprofit that provides access to affordable healthcare for Austin’s low-income, working musicians. Along with HAAM Day and Ray Benson’s Birthday Bash, the Corporate Battle of the Bands is one of HAAM’s flagship events throughout the year.
“We are so excited that, once again, the Austin community and local businesses have come together to support our mission and the beloved musicians that make this city the Live Music Capital of the World,” Reenie Collins, executive director of HAAM, said. “Austin is filled with many local talents, which was so evident during the evenings performances at Moody Theater. It is a tradition we look forward to continuing for many years.”
This year’s Corporate Battle of the Bands drew in a crowd of more than 1,000 attendees. Eight bands from local businesses performed during the evening. This year’s “Band of the Year” was awarded to newcomer, Cloud 9 (Epicor). Along with Epicor’s Cloud 9, additional award winners included: The Mag Stripes (NetSpend); King of the Night Time World (Wenzel Spine); and the Hell Yeah Yeahs (C3 Presents).
"This was our first year playing in HAAM’s Corporate Battle of the Bands," said Rich Murr, Chief Information Officer at Epicor. “It’s rewarding to be part of a company that encourages its employees to get involved with and support such a great organization like HAAM. The nine of us worked pretty hard and had a ton of fun over the last few months in preparation. It was an incredible experience playing on the ACL Live stage and an honor to participate with the other bands. Cloud 9 is proud to be named the 2019 Band of the Year."
This year’s panel included BMI’s Mitch Ballard, Austin City Limits Radio’s Emily Parker, and Disturbed’s John Moyer. While judges deliberated, the audience was entertained by Austin legend, Marcia Ball, and the HAAMily Band (consisting of HAAM Board members).
For more information about HAAM and for ways to support Austin’s working musicians throughout the year, visit www.myhaam.org.
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 5,300 musicians access over $50 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/.
