HAAM Benefit Day: How You Can Help Local Musicians Get Health Care

"HAAM is an amazing gift to the Austin music community!" - Kimberly Freeman, a.k.a. One-Eyed Doll

The live music capital buzzes throughout the week, every day of the year, but this Tuesday is special. It's HAAM-the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians-benefit day. By local music lovers giving just a little, we can help our musiciams a lot. I've been out of the loop for the past week, recovering from illness (not ACL dust and allergen related) and our other blogger is missing in action, focused on his band and other projects. But I'll plug for new bloggers here (and on Craig's List) later. This is all about HAAM.

Many fine partners or sponsors, local businesses that have benefitted from local music, are contributing at least 5% of proceeds (in the form of sales) to HAAM today. Some of these donors are welcoming musicians to perform in-store, so it's a special treat for customers. The schedule and map of activities for the day was a bit overwhelming for us at such short notice, but we encourage youour readers (all 10 of you if we're lucky) to visit the HAAM web site @ www.austinmusicianshealth.org and click on the updated schedule and interactive map.

I'm not certain HAAM partner ME Television is hosting a telethon this year, possibly due to programming and financial difficulties. ME raised $10,000 in 2007, but this year it seems they're too busy posting VH1 news, like Eminem being crowned "Best Rapper Alive" by Vibe magazine, to help local rappers. Joking aside, I don't (and can't) watch much ME to know. With a lack of a telethon to promote, and on such short notice, I'm not sure which events to recommend. Despite the lack of preparation I managed to come up with a few highlights of HAAM Benefit Day for those looking to help Austin musicians get the health care they need, so they can keep giving us the music we want:

Amy's Ice Cream

Not sure if there will be any live performances, but who really cares when there's ice cream? Today is a good excuse to get premium ice cream with all your favorite mix-ins, and your heart and mind will feel as good as your tastebuds with some of the proceeds going to HAAM. Check the web site amysicecreams.com for nearest locations and hours. (Don't forget to tip your scooper.)

Waterloo Records

Famous for in-store performances, the stage will be set for two afternoon performances at Waterloo, the largest independently owned music store in Austin-and Texas. Customers enjoy listening to live music while they select music from the extensive stock of music - international icons and local wonders that aren't separated by genre or geography. Well, maybe a little geography... musical shell game artists Asylum St. Spankers and the honky-tonk Derailers are two mega-popular Austin bands that may amuse and rock you. Get there before 4:30 this afternoon to browse and buy.

Antone's

At post time, I somehow misplaced my detailed notes about the benefit at Antone's. But trust me, there is something going on at the legendary rock, rhythm and blues club tonight at 8:00. Go to their web site www.antones.net for details.

Room 710

It's a night of full throttle rock 'n' roll. Dixie Witch, Tia Carrera, Adrian & the Sickness headline with cover proceeds going to HAAM. I'm a fan of one of the hottest rockers in town, Adrian, so this show comes with a gracious recommendation to experience her band live for a very good cause. Room 710 is a 18+ and non-smoking venue in the heart of the Red River entertainment district. They serve beer and mix two of my my favorite drinks very well-ask for the Cape Cod and Dreamsicle. Not sure of the cost and when the fun begins, but a typical show at Room 710 starts at 10:00 or 10:30, with doors open at 9:00. Go to Room710.net, myspace.com/room_710, or give them a call this evening at 512-476-0997.

Unfortunately I don't have a clue what's going on in the local underground, experimental or avant-garde music scenes to benefit HAAM. But if I excavate the internet enough before tonight, I'll post an update.

Have a happy HAAM day!