Photo by Nimai Malle

From left, KGSR disc jockey and News 8 reporter Andy Langer, HAAM Benefit Day committee chairman Tim Taylor and Westbank resident and Grammy Award winner Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel celebrate at the recent HAAM VIP party at Paggi House.

The fourth annual HAAM Benefit Day brought more than 170 artists to local businesses Sept. 22 to raise money for the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians.

Impromptu stages were set up in Austin-area offices, restaurants, retail stores, hotels, clubs, a car wash, Bergstrom Airport and City Hall to bring the live music talents of the city to life. Participating businesses donated 5 percent of the day’s proceeds to the organization, which brings low-cost health and dental insurance to qualifying Austin musicians.

The Westbank was well represented at the VIP party held at Paggi House toward the end of the day. Westbank resident and co-owner of Thundercloud Subs, Mike Haggerty, said the sandwich chain has sponsored HAAM since the beginning days.

“Musicians have always been a part of the Thundercloud culture; they eat and work in our restaurants,” Haggerty said. “We feel like we have a social contract with the Austin community, and this is one way we do our part. The music scene, just like Barton Springs, is one of Austin’s natural resources. Musicians are independent contractors that need to have health coverage. We need to protect our resources.”

During the last four years, HAAM has raised more than $1 million from events like the Benefit Day and the Corporate Battle of the Bands. During that time, more than 1,600 musician members have been given new access to medical, dental and mental healthcare services provided by Seton Family of Hospitals, St. David’s Dental Program and the SIMS Foundation.

“Thanks to the generosity of the HAAM Benefit Day participating businesses and Austinites who shopped at those businesses, Health Alliance for Austin Musicians is able to maintain much needed affordable healthcare services for Austin’s low-income, uninsured, working musicians,” said Carolyn Schwartz, HAAM executive director. “The Benefit Day is a fun and festive way to support the musicians who contribute economically and culturally to our city.”