Businesses vow to help local musicians

published September 6, 2006

originally published at: www.590klbj.com

Dozens of local businesses will donate a portion of their proceeds from sales on October 3rd to the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM). That group was formed more than a year ago to help local musicians get health insurance. "Many people don't realize that most professional musicians are contract workers who don't receive either a salary or benefits," said guitarist Kevin Carroll.

Without health insurance, many musicians are forced to do without health care or wait until health problems become emergencies. HAAM enrolls musicians in a health insurance plan. "Five hundred and fifty Austin musicians now have a health insurance card in their pocket, and when they go see the doctor, they pay the co-pay just like if they worked for a big corporation," said John Kunz, founder of Waterloo Records.

Kunz's store and dozens of others will take part in the 1st Annual HAAM Benefit Day on October 3rd. Stores will donate 5% of their proceeds that day to HAAM. Funds raised will be matched by the Topfer Foundation and the Moody Foundation. Organizers hope the benefit will raise more than $50,000 to pay for health insurance premiums for local musicians.