On Wednesday, June 7, HAAM raised more than $255,000 during the 2023 annual Corporate Battle of the Bands, presented by Cirrus Logic with stage sponsors, H-E-B, Netspend, and PNC Bank, exceeding last year’s total of $227,000. 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 go directly toward providing healthcare services for the musicians HAAM serves.

“We are honored to have had so many from Austin’s business community come out in support of our communities’ musicians,” Paul Scott, CEO of HAAM, said. “The Austin music scene is a main factor in what drives businesses to Central Texas, so it is no surprise we have so many talented artists working within these companies. Without the support of our local business community, we would not be able to do the essential work we do. Last year, we were thrilled to break our previous fundraising record, so to say we were excited to top that again this year, would be an understatement!”

This year’s Corporate Battle of the Bands drew in a crowd of over 1,000 attendees who were delighted by six bands from local businesses who performed during the evening. This year’s “Band of the Year” was awarded to Noella Grey and the Invisible Band (presented by Ascension Seton). Other award winners include “Best Song” to The C Notes’ (PNC Bank) for their rendition of ZZ Top’s La Grange, “Best Showmanship” to Knuckle Sammich (H-E-B); and the “Fan Favorite” award went to The Haptics (Cirrus Logic), just edging out an incredible showing from The Mag Stripes (Netspend).

The evening’s emcee’s were KEYE-TV’s Trevor Scott and KVUE-TV’s Quita Culpepper, and the corporate bands aimed to impress a panel of celebrity and music industry judges, including musicians and duo, THEBROSFRESH; ACL Radio personality, Momo Vemireddy; and local philanthropist and business owner, Bobby Jenkins of ABC Home & Commercial Services.

“We are committed to preserving and enhancing Austin’s live music community and local organizations that support the talented artists at its core. Participating in the Corporate Battle of the Bands is our way to raise awareness within the business community and say thank you to Austin’s working musicians from their stage” said Dillan Knudson, PNC Bank regional president for Austin “We are proud to be the presenting sponsor of HAAM Day, a day talented musicians from across central Texas perform to raise awareness and support for musicians in need of affordable healthcare. This is our second-year participating in HAAM Day, and we are excited to be a part of a day dedicated to showing off what is best about our city, its musicians!”