Corporate Battle of the Bands Raises Record-Breaking $227,000 for HAAM

On the evening of June 2, the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) raised more than $227,000 during the 13th annual Corporate Battle of the Bands, presented by Cirrus Logic with stage sponsors, PNC Bank and H-E-B. 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 three flagship events throughout the year.

“We are so excited that, once again for the first time since the onset of COVID-19, 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,” Paul Scott, CEO of HAAM, said. “Austin is filled with many local talents, which was so evident during the evening’s performances at Moody Theater. We are also blown away by the community's generosity which enabled us to surpass our ambitious goal of $225,000! 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 1,200 attendees. Seven bands from local businesses performed during the evening. This year’s “Band of the Year” was awarded to newcomer, The C Notes (PNC Bank). Along with PNC Bank’s The C Notes, additional award winners included: The Mag Stripes (NetSpend); Re-Union Jack (Cirrus Logic); King of the Night Time World (Wenzel Spine); and the Knuckle Sammich (H-E-B).

2022 Corporate Battle of the Bands winner: Band of the Year - The C Notes (PNC Bank). Photo by Jake Rubin.

"This was our first year playing in HAAM’s Corporate Battle of the Bands," said Dillan Knudson, PNC Bank’s regional president for Austin. “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 and other music organizations locally. It was an incredible experience playing on the ACL Live stage with my colleagues and an honor to share that stage with the other bands. The C Notes are proud to be named the 2022 Band of the Year.”

Exclusively this year, a special tribute was performed to honor the life and legacy of Chad Neely – former Chairman and CEO of Wenzel Spine who passed away unexpectedly earlier this year. Neely was an avid supporter of HAAM and its mission, participating each year, on stage, with the company’s band.

For Wenzel Spine’s final song of the night, they were joined onstage by colleagues, friends and family of Neely’s to sing Kiss’ Rock And Roll All Nite. The evening’s Best Showmanship award was presented to Knuckle Sammich (H-E-B) in his honor.

“We were so happy we were able to celebrate Chad’s legacy last night at the event,” said Caroline Neely Rose, Neely’s sister. “HAAM and its mission of providing access to healthcare for Austin’s underserved music community was so important to my brother - we had a wonderful night honoring that! Winning Fan Favorite was the icing on the cake for us.”

This year’s panel included KVUE’s Quita Culpepper, CBS Austin’s Trevor Scott, musician Stephanie Bergara, and Emmett Beliveau, HAAM board chair and C3 Presents COO.

HAAM is also pleased to announce this year’s HAAM Day date as Tuesday, September 13th, 2022. HAAM Day is the organization’s signature fundraiser. Every year, the event is a celebration of Austin music, and this year will be no different.

For more information about the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, HAAM Day and/or ways to support Austin’s working musicians throughout the year, visit www.myhaam.org.