HAAM Benefit Day helping artists get affordable health care

It's a special day for music lovers as musicians play free shows across town at various locations to raise money as part of HAAM Benefit Day.

It's the 10th year for the event that's put on by the Health Alliance For Austin Musicians. More than 200 businesses will host some 400 musical performances and retailers will give a percentage of today's earnings to HAAM.

Among those musicians performing include Ruby and The Reckless, Carolyn Wonderland, Vallejo, Jon Dee Graham, Shelley King, Wendy Colonna and more.

There are about 8,000 musicians living in Austin and they often go uninsured. HAAM focuses on preventive health care including primary medical care, basic dental services and mental health counseling.

HAAM says they want musicians to focus on their music and the creative process instead of having to get two or three jobs to pay for health care.

To get more information or donate go to myhaam.org.