H.A.A.M Day – The Day That Was an Experience

September 24, 2024, was a first for me. My first H.A.A.M. day. It was beyond incredible in so many ways. If you cherry-picked the events to see and hear musicians you know and love, then I am certain you had a very good day. I, though, had an experience. It was more than a day of live music by the incredible talent of this city. It was a presentation of the varieties of styles of music this city offers. I was exposed to “new to me” styles of music. I heard and photographed my first Xylophonist, Carolyn Trowbridge.

My goal during this 4 year, now entering its fifth, incredible adventure, has always been to capture as many “new to me” musicians of every genre. Starting at 6am and ending at 8pm, the headquarters of H.A.A.M. day, located at the Lake Austin H.E.B, gave me just that opportunity at one location. Of the 14 bands that played, I can honestly say that I knew only 3.

Yet, 14 hours was not enough time to present all this city’s beautiful treasures. Having said this, there was not a single second of the day that I felt was lacking. Let me simplify my statement, I didn’t contact my wife once during the day. Her first comment to me when I got home, I thought you would have called me. The day was expertly and smoothly handled. All musicians adjusted to the small area given and all excelled in this challenge. Nakia even said, “I think we now have a third way to sing this song.”

In order of appearance, I want to “Thank” all the following musicians for recharging this photographer’s battery. You all reminded me why I started this venture in the first place.

Scott Strickland, The Reverent Few (Duo), Midnight Snack, Kiko Villamizar, Stephanie Bergara, ME ND Adam, The Wildflowers – HalleyAnna Finlay & Ashley Monical, Carolyn Trowbridge, Strawberry Flats, Nakia, DJ Kickit, Holly Frost, Kelsi Creek, and The Damn Torpedoes.

My applause goes out not only to the bands but the staff and volunteers of the day of H.A.A.M. Well done. All were friendly and attentive. All had one focus, the support of a great organization, the people who sponsor it, and the musicians they take care of. What an incredible, amazing, and caring goal.