Austin proclaims Sept. 23 as Ham Day Music Festival as Health Alliance for Austin Musicians marks 20 years

Austin Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes presented a city proclamation recognizing Sept. 23, 2025, as Ham Day Music Festival and marking the 20th anniversary of the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (Ham).

The proclamation noted that Ham, established in 2005 by the late Robin Shivers, has provided medical, dental, vision, mental health and wellness services to thousands of Central Texas musicians and that the organization has delivered approximately $215,000,000 in health-care services since February 2005. Fuentes said the festival "captures the true, authentic, and quintessential Austin vibe" and urged the community to “come together to support a great cause and the artists who make our city so special.”

Paul Scott, chief executive officer of Ham, accepted the proclamation on the organization’s behalf. Scott thanked the council and said Ham is celebrating its 20th anniversary and this year’s Ham Day Music Festival is the organization’s largest one-day, all-local music festival, with more than 250 curated performances by over 300 musicians at more than 100 venues and free admission across the city. "We're looking forward to a great Ham Day Music Festival," Scott said.

The proclamation text included the city’s recognition that the Austin music industry generates billions in revenue and provides tens of thousands of jobs to the city, and it formalized Sept. 23, 2025, as Ham Day Music Festival in Austin.

The presentation was ceremonial; no legislative vote or ordinance was recorded in the transcript. The festival date and the program counts provided in the proclamation are drawn from the city presentation and Ham’s remarks.