South by Southwest 1997 keynote speaker Carl Perkins repeated the term (“What’s a keynote? I’m no keynote”) to a hushed ballroom, completely unfamiliar with it. Afterward, in some small room at the Convention Center, a clutch of media enjoyed private audience with the rockabilly pioneer (1932–1998), who indeed loomed larger than life: his hands, voice, toupee. Guitarist, bandleader, and amp tech Jeremy Slemenda and his Jerrells gather a first annual twang-off for the Tennessean, benefiting homegrown health care provider for musicians HAAM and commingling ATX genre notables including Rosie Flores, Heather Rae Johnson, Jake Penrod, Phil Hollie, Johnny McGowan, Red Roddy, Guitar Grady, Spud Sims, Marti Brom, Mandy Marie Luke and Bradley Thomas.

Proceeds from the show, and from poster sales will benefit HAAM. 

HAAM volunteers will run a table, handing out info about HAAM's mission and services, handing out HAAM swag and giveaways, and collecting donations for HAAM.