Industry Ink: Toby Keith & Friends, Leadership Music & SOLID, More

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Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic Raises Over $1.35 Million

Pictured (L-R, front row): Shawn Parr, Tricia Covel, Callie Davis, Emma Davis, Tripp Davis, Whitney Davis and Trace Adkins. Back row: James Davis

The 22nd Annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic June 12-13 at Riverwind Casino and Keith’s Belmar Golf Club raised more than $1.35 million for The Toby Keith Foundation. Themed to celebrate 250 years of American independence, the event was headlined by country hitmaker Trace Adkins, with radio and TV personality Shawn Parr and business leader/philanthropist Jim West hosting and leading the live auction. The Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic benefits The Toby Keith Foundation’s work supporting OK Kids Korral.

 

Leadership Music & SOLID Team For Inaugural Music Row Litter Walk

Leadership Music and SOLID joined forces on June 26 for the inaugural Music Row Litter Walk, a community beautification initiative that united volunteers from both organizations to clean up one of Nashville’s most iconic neighborhoods. Despite sweltering heat and humidity, participants showed up in force with 15 teams, each pairing one volunteer from Leadership Music with one from SOLID, to fan out and cover Music Row and the surrounding streets. By the end of the morning, volunteers had collected 30 large bags of trash, making a visible and meaningful impact on the appearance and cleanliness of the historic district.

 

SOLID’s Annual Backstage Auction Raises Over $27,000 For CMA Foundation

Pictured (L-R): Alannah Schwartz (SOLID), Nina Teapot Owens (SOLID), Eunice Hernandez (SOLID), Brendan McManus (SOLID), Brian Day (SOLID), Victoria Rutledge (CMA), Sarah McKenzie (SOLID), Lindsey Morrison (CMA) and Michelle Kirk (CMA). Photo: Mary Spaulding/CMA

SOLID hosted its annual Backstage Auction during CMA Fest 2026, raising over $27,000 for the CMA Foundation. The Backstage Auction gives CMA Fest attendees the chance to take home unique pieces of country music history while making a lasting impact beyond festival weekend. Taking place June 4-7 at Fan Fair X inside Music City Center, the silent auction serves as SOLID’s largest annual fundraiser, and proceeds directly support the organization’s year-round programming, including educational panels, networking events, mentorship initiatives, scholarship opportunities, and community service efforts that help cultivate the next generation of music industry professionals. A portion of proceeds also benefits the CMA Foundation. Two memorable auction items from this year included guitars signed by Lainey Wilson and Ella Langley.

 

Stacey Cato Joins Opry Entertainment Group Artist Relations Team

Stacey Cato

Opry Entertainment Group has welcomed Senior Manager, Artist Relations Stacey Cato to its Artist Relations team. Cato brings more than 25 years of experience across the music, TV and digital media industries, with expertise in artist relations, talent booking, content production and strategic marketing. Most recently, Cato served as Director of Music & Talent for Paramount/ViacomCBS, where he led artist and label relations while overseeing talent-driven programming and live events across TV, digital and social platforms. Throughout his career, Cato has played an integral role in productions including the CMT Music Awards, CMT Crossroads, CMT Giants and CMT Artist of the Year. In his new role he will report to Director, Artist Relations Jenn Tressler and joins Manager, Artist Relations Lexi Lampkin on the team.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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