SOLID'S ANNUAL BACKSTAGE AUCTION RAISES OVER $27,000 FOR CMA FOUNDATION, SUPPORTING THE NEXT GENERATION OF MUSIC INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
The four-day silent auction benefits SOLID programming and the CMA Foundation through the sale of exclusive artist memorabilia, fan experiences, and signed collectibles
(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), Michelle Kirk (CMA).
Photo credit Mary Spaulding/CMA. Click to download.
NASHVILLE, Tenn., (June 30, 2026) –– The Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID) hosted its annual Backstage Auction during CMA Fest 2026, raising over $27,000 for the CMA Foundation. SOLID's 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. Two memorable auction items from this year included guitars signed by Lainey Wilson and Ella Langley.
"Over the past two years, I have witnessed the hard work that goes into this auction. I could not be prouder of my co-chairs, Sarah McKenzie and Brendan McManus, and our volunteers for their tireless dedication," Brian Day, SOLID's Music Market Chair said. "It is incredibly rewarding to support the meaningful work of the CMA Foundation. A heartfelt thank-you to Lindsey Morrison and her team at CMA for their continued partnership."
"Giving back is at the core of everything we do, and our partnership with SOLID is a powerful example of how this industry comes together for something bigger than itself,” says Michelle Kirk, Senior Director, CMA Foundation. "Since 2019, the Backstage Auction inside Fan Fair X has helped power our work year-round, turning the energy of CMA Fest into lasting opportunities for students. We are deeply grateful for partners like SOLID who show up for our mission again and again. Together, we're making sure students everywhere have the opportunity to experience the transformative power of music education."
Taking place Thursday, June 4 through Sunday, June 7 at Fan Fair X inside Music City Center, the silent auction serves as SOLID's largest annual fundraiser. 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 and its mission to provide equitable access to quality music education across the United States.
The silent auction offers fans the opportunity to bid on exclusive artist merchandise, signed guitars, unique fan experiences, and one-of-a-kind memorabilia while supporting two organizations dedicated to strengthening the future of music.
Guitar signed by Ella Langley.
Guitar signed by Lainey Wilson.
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About the CMA Foundation
The CMA Foundation transforms lives through the power of music education. Established by the Country Music Association in 2011 and headquartered in Nashville, TN, the nonprofit 501(c)(3) invests in high-quality programs that ensure all students have access to music. In partnership with the music industry and like-minded nonprofits, the CMA Foundation directs research-informed funding where it makes the greatest impact—empowering music teachers through professional development, providing resources for classrooms and programs, and creating life-changing opportunities for students.
About Society Of Leaders In Development
SOLID launched 29 years ago with a vision to develop a community for music industry professionals to network and brainstorm together, while also providing educational opportunities for entry to mid-level professionals. SOLID hosts several education panels, networking events and philanthropic opportunities throughout the year. In addition, SOLID has implemented programs to mentor hundreds of college students to date, launched the philanthropic initiative SOLID Shares, created a diversity and inclusion task force comprising of board members, current members and alumni as well as raising over $1,000,000 for local charities and accumulating over 500+ hours of volunteer time to the Nashville community. With an active membership of over 130 and an alumni network exceeding 1,000, SOLID continues to grow, thanks in part to the generous support of its annual Friends of SOLID sponsor partners. For more information about SOLID, visit solidnashville.org.
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