Over $250,000 Raised to Fund New Music Technology Programs in Nashville, Dallas, and Washington, D.C.
On November 12, 2025 Save The Music Foundation hosted its 6th annual “Hometown to Hometown” fundraiser for music education at City Winery Nashville.
The event brought together leaders from across the music industry, raising over $250,000 to fund music technology grants for schools in Nashville and the hometowns of this year’s honorees in Dallas, TX and Washington, D.C.
Co-hosted by Leslie Fram and Dasha, the evening celebrated Save The Music’s mission to ensure that every student in every community has access to the life-changing power of making music.
Honoring Old Dominion, Lee Ann Womack & Cameo Carlson
At this year’s event, Old Dominion, Lee Ann Womack, and mtheory CEO Cameo Carlson were recognized by Save The Music Foundation as the 2025 Champions of the Year for their extraordinary contributions to the music industry and their dedication to supporting music programs in public schools.
Funds raised will help Save The Music expand its network of music education programs and deliver music technology equipment to schools in Nashville, Dallas, and Washington, D.C.
Throughout the evening, honorees, performers, and guest speakers—including Dasha, Mickey Guyton, Old Dominion, and Lee Ann Womack—shared inspiring stories about the impact of music education on their own lives and careers, underscoring why Save The Music’s work remains so vital today.
Dasha opened the night with a powerhouse performance of “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’)” before seamlessly stepping into her co-hosting role
Leslie Fram and Dasha welcomed attendees with reflections on how Save The Music Foundation continues to empower students through music.
Mickey Guyton performed “Better Than You Left Me” on behalf of honoree Cameo Carlson, who later joined Leslie Fram on stage for an intimate conversation about her career, advocacy for artists, and support of independent music education nonprofits like Save The Music.
Lee Ann Womack delivered a moving rendition of “I Hope You Dance,” reminding guests of the transformative power of music. She was presented her award by Bernie Taupin.
Students from Johnson Alternative Learning Center took the stage with their teacher Mr. Hanna and Principal Franklin, describing how their Save The Music J Dilla Music Technology Grant has changed their school community.
Old Dominion closed the night with fan favorites and heartfelt remarks about the teachers and programs that first inspired their musical journeys, before being presented with their Champion of the Year award by Taylor Lindsey, SVP of A&R at Sony Music Nashville.
Supporting Music Education in Nashville, Dallas, and Washington, D.C.
Since launching the “Hometown to Hometown” initiative in 2019, Save The Music Foundation has raised more than $1.2 million, funding music technology programs in 18 high schools across the country.
Sponsors of the 2025 event included Gibson Gives, SiriusXM, Messina Touring Group, mtheory, Love Tito’s, and Morris Higham Management.
The Save The Music “Hometown to Hometown” virtual auction remains live through October, featuring exclusive items such as a Gibson Garage VIP Tour, signed artist merchandise, and VIP concert experiences. Bids directly support Save The Music’s programs to provide music education opportunities for students in under-resourced public schools.
Learn more and contribute at SaveTheMusic.org.