We are a team of people from the Nashville music community who don’t want to see our neighbors go hungry.
Barbara Cloyd | Founder
Barbara landed in Nashville in the early 80’s. She made her first mark on the town when she was hired to launch the Open Mic at the Bluebird Cafe, where she still hosts on Monday nights. After scoring success as a songwriter with the Lorrie Morgan hit, “I Guess You Had To Be There” she began getting lots of requests for feedback and advice and discovered her passion mentoring developing songwriters.
Through her Play for Publishers workshops she got to know a handful of Music Row publishers, and when Nashville was devastated by the flood of 2010, she asked them to donate 30 minute meetings she could auction online. That effort generated $28,000 for flood relief and when the pandemic devastated the economy she thought it was time to revive the format. People are still struggling.
Kate Hasting | Co-Founder
Kate is a touring country artist with her own high-energy, humor combined with an honest spin on the genre. She met Barbara through one of her writing workshops and became fast friends. When Barbara asked for help with the auction in 2020 she jumped at the chance and is still on board. Despite a busy summer on the road she is working hard to spread the word about this event she is passionate about.
Elena Jones | Team Member
Elena is a songwriter in Nashville and a tour manager for Hasting. She was introduced to Meet Music Row in 2022 through Kate, and is ecstatic to continue work with the auction this year and help take it to the next level.
Anthony Stone | Marketing/Team Member
Anthony is an independent marketing consultant and artist manager in Nashville. He was first introduced to Barbara through both Kate & Elena and knew instantly he wanted to be a part Meet Music Row. With a background in design and experience in creative marketing, Anthony plans to help MMR grow and reach new music creators.