Tunes Ambassadors

Our roster of Tunes Ambassadors believe music has the power to change lives. Through fundraising that directly supports music teachers and under-resourced music programs, they turn passion into action.

By hosting onsite school assemblies and raising funds through fan-driven campaigns, VIP experiences, and benefit concerts, our ambassadors help put instruments directly into students’ hands.

Notable Ambassadors

Tyler Childers & The Food Stamps

Ambassadors Since 2022

Tyler Childers & The Food Stamps

Kentucky born and raised, Tyler's "working man country music" captures a relentless work ethic, a happy marriage and sly sense of humor. While playing sold out shows, he works to raise funds and support Tunes efforts nationwide.

Steep Canyon Rangers

Ambassadors Since 2016

Steep Canyon Rangers

Grammy Award–winning bluegrass band The Steep Canyon Rangers serve as Tunes Ambassadors, helping raise funds, host music workshops, and inspire the next generation of musicians.

Hancock & Shouse

Ambassador Since 2017

Hancock & Shouse

After years of performing around the country, Arthur Hancock and Chris Shouse have made a lot of musical memories. Both enjoyed their time in the award winning bands The Wooks, The 23 String Band, and Wolfpen Branch. They are excited to continue making Kentucky Bluegrass music together and to represent their roots with some of Kentucky’s best musicians.

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Woody Platt & Shannon Whitworth

Ambassadors Since 2016

Woody Platt & Shannon Whitworth

Husband and wife duo, Woody Platt and Shannon Whitworth of Brevard, North Carolina, each have a unique history of musical accomplishments.

“My art is how I see the world,” says artist and singer-songwriter Shannon Whitworth. “And my music is how I hear it.” (Walter Magazine)

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Fruition

Ambassadors Since 2020

Fruition

This Oregon-based band puts their unique acoustic, rock ‘n’ roll, eclectic, and after-hours vibe front and center, with a vocal style all their own.

Songs From The Road Band

Ambassadors Since 2018

Songs From The Road Band

This North Carolina bluegrass powerhouse is touring the country by storm and wowing fans with their pickin’ chops.

The Kitchen Dwellers

Ambassadors Since 2025

The Kitchen Dwellers

The Kitchen Dwellers blend progressive bluegrass, folk, and Americana into a sound rooted in storytelling and the landscapes of the American West. The Bozeman quartet—Shawn Swain, Torrin Daniels, Joe Funk, and Max Davies—remain at the forefront of modern string music while staying grounded in their creative roots.

Kelsey Waldon

Ambassador Since 2025

Kelsey Waldon

Kelsey Waldon is a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter known for her deeply authentic, self-penned country music rooted in her rural Kentucky upbringing. Since becoming the first new artist signed to John Prine’s Oh Boy Records in 15 years, she’s earned widespread praise for her fearless storytelling and emotional honesty.

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Sunsquabi

Ambassadors Since 2017

Sunsquabi

This hydro funk, three-piece suit, hails from Colorado and is taking the jam scene by storm. When not filling venues, they teach hands on guitar workshops for the next generation.

Daniel Kimbro

Ambassador Since 2025

Daniel Kimbro

Raised on American roots music in Eastern Tennessee, Daniel Kimbro is a multi-Grammy-nominated musician who has spent two decades performing with artists including Eric Clapton, Jerry Douglas, John Hiatt, and Sarah Jarosz.

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Abby Bryant & the Echoes

Ambassador Since 2019

Abby Bryant & the Echoes

Abby Bryant captures the spirit of old soul while emphasizing its youthful energy and fresh songwriting. They take influence from soul, blues, and southern rock.

make music with us

Use your platform to support music education and inspire the next generation of musicians.

Reach out to partnerships@candaid.org to learn more about becoming a Tunes Ambassador.

Fishin' With a Musician

Part fundraiser, part once-in-a-lifetime experience, Fishin’ With a Musician pairs fans with some of today’s most respected artists for a half-day guided fishing trip followed by an intimate, post-fishing jam session — all in support of music education.

Participants have cast lines alongside artists like John Carter Cash, Jerry Douglas, SG Goodman, Kelsey Waldon, members of Tyler Childers’ band The Food Stamps, Elizabeth Cook, and many more, turning an unforgettable day on the water into critical funding for under-resourced music programs nationwide.