ABOUT THE ARTISTS
 
TROY CASTELLANO (FOUNDER, IFE)

Troy Castellano, originally from Minnesota, now living and working in Nashville, TN, is a dynamic and accomplished songwriter, artist, musician, and producer known for his rich blend of country, rock, and Americana. His music resonates with heartfelt lyrics, catchy melodies, and a soulful, gritty vocal style that captivates listeners of all ages and genres. Castellano’s songs often reflect personal experiences and universal themes of love, resilience, and the human spirit, making his music both relatable and deeply moving.
 
RYAN LARKINS

Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Ryan Larkins caught the music city bug as a pre-teen, starting his songwriting journey at age 12. He began to forge his distinctive baritone sound singing and playing guitar weekly for his home church. Those early performances eventually garnered attention from the Nashville music community, ultimately landing him a deal with Sony Music Publishing. Larkins’ sonic roots in traditional country music coupled with his love for gospel, pop, and even R&B has crafted an original, incomparable sound sought after by some of the most talented names in the industry. He has written with musical legends including Tony Lane, Tom Douglas, Lee Miller, Craig Wiseman, Tim Nichols, Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip, and Country Music Hall of Famer, Bill Anderson. Bill Anderson earned his first Grammy nomination for “Someday It’ll All Make Sense,” a duet with Dolly Parton, that Larkins co-wrote. A gifted songwriter, Larkins has also had cuts by award-winning artists Tim McGraw and Cody Johnson, and now has his own country release on Jay DeMarcus’ Red Street Records, the label he signed with in early 2023. 
 
JAY ALLEN

Known for his philanthropic work spurred on by his mother’s passing from Alzheimer’s in 2019, Jay Allen has gone on to raise over $160 million to help fight the disease. Allen has been featured on NBC’s The Voice, ABC World News, PeopleTV, Pickler & Ben, and in People, and Forbes magazines, among many other media outlets. He was selected as The Highway Find on Sirius XM with his song “Sounds Good To Me,” won the 2022 Country Now Awards‘ Favorite Competition Contestant, and was recognized as one of Music Mayhem‘s 2023 Artists to Watch. Celebrated for his philanthropic work in 2023, Allen was presented The Caregiver Award by The National Alzheimer’s Association, was personally invited to The White House by First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden, made history by performing the first-ever concert in the U.S. Capitol Building, and successfully concluded his first international tour in the United Kingdom, leading to airplay on BBC. Allen signed a record deal with ONErpm in 2023 and continues to tour with his band, The Stallions, in an effort to help those suffering from dementia and their caregivers. His new 10-song album Des Moines is available now.
 
LAUREN MASCITTI

Many fans discovered Nashville-based singer/songwriter, Lauren Mascitti, during her appearance on the 2020 season of NBC’s American Idol, but Macscitti has been performing and writing songs since the tender age of 7. By the time she was a teen, Mascitti was performing six shows a week in Branson, MO with gospel singer (and original Oak Ridge Boy), Gary McSpadden. After earning a degree in nursing, she moved from her hometown of Louisville, OH to Nashville where she has co-written and/or performed with artists including Pam Tillis, Matraca Berg, Suzy Bogguss, Mo Pitney, and Bobby Tomberlin. Mascitti performed with Brad Paisley and Shania Twain in a concert honoring her fellow healthcare workers during the pandemic and has performed on the stage of the world-famous Grand Ole Opry House multiple times. This past year, she opened several shows for Lonestar, including their first headlining show at the Ryman Auditorium. Mascitti’s most recent album God Made a Woman received Best of 2020 accolodates from The New York Times and Saving Country Music, and reached #4 on iTunes Country Albums Sales Chart. She is currently writing for a new project and continues to tour throughout the country 
 
ABOUT IFE

Instruments For Education is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of Middle Tennessee students through the power of music. Founded by artist, musician, and songwriter Troy Castellano in 2018, the organization aims to provide musical instruments to local schools, ensuring that students, teachers, and schools have the necessary resources to foster a thriving music education program. Troy Castellano started Instruments For Education out of a passionate belief in music’s transformative power. Having experienced firsthand the profound impact music can have on personal growth and development, Castllano was inspired to create a platform where students could discover their potential through musical expression. Recognizing that many students, teachers, and schools may not have the financial means to afford instruments, Instruments For Education focuses on donating guitars, ukuleles, and other musical instruments to those in need. Since its inception in 2018, Instruments For Education has operated through grassroots efforts, driven by community support and donations. This year, the organization will reach an incredible milestone of 1,000 donated instruments, marking a significant achievement in its mission to keep the joy and benefits of music alive in schools. By supporting underfunded programs, Instruments For Education helps students build confidence, creativity, and a sense of belonging, empowering the next generation of musicians and music lovers.