StageWater Lands Exclusive Partnership with CMA Fest 2026 presented by SoFi
Founded by Touring Industry Veterans After COVID Shutdown, Brand Donates 15% of Profits to Music Community
NASHVILLE, TN — StageWater, a premium canned water brand built to support the live music community, has been named the official canned water of CMA Fest 2026 presented by SoFi, marking a major milestone for the fast-growing company.
StageWater was founded by live music professionals in the wake of the COVID-19 shutdown that upended the touring industry. Built to give back to the people behind the scenes, the company donates 15% of all profits to organizations supporting music industry workers, including Backline, MusiCares, Music Health Alliance, NIVA, and The Roadie Clinic. These groups help expand access to healthcare, provide hardship relief, and create a safety net for the entertainment community.
StageWater is led by CEO Chris Thacker, a longtime tour manager for Dierks Bentley, alongside fellow touring industry veterans Jay Ballinger and Zach Belcher. Together, they’ve built a brand to give back to the community they love.
The brand has quickly gained traction across the live music landscape, appearing at more than two dozen festivals and events, partnering with artists and touring productions nationwide. Its selection as the exclusive water of CMA Fest marks its largest partnership to date.
“When everything shut down in 2020, I watched friends I’d toured with for years lose their income, their access to healthcare, and any sense of what came next,” said Thacker. “We started StageWater to make sure the people who make live music happen aren’t left behind again. CMA Fest can only happen because of that community, so this partnership feels full circle.”
“The partnership with StageWater is rooted in a shared commitment to the people who power our industry,” said Tiffany Kerns, CMA Senior Vice President, Industry Relations and Philanthropy. “Their investment in mental health and well-being reflects the kind of care and responsibility we believe is critical to the future of live music. We’re proud to stand alongside them in support of our community.”
StageWater is available at venues and festivals nationwide, as well as in select retail locations and online at stagewater.com.
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About StageWater
StageWater is a premium canned water brand created by music industry veterans to support the people behind live music. The company was founded during the COVID-19 pandemic by CEO Chris Thacker (tour manager, Dierks Bentley), Chief Sales Officer Jay Ballinger (award-winning production manager), and Chief Marketing Officer Zach Belcher (touring creative), who together donate 15% of all profits to organizations supporting the live music community. Packaged in recyclable aluminum cans, StageWater has appeared at festivals and tours nationwide and is the exclusive water of the 2026 CMA Fest. For more information, visit stagewater.com.
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Kirsten Grenier Burnett
The Mixtape PR
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