GIVING BACK
Commonwealth Imports historically has supported educational scholarships, academic and historical institutions, and programs for children and the disabled.
This year and last, we have been supporting young musicians, primarily women in the arts. As an example, we’ve helped sponsor tours for musical groups which feature women. Several of these artists, in turn, have performed for free for residents of the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington, DC. Most of the home’s residents served in WW II or the Korean War. In 2010, we contributed to two groups: Universal Republic recording artists The Rescues in May, and Rounder Records recording artist Ms. Abigail Washburn and her band in September.
Watch a little of The Rescues concert (A brief clip of the performance begins at the 53 second mark):
During Abigail’s show (see below), some of the residents even jammed with the band!
In 2011, we contributed to the Winter, Summer, and upcoming Fall (China) tours of Abigail Washburn; the Winter, Spring, and Fall tours of Rachel Platten and Craig Meyers (Rockridge Records/Warner), and Caleb Hawley; the Spring tours of Jennifer Knapp (Graylin Records) and Ben Sollee (Thirty Tigers), Phoebe Hunt, and Jordon Ellis, and Bess Rogers, the Summer tour of Elizabeth & the Catapult (Verve), and the Fall tour of Matt Hires and C.J. Mask. We have also made small contributions to the production of several tours, albums or EP’s by female artists via Kickstarter and Pledgemusic and sponsored performances at the AFRH and similar facilities by several performers including Deborah Benner, Michael Bard, and Scott Giambusso. In 2012, we’ve made small contributions to Allison Weiss, Bess Rogers, and Rachel Platten.
Elizabeth Ziman of Elizabeth and the Catapult
Rachel Platten performing at a senior citizens residence
Trio Caliente (dancing with the real stars)
Grammy Nominee Jennifer Knapp at the AFRH
In 2012, we hope to begin supporting educational opportunities for girls and young women in the US and internationally.