2012 Democratic National Convention: Events

Charlotte, N.C. – Musicians On Call today announced that Grammy award-winning artist Common will be the headline performing act at the organization’s Presidential Convention Charity Benefit at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C.  The benefit is sponsored by the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (“Auto Alliance”) and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), who will also co-produce the event. 

Based in New York with branches in Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia, Nashville and Washington, D.C., Musicians On Call is a charity that brings the healing power of music to the bedsides of wounded soldiers at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Veterans Administration Hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.  The event will help raise money for Musicians On Call to expand its Bedside Performance Program to other cities and facilities and encourage others to give back to the military by getting involved at www.musiciansoncall.org. Musicians On Call will join the RIAA, Auto Alliance, Viacom, exclusive print media partner CQ Roll Call and other co-sponsors for this charity benefit in Charlotte and one at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla.

Earning acclaim from both his fans and his peers in the entertainment industry for two decades, Common is a multi-talented hip-hop icon, film and television actor and author who has been enjoying notable success since the release of his 1992 debut album, Can I Borrow a Dollar?.  The Chicago native and Warner Bros. Records artist went on to record eight more albums, three of which have earned RIAA Gold certifications: Like Water For Chocolate, Be and Finding Forever. Last December Common released his latest album, The Dreamer, The Believer.  Common has also successfully crossed over into the acting world, appearing on screen in films including American Gangster, Wanted, Terminator Salvation, Date Night, Just Wright, Happy Feet Two, New Year’s Eve, as well as the acclaimed AMC television series Hell on Wheels. Common has charted a constant course toward self-expansion and reinvention. He’s gone from a battle rhymer flipping clever punch lines to a conscious rapper and author exploring themes of love and light, to the complex, multi-talented artist that he is today. Through it all, he’s stayed true to his family, to his friends, and to his South Side Chicago roots.

“We are honored that MOC was named the beneficiary of the 2012 Presidential Convention Charity Benefit,” said Dr. Leslie Faerstein, MOC’s Executive Director.  “The RIAA, Auto Alliance, Viacom and other sponsors are helping MOC to bring music to a greater number of patients in healthcare facilities across the country.  We are truly grateful.”

Dr. Faerstein added, “We’re thrilled that Common will be our headline act at this year’s benefit.  As an organization that understands the transformative power of music, we are excited to be partnering with such a dynamic artist as Common.  That his music has brightened the days of so many makes him the perfect partner for MOC.” 

Said Common: “I’m not only excited to be able to support our President at this year’s Democratic National Convention, but also Musicians On Call, an organization that brings the healing power of music to hospital patients all over America.”

The invitation-only event, which will feature legendary music producer Jermaine Dupri as the evening’s official DJ (see here for bio), will take place the evening of September 4th (Tuesday) at the historic Fillmore concert venue in Charlotte.  If you are a member of the news media and would like to request media credentials to attend the pre-show red carpet or the benefit event in Charlotte, please contact Cara Duckworth at cduckworth@riaa.com.   Please note:  there will be absolutely no photography allowed inside the venue during the benefit.

More information about Common is available here:  www.thinkcommon.com and www.commongroundfoundation.org.

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CONTACT:
Cara Duckworth
Recording Industry Association of America

Gloria Bergquist
Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers