They're recording their debut album in New York next weekend and performing at the International Folk Alliance Conference in Memphis, Tenn. this February. But last Sunday The Parkington Sisters visited Wareham Middle School to support Community Arts In Action (CAIA), a Wareham nonprofit that offers, while perhaps a less renowned venue, an opportunity to promote local community through the arts.

"Wareham has all kinds of music in the summer," said organization president Leie Carmody. "But come Labor Day, it stops. Why only in the summer?"

But CAIA's goals extend beyond providing entertainment.  The organization began as a fundraiser for the Wareham Free Library after budget cuts last April threatened its certification. The group organized a sold-out performance by Irish musicians Aoife Clancy and Robbie O'Donnell that contributed $1,520 to the library. Since then, the monthly events have included dance, theater and musical performances to benefit the library and the Council on Aging. Individual donors and/or sponsors, playbill ads, and other donations underwrite the expenses for each performance so that all ticket proceeds can go to the benefiting organization. They are currently raising money to subsidize the cost of renting or purchasing instruments for children in the school band and strings programs as well as soliciting new groups to receive funds.

"If people came together, clapped together - perhaps it sounds a little naïve - but we thought maybe we could heal some schisms within the community," said Carmody.

Now in their second season, Community Arts In Action has recruited a loyal audience  top-notch performers, and a dedicated group of volunteers.

"By promoting artists and their performances, we broaden our community..and we can do some good with the proceeds!" said board member Jack Houter in introducing the Parkington Sisters and next month's musical revue of Floyd Collins performed by actors from Provincetown Counter Productions.

And the group's efforts are appreciated.

Ten minutes before the performance, only four programs remained unclaimed by an audience that enthusiastically applauded a performance including classical stylings alongside the songs of Radiohead and the Shirelles in addition to original songs.

And the Parkington Sisters were equally appreciative.

"It's amazing how many artists are here on the Cape and surrounding area," said Ariel, 29, the eldest of the five Parkington sisters who plays the violin and viola. "Yet, I wish there were more concerts where people, particularly young people could perform."

To listen to some of the Parkington Sisters' music, click below.  Courtesy of The Parkington Sisters