Electric Youth Headlines 4th of July Entertainment for U.S. Troops; European Tour Set for 6/15-7/8

Electric Youth (EY), a dynamic ensemble of talented, young singer-dancers trained at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA), will headline the Fourth of July entertainment for U.S. Troops and families stationed abroad at Aviano Air Force Base. The Independence Day performance highlights EY's 9th European concert tour, featuring engagements throughout Austria and Italy from June 15 to July 8.

With a set list of familiar American pop, rock and Broadway classics, EY's Aviano concert brings a little bit of America to U.S. Troops serving overseas. The ensemble has performed several times for the 4 th of July at Aviano AFB, as well as Camp Ederle in Vicenza and Camp Darby in Livorno. For EY members, the Aviano performance is an opportunity to give back to military families for the service they provide to our country. "I think it's important to give back in any way we can and in this case it's singing and lifting their spirits," notes Giovanna Ferri. "They haven't been home in a while so maybe seeing us coming from America will make them happy." Adds Ali Funkhouser, "Our show at Aviano will be a real honor. It's a privilege."

EY is excited and proud to be invited back for a return engagement at Aviano and has launched a fundraising campaign at Kickstarter.com to help defray costs of the July 4 th event. Anyone who
donates to EY's concert for our troops at Kickstarter.com will receive "cool stuff" – from an official
European Tour t-shirt or EY photo at Aviano to tour postcards or EY CD – as a thank you from the group.

Prospective donors can visit the Kickstarter.com web site and search Electric Youth to hear firsthand from EY members and learn more about the Independence Day concert and European Tour.

Backed by an eight-piece band of Boston's finest musicians, Electric Youth offers high-powered family entertainment with an extensive range of contemporary pop, classic rock and Broadway hits choreographed to delight audiences of all ages. Electric Youth has toured Europe eight times, released five professional CDs and performed on a Royal Caribbean cruise, on Fox-TV, and at Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, Mechanics Hall, Walt Disney World and the United Nations. EY's music is available on iTunes, CD Baby and other indie music sites.

Electric Youth members are selected by audition at the beginning of each academic year and are chosen for their superior musicianship, stage presence and triple threat accomplishments in voice, dance and acting. Electric Youth 2012 features thirteen performers, ages 13 to 19. Members are Giovanna Ferri, Ali Funkhouser, Graham Hancock, Jocelyn Jones, Melissa Mandia, Shaina McGillis, Lucas Melfi, Jillian Rea and Alicia Rivera of Franklin; Michael Egan of Hopkinton; Erica McLaughlin of Medfield; Sasha Gardner of Sharon; and Jenna McDermott of Wrentham.