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Summer Meltdown Concert coming May 19

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Contributed by: Bret Lieberman on 5/8/2007

The YES I CAN program combines special education students with a wide spectrum of disorders with regular education mentors. The students spend the majority of the year working towards the common goal of throwing the district-wide SUMMER MELTDOWN concert, set this year for May 19 in the amphitheatre at Golden Valley High School

The majority of the special education students suffer from a form of Autism known as Asperger's Syndrome. Although often gifted academically, their major area of deficit is their ability to socialize and communicate with peers. This is why it is essential to provide these students with the opportunity to challenge them to work together and practice the techniques they've been taught through the program. The costs of producing the concert are covered through class fundraisers, candy sales, family food nights at local restaurants, donations, and sponsorships.

Over the past three years, local businesses, have contributed through direct monetary donations, gift certificates, or sponsorships. These donations have helped us book the talent and cover all demands in the artists' rider. Last year, we had legendary mega stars, FISHBONE perform in the 2,000 seat outdoor amphitheatre at Golden Valley High School. They rocked the crowd with their renowned mix of SKA, funk, and hip-hop style. This years Summer Meltdown Concert features 10 bands including Phunk Junkeez.

The PJ's have sold over 250,000 units and gained a dedicated 50,000 plus MySpace fans, who have already checked out the sneak-peak release of the song & video for "JOIN IN". The PJs perform over 120 shows a year in the United States, and with Japan on the rise, they are gaining a strong international following. The Phunk Junkeez have toured extensively over the years and performed with the likes of Primus, Kottonmouth Kings, No Doubt, Pennywise, Incubus, Run DMC, Lenny Kravitz, Insane Clown Posse, Wu Tang Clan, Slightly Stoopid, Pepper, Linkin Park and most recently 311.

The Phunk Junkeez have been featured on more than 40 film, television and videogame soundtracks such as: "Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle," "Tommy Boy," "Adidas World Cup Soccer," "NBA Finals," "Fox Sports," "ESPN X-GAMES," "Last Ride," "American Werewolf In Paris," "Disturbing Behavior" and "ATV v. MX 3."

Through it all, the PJ's continue doing their thing, staying true to who they are and not buying into any of the trends of the moment. They have ultimately become a catalyst & stable for a style of music which they helped create. Jumbo Jim adds, "from the start we were always doing our own thing, and we still bring that original Phunk Junkeez style to every show and party we put on."

For more information on the Meltdown visit www.summermeltdown2007.com

If you have an interest in helping us in any way, please contact the program advisor at Golden Valley High School (661) 298-8140 ext. 1414, email blieber@hartdistrict.org, attention Bret Lieberman.

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