ELECTRIC YOUTH Set for 2012 Austria & Italy Concert Tour this June

Electric Youth, a dynamic ensemble of talented, young singer-dancers trained at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA), departs on a three-week concert tour of Austria and Italy on June 15. 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. The ensemble performed a Bon Voyage Concert at Showcase Live on June 10 for an enthusiastic crowd, providing an exciting and energetic send-off for their European adventure.

The 2012 tour features a return Fourth of July engagement at Aviano Air Force Base to entertain U.S. Troops and families stationed abroad. Additional tour highlights include a performance for audiences of some 3,000 at Italy's Lignano Beach area and a tribute concert in Obergrafendorf, Austria, in memory of the ensemble's bus driver who accompanied the group on several of EY's eight prior European tours. With additional stops in Wildon, St. Polton and Mattersburg, Austria, as well as Bibione, Montecatini Terme and Todi, Italy, the tour closes with a memorable show at Lake Como before the ensemble returns home on July 8.

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. For 10 of the 13, this will be a first European tour experience with the ensemble.

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. For more information, visit www.electricyouth.com.