Electric Youth Debuts In England And France On 10th European Concert Tour

Electric Youth (EY), the international touring ensemble of singer-dancers trained at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA), debuts in England and France this summer. EY departs August 5 for two weeks abroad, marking the group's 10th European concert tour. Performance venues include Disneyland Paris and Barfleur's Courtyard Les Amuseurs, along the coast of Normandy, as well as theatres in Bristol, London, Wimborne and Windsor. The group also will enjoy guided historical tours in many of the regions visited.

Electric Youth delivers high-energy, fully choreographed performances of classic rock and contemporary pop hits for audiences of all ages. The nine-member ensemble, ages 14-17, showcases triple-threat talent in singing, dancing and acting. EY members are chosen by audition for those skills, along with superior musicianship and stage presence. Music Director Hallie Wetzell notes that the young performers receive extensive training in voice, drama and multiple dance disciplines and says, "Their experience, professionalism and talent belies their years. Their work with master teachers enables them to present a show of the highest caliber."

Electric Youth 2013 includes Madison Asgeirsson, 15, Kendra Dombroski, 14, Ali Funkhouser, 17, Graham Hancock, 16, Jocelyn Jones, 14, and Shaina McGillis, 14, from Franklin; Michael Fajardo, 14, from Hopkinton; Maddy Williams, 14, from Medway; and Jenna McDermott, 14, from Wrentham.

The EY singer-dancers are backed by an eight-piece band of Boston musicians who've performed, recorded and toured with such music legends as Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, B.B. King, Diana Ross, The Temptations and Van Morrison.

"The band that tours with EY really raises the level of experience for our singer-dancers and audiences alike," says Director Raye Lynn Mercer. "These musicians have performed with A-list entertainers, and the music is first-rate. Several of the band members also write arrangements for EY that allow the group to take classic songs and make them their own."

EY's Ali Funkhouser, 17, says that the broad appeal of today's pop music helps the group connect easily with international audiences. Noting the ensemble's unique renditions of current hits, she says, "The newer, contemporary music is universally well-known, but we put our own spin on how the songs are performed, so there are still plenty of twists and surprises for our audiences."

Electric Youth's repertoire includes timeless hits by The Beatles, The Blues Brothers, Fun, Icona Pop, Lady Gaga, Queen, Stevie Wonder and more. Hallie Wetzell notes, "With a show that ranges from classic Aretha to '80s hits to The Script, there's something for everyone."

EY has released five professional CDs and performed on Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas, on Fox-TV, and at Boston's Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, Walt Disney World and the United Nations. Concert tours of Italy and Austria have included performances at such renowned venues as Sanremo's Ariston Theatre and Vienna's Konzerthaus, Musikverein and Schonbrunn Palace. The ensemble also has entertained U.S. Troops stationed abroad at European military bases.

For more information about Electric Youth, call (508) 528-8668 or visit www.electricyouth.com

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