The SUMMER MELTDOWN Concert is a service-learning project produced by students of YES I CAN “Unity Through Music and Education”. It is the only one-day concert produced by students with and without disabilities in the United States. YIC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization made up of diverse population of high school students within Santa Clarita. The program combines special education students with a wide spectrum of disorders with general education mentors. The majority of the students with special needs have been diagnosed with a form of Autism known as Asperger’s Syndrome.
Although often gifted academically, a major area of deficit is the ability to socialize and communicate with peers. The YIC students from Golden Valley and Canyon High Schools spend the year learning about disabilities, self advocacy, goal setting, self determination, collaboration and communication skills, as well as the appreciation of diversity, the dangers of hatred, and important life lessons. Through YIC and the SUMMER MELTDOWN, the students utilize their skills working towards the common goal of producing a successful event, meanwhile providing the community with a music festival experience. This is an event for the community, produced by the youth that includes music, art, and social awareness.
Over the past eight years it has grown into the largest community concert festival for the entire community of Santa Clarita and outlying areas. It provides the community with an opportunity to experience live music and art performances, both local and national acts. Attendees will also gain information, education from non-profit and community-based organizations such as Autism Speaks and SCV Youth Project.
The students of YIC practice their communication, and social skills by working alongside music industry professionals to plan, prepare and produce the event such as running the sound, staging, and lighting to catering food and selling concert merchandise. The benefit to the Yes I Can students to produce the SUMMER MELTDOWN is social connection, peer acceptance, greater self-esteem, along with practical life skills such as planning, organizing, budgeting and collaborating. Non-disabled teens will have the opportunity to work closely with peers of various ability levels allowing them to dispel traditional misunderstandings and to learn the value of empathy and acceptance.
Past headliners of the SUMMER MELTOWN have included, Shwayze featuring Cisco Adler, Iration, Far East Movement, The Dirty Heads, DJ Taryn Manning, Stephen Perkins of Jane’s Addiction, Trapt, and Fishbone.
This year’s concert, sponsored by Galpin Motors, will feature over 30 local and national artists, DJ’s, MC’s, bands and many surprise guests. The SUMMER MELTDOWN 2011 is on Saturday, May 21 at the outdoor amphitheatre of Golden Valley High School, 27051 Robert C. Lee Parkway in Santa Clarita, CA, 91350.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit
www.summermeltdown2011.com
photo by Paige Photography