On Saturday May 10, 2008 the students of Golden Valley High School’s “Yes I Can” program will be putting on their
5th Annual Summer Meltdown.

This concert is created by students for students and is open to the general public. For the past 4 years, the students have fundraised and bonded together as a family to book more than 40 musical performers. This year the students with the help of their teachers, local music professionals, and sponsors have booked 12 acts plus a special guest performer.

TRAPT, will be headlining the show. They have toured with Nickelback, and Three Days Grace and have released 2 EPs, one live album, and 2 full length albums with a third on the way to be released in August 2008. Their biggest hit "Headstrong" has topped the US Modern Rock Chart at #1 and is ranked #16 on the US Hot 100. This is the biggest band that has ever played at the Summer Meltdown. Along with TRAPT, there will be a drum circle lead by Stephen Perkins, the drummer from the world famous band Jane's Addiction.

For more information about the "Yes I Can" program and the Summer Meltdown Concert, please visit www.sponsorthemeltdown.com. This is an all- day concert experience with many local and professional acts. The presale tickets are only $10.00 and will be $20 the day of the event. So, buy them early. Refreshments and food will also be sold. To purchase tickets online, please visit www.sponsorthemeltdown.com or www.summermeltdown2008.com.

The YES I CAN program combines students with special needs possessing a wide spectrum of disorders with general education mentors. The students spend the majority of the year working towards the common goal of throwing the Summer Meltdown concert. The majority of the students with special needs have 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, donations, sponsorships, candy sales, and family food nights at local restaurants.