Greek Festival Kicks Off In Wormleysburg With Gyros, Baklava And Music

80-ply dough baklava (which is usually 40-ply), speciality of Beypazarı district of Ankara,Turkey (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Plenty of people are getting their Greek on this weekend.

Shortly before the 11 a.m. start of the Capital Region Greek Festival at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Wormleysburg this morning, customers were lining up for gryos, baklava and lamb dinners.

It’s a little known secret – you can arrive early at the festival at 1000 Yverdon Drive to beat the rush.

“It’s a beautiful day. It’s perfect for this,” said Donna Angeloff of Willamstown.

Read more:  http://www.pennlive.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2013/05/greek_festival_wormleysburg_1.html#incart_m-rpt-1

Candice Glover Wins Season 12 Of American Idol

Logo of the Fox Broadcasting Company (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“I can’t even … Oh, my God … Three years.”

For three years, Candice Glover traveled from her South Carolina home to try out for American Idol. Thursday night, her efforts paid off. She became the 12th winner of the Fox singing competition, beating out Kree Harrison to become the show’s first female winner in six years.

Glover, 23, not only had the night’s final big moment, she was involved in some of the other highlights of the two-hour-plus finale, singingInseparable with Jennifer Hudson, then getting a shout-out from Aretha Franklin, who told her, “Candice, you’re a winner — win or lose, you’re a winner.”

Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/story/idolchatter/2013/05/16/american-idol-winner-third-times-the-charm-candice-glover/2192781/

Randy Jackson Leaving ‘American Idol’

LOS ANGELES — Jackson out.  Randy Jackson, the lone original “American Idol” judge, says he won’t be returning to the Fox talent competition.

“To put all of the speculation to the rest, after 12 years of judging on ‘American Idol,’ I have decided to leave after this season,” Jackson said in a statement Thursday.  “I am very proud of how we forever changed television and the music industry.”

The 56-year-old record producer and bassist called the experience a “life-changing opportunity.” He said he’s leaving “Idol” to focus on his record label and other business opportunities.

Read more:  http://www.pottsmerc.com/article/20130509/ENTERTAINMENT01/130509227/later-dawg-randy-jackson-leaving-american-idol-#full_story

Reopened Birdsboro Bridge To Buoy Annual Duck Race, Festival

Map of Berks County, Pennsylvania, United States with township and municipal boundaries (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Birdsboro will have plenty to celebrate on Saturday during its annual Duck Race and Spring Festival.

In addition to a pet expo, food, games, music and the signature rubber duck race, the community event will celebrate the highly anticipated reopening of the new Hay Creek Bridge.  The span, which crosses the Hay Creek along Main Street (Route 724), was deemed structurally unsound and closed in September for repairs.

The bridge reopened on May 2 and Borough Manager Aaron J. Durso said the impact was immediate.

“It’s nice,” he said.  ”It frees up traffic on East and West First Street and opens up the main artery for emergency vehicles and fire police.”

Read more:  http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=476247

Nostalgia Night Returns To Downtown Pottstown On May 4th

Lancaster Bible College Investing Its Trust In Downtown Lancaster

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Lancaster County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Trust Performing Arts Center has been open less than a month, but it’s fitting quite nicely into the downtown arts scene.

During its first First Friday, April 5, more than 600 people came to check out the place.  And that makes the folks at the Lancaster Bible College, which runs the Trust, quite happy.

“There’s something very vibrant about downtown Lancaster, and we want our students to be a part of that,” says Robert Bigley, head of the music performance program at Lancaster Bible College.  ”We want them to get out of the church bubble, to get out in the real world.”

Like Millersville University, which runs The Ware Center, located across a parking lot from the Trust, LBC wanted a satellite location that would engage students and audiences apart from the campus.

Coming downtown was the goal.

Read more: http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/842459_LBC-investing-its-Trust-in-downtown-Lancaster.html#ixzz2Rri6xzvW

Norristown Arts Hill Festival Set For May 4

Location of Norristown in Montgomery County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

NORRISTOWN ­­— The fourth annual Norristown Arts Hill Festival on May 4 will have more than 30 music, theater, dance and spoken word acts on DeKalb Street from Lafayette Street to Penn Street.

The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the street will be closed to traffic from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Traffic on Main Street will continue throughout the festival day.  The Showcase Stage on DeKalb Street, across from the Centre Theater, will start with children’s acts from 10 a.m. to noon.

The festival will feature “Kids Corner,” a family-friendly, child-friendly performance, vending and activity area located in the 200 block of DeKalb Street.  Other musical acts are scheduled for later in the day on the Showcase stage.

The Festival Stage, on DeKalb Street above Penn, will feature 30-minute musical acts that will begin on the hour, said Richard Rogers Jr., the president of the Norristown Arts Council.

Read more:  http://www.timesherald.com/article/20130427/NEWS01/130429586/norristown-arts-hill-festival-set-for-may-4

Muhlenberg Summer Music Theatre Embarks On 33rd Theatrical Season

Logo of Muhlenberg College (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Allentown, Pa. —The Muhlenberg Summer Music Theatre festival at Muhlenberg College announces the lineup for its 2013 summer season — the 33rd in the festival’s history. The season will feature “Crazy for You,” the musical based on the music of George and Ira Gershwin; Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Jesus Christ Superstar”; and Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty’s “Seussical,” the Dr. Seuss musical for young audiences.

Opening the summer season is “Crazy for You,” June 12-30, winner of the 1992 Tony Award for best musical. Based on the music of George and Ira Gerswhin, “Crazy for You” features some of the best-loved Gershwin tunes, as well as virtuoso tap dance numbers, choreographed by Karen Dearborn.

The groundbreaking rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar,” featuring lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, runs July 10-28. Directed by James Peck, the show dramatizes the last seven days in the life of Jesus. Former Muhlenberg dance professor Charles O. Anderson choreographs the production.

“Seussical,” the Dr. Seuss Musical, runs June 19 through July 27, presented in a special hour-and-15-minute Young Audiences edition. This show brings a slew of popular Dr. Seuss characters to the stage, with music and lyrics by Tony Award-winning songwriting duo Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. “Seussical” is recommended for ages 4 and up.

Tickets and information are available at www.muhlenberg.edu/SMT and at 484-664-3693.

“Crazy for You” is the story of Bobby Child, a well-to-do 1930s playboy, whose dream in life is to dance—and despite the serious efforts of his mother and soon-to-be-ex-fiancée, Bobby achieves his dream. Full of showgirls, tap dancing, and mistaken identity, this musical comedy features the classic Gershwin tunes  “I Got Rhythm,” “They Can’t Take That Away from Me,” “Nice Work if You Can Get It,” and “Someone to Watch Over Me.”

The Broadway production of “Crazy for You” garnered numerous awards when it premiered in 1992, including the Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Choreography, and Best Costume Design. Muhlenberg Summer Music Theatre founding artistic director Charles Richter directs the production. Ed Bara is musical director, and Karen Dearborn is choreographer.

The Muhlenberg premiere of the rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar” dramatizes the last seven days in the life of Jesus, from his entry into Jerusalem through his crucifixion. With a lively score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, this hit musical gained prestige in its 1972, 2000, and 2012 Broadway productions. MSMT veterans James Peck and Ken Butler serve as director and musical director, respectively.

Former Muhlenberg faculty member Charles O. Anderson returns to choreograph “Superstar.” Anderson was named one of “25 to Watch” in 2008 by Dance Magazine, and his work has been presented at high-profile regional venues around the country.

“Seussical,” the Dr. Seuss Musical, the Tony Award-winning composer-lyricist team of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty have lovingly brought to life an assortment of Dr. Seuss’s most beloved characters, including the Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, the lazy bird Mayzie, and Jojo, a little boy with a big imagination.

This hour-and-15-minute Young Audiences edition of “Seussical” is directed by Benjy Shaw, with musical direction by David Dabbon and choreography by Nina Pongratz. It is appropriate for ages four and up.

“Crazy for You” runs June 12-30; “Jesus Christ Superstar” runs July 10-28. Performances are Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Ticket prices for both “Crazy for You” and “Jesus Christ Superstar” are as follows. For the first four performances: $32 regular admission; seniors are $28; students and children are $18. For the remaining 11 performances: $38 regular admission; seniors are $35; students and children are $20.

“Seussical” runs June 19 through July 27. Performances are Wednesday through Friday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m, and Saturday at 10 a.m. only.  All tickets to “Seussical” are $10 for June performances and $12 for July performances.

Sundays are Family Matinee Day; mainstage tickets for children ages 5-18 are just $10 when purchased with a full-price or senior ticket. (Limit two discounted tickets per full-price ticket.)

Subscriptions to “Crazy for You” and “Jesus Christ Superstar” are available for $50 for the first four shows, or $60 for the remaining 11 shows. Group discounts are available for groups of 15 or more.

Audio Description for patrons who are visually impaired will be available at the Sunday, June 23, performance of “Crazy for You.” Call 484-664-3087 for tickets in the accessible section of this performance.

Tickets and information are available at www.muhlenberg.edu/SMT or 484-664-3333.

Third Annual Gospel Concert Fundraiser For The Homeless

3rd Annual Gospel Concert

Date: Saturday, May 18, 2013

Time: 2:00 p.m.

Location: Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 240 Mintzer Street, Pottstown, PA 19464

Cost: Free Will Offering

Join us for an afternoon of joyful noise as we support those in our community who are experiencing homelessness (flyer available).   Tell a friend and come help make a difference.

The following performers will be participating:

• Soloist: Arnetta Morgan, Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Pottstown, PA
• Soloist: Lisa Vinson, Bethel Baptist Church, Phoenixville, PA 19464
• True Faith Independent Holiness Church Choir, Birdsboro PA
• Bethel A.M.E. Church Choir, Pottstown, PA, and
• Divine Angels Praise Dancers, Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Pottstown, PA.

If you are interesting in sponsoring the event, please see the attached document.

For more information or an opportunity to list your business in our event program visit our website at http://www.WingsofVictoryOutreach.org

Tourism Officials Hope Casting A Wider Nets Brings More Tourists To Lancaster County

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Lancaster County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The county’s tourism promotion board will soon launch a multifaceted campaign it hopes will catch the eye of as many as 100 million people.

It hopes many of of them will come here and spend money.

The Pennsylvania Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau plans to diversify the $1.6 million it will spend on advertising this year.

In addition to a television commercial that will soon be aired in the Philadelphia and New York markets, the visitors bureau also will buy digital and static billboards to reinforce the same message.

Read more: http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/842667_Tourism-officials-hope-casting-a-wider-nets-brings-more-tourists-to-county.html#ixzz2Rc8YwZ9q

Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority (PDIDA) Is On The Move!

Like the little engine that could, Sheila Dugan has taken the throttle of the Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority (PDIDA) and is chugging uphill toward her vision of a revitalized central business district.

Unlike Main Street Managers in the past, this dynamo hit the ground running and is pulling PDIDA into the 21^st century at warp speed.  The PDIDA board has been reorganized, assessments are being collected, activities are being scheduled and a new cooperation is being fostered between PDIDA, borough hall, PAID, the TriCounty Community Network and other entities in Pottstown.

Sheila actually lives in Pottstown, is a downtown business owner (she and her husband own Grumpy’s) and her children attend the Pottstown School District.  Sheila is INVESTED in Pottstown (a missing component in past Main Street Managers).

The perception of business owners in the downtown, by the general public, is poor.  Sheila is trying to raise awareness that most businesses downtown are Mom and Pop operations.  In many cases, one owner, one employee.  Trying to “do it all” six days a week from open to close does not leave much time for people to attend PDIDA meetings (or much of anything else).

To combat the time problem, Sheila has come up with an innovative solution – block captains.  The block captains will talk with their assigned business owners and attend the meetings to speak for the group they represent.  The block captains will then convey the meeting results back to their group.  Email is also being used to keep PDIDA members updated, in addition to block captains and meetings.

Sheila has been working closely with the Pottstown Police Department and Borough Manager Mark Flanders toward a solution for the vagrant problem downtown.  Sheila said Mark Flanders and the Pottstown Police Department have been extremely helpful and cooperative in working toward a solution for this problem.  You will see more police officers downtown walking a beat along with other measures that are aimed at making the downtown clean, safe and a welcoming atmosphere for shoppers, arts and restaurant patrons.

PDIDA is also working with the numerous social services agencies in Pottstown.  These agencies will also play a role in managing the homeless and idle population that have been congregating downtown and hampering revitalization efforts.

Sheila works hand-in-hand with Pottstown Area Industrial Director Executive Director Steve Bamford to help market Pottstown and fill empty store fronts with new businesses.  She said Steve Bamford has been great to work with.  Marketing Pottstown is not an easy job.

Another important cooperative effort taking place is between the Pottstown Codes Department and PDIDA.  Every building within the PDIDA zone is being reviewed and code violations are being identified where they exist.  Clean and safe buildings are certainly more appealing to consumers!

Like many organizations, PDIDA has lost a large percentage of its funding.  Sheila said individual and corporate sponsors are desperately needed as well as volunteers.  For example, the PDIDA office downtown needs volunteers to help staff the office.  Sheila is also working on fundraising efforts and is applying for grants to help fund events and projects.

While we are on the subject of funding and budgets, Sheila is Pottstown’s official Main Street Manager but receives only a fraction of the salary the former managers were paid.  This is due to the loss of funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for the Main Street Program.  Pottstown is fortunate to have someone willing to take on this herculean task, put in the time, do the hard work and get results on a shoestring budget.

One last thing before I give you a list of upcoming events downtown.  A while ago, one of my readers asked me if the façade program was still in existence.  I emailed the former Main Street Manager, identified myself and posed my reader’s question.  I never received the courtesy of a reply.  I asked Sheila about this during our conversation and she told me that the façade program does indeed still exist and there is still money available.

Some exciting PDIDA events to look forward to include:

June 8 – 2^nd Annual Iron Horse, motorcycle show

June 20 – Rumble Downtown (includes Misty May-Treanor and live music).

July 20 – 2^nd Annual Sidewalk Sale

October 12 – 6^th Annual Riverfest – PDIDA is taking on this event and adding an evening component from 6pm – 8pm which will include live bands, artists, beer garden, a Bike/Art event and a TriPAC show at 8pm. Downtown restaurants will be participating.

Sheila said she is always looking for participants, live music, artists and street performers for PDIDA events.  I will again put in a plug for individual and corporate sponsors.

The Pottstown Visitors Center aka the PDIDA office is located at 17 North Hanover Street in downtown Pottstown.  The phone number is (610) 323-5400.  Sheila Dugan is the Main Street Manager and her direct line is (484) 948-6061.  The website is http://downtownpottstown.org/

“Come To The Fair!” – Annual Colonial May Fair At Pottsgrove Manor

Pottstown, PA— Celebrate spring at the Annual Colonial May Fair held at historic Pottsgrove Manor on Saturday, May 4th from 11:00am to 5:00pm.

This yearly event is a fun-filled day with activities for all ages—games, music, dancing, and crafts.  Colonial conjurer Levram the Great will perform historic magic shows and entertain visitors with pocket magic tricks throughout the day.  Tuckers’ Tales Puppet Theatre will perform the puppet shows St. George and the Dragon and Cinderella and will also provide festive historic music around the grounds during the event. Signora Bella is returning this year to delight audiences with her acrobatic feats.  Members of the Tapestry Historic Dance Ensemble will demonstrate authentic English country dances and will lead visitors in dances around the Maypole to open and close the fair. 

In addition to the entertainment, a variety of Early American crafters and demonstrators will be on hand to display historic skills and trades and sell their wares.  Young visitors can compete in hoop races, play with colonial toys and games, help churn butter, and more!  The first floor of colonial ironmaster John Potts’ 1752 manor house will be open for self-guided tours during the fair. Visitors can also shop at the Manor’s museum shop for colonial games, books, and unique gifts.  Historic foodways expert Deborah Peterson will be demonstrating open-hearth cooking in the Pottsgrove Manor kitchen.  While visitors can’t try the food cooked in the colonial kitchen, they will be able to purchase food during the event.  MMG Concessions will offer burgers, cheesesteaks, hot dogs, sausage sandwiches, fries, hand-rolled pretzels, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and more.

For a schedule of the day’s activities and a list of vendors and craftspeople who will be at the fair, please visit Pottsgrove Manor’s website and follow the “Annual Colonial May Fair” link.

A donation of $2 per person is suggested for this event.  Visitors are asked to park at the Carousel at Pottstown building, 30 West King Street.  There is no charge for parking, and Pottstown’s restored trolley will be giving FREE rides during the fair between the Carousel parking lot and Pottsgrove Manor.  Handicapped parking is available in the museum’s parking lot.

Pottsgrove Manor is located at 100 West King Street near the intersection of King Street and Route 100, just off Route 422, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.  Pottsgrove Manor is operated by Montgomery County under the direction of the Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites Division of the Assets and Infrastructure Department.  For more information, call 610.326.4014, or visit us on the web at www.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pottsgrovemanor.

ArtFusion 19464 Gets Jazzy For A Good Cause‏

musician.jpg painting by Destiny Garcia, Teen Studio student

Pottstown,PA – ArtFusion’s seventh annual Fashion Plates fundraiser will take place on Saturday, April 20 at Brookside Country Club from 6-9pm.  This year’s theme is Fashion Notes, and the event will be an amazing fusion of food, fashion and music.

ArtFusion 19464, formerly The Gallery School of Pottstown/Gallery on High, is a charitable 501(c)3 non-profit community art center. Proceeds from this event help them not only to continue to offer a great selection of classes for all ages, but also to expand their free programs and scholarships.  ArtFusion has been bringing the arts to the greater Pottstown community for almost 8 years, and relies on major fundraisers like Fashion Plates to help keep their doors open.  Generous community sponsors of this event include: Heartland Abstract, S&H Interiorscapes, Dolan & Mayerson, PC and Genesis Housing.

Jazz musician Adam Price and his band will perform musical hits from the 1920s, 30s and 40s. Guests will experience a dynamic, multimedia fashion event with local student models wearing vintage costumes from several jazz eras.  The models will walk to the accompaniment of Adam’s jazz quartet performing musical hits from each era.  Visit his website to hear some of Adam’s musical talents: www.adampricemusic.com.

The event’s silent auction is based on the idea of Edible Art, with local bakers, confectioners and chefs creating mouthwatering items for guests to bid on, as well as locally crafted beer and wine. Among those donating their culinary talents are: Bause Catering, Montesano Bros., Sand Castle Winery, Stone Keep Meadery, Giant, Bridge Street Chocolates, The Baker’s Touch and many more.

Tickets are $70 each, or two for $120.  Guests will enjoy a delicious dinner and yummy dessert, a chance to win fun door prizes, an evening of live music and fashion.  A cash bar will be available. Tickets can be purchased online at artfusion19464.org, over the phone at 610-326-2506 or in person at 254 E. High St.

ArtFusion 19464 offers day, evening and weekend classes to all ages.  The goal of these classes is to help students develop their creative skills through self-expression and independence. ArtFusion’s gallery hosts rotating shows featuring local artists.  The gallery also sells handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gift items.  The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-3pm. The gallery is closed Sunday and Monday.

Art Fusion 19464 Jazz Night Sells Out!

 

Jazz Nite II is tonight! Remember to use the rear entrance and arrive 15 minutes before the show begins.  This event is SOLD OUT.

No tickets will be available at the door.

Pennsylvania Parody Of Gangnam Style Music Video

This is really funny. It moves along very fast so you might want to watch more than once.

Mountain Laurel Performing Arts Center Closing

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Pike County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A music venue touted as a “crown jewel” for the Poconos when it opened looks like it will observe its 10th anniversary this summer by again being shuttered, with no concerts scheduled.

Mountain Laurel Performing Arts Center in Lehman Township, Pike County, without fanfare broke ties with the second management agency it has had in two years and, for the third time in its history, has closed the venue, with few prospects for activity this summer.

The most recent manager, Christopher Perrotti of Rhode Island, confirmed in an email that he was let go in August. He said he believes that the center’s owners “have closed it down, which is not good for the venue’s future.”

A woman who answered the phone at O’Neill Properties Group of King of Prussia, Montgomery County, one of the center’s owners, referred questions to a spokesman who did not respond to a telephone message left for him.

Read more:  http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/mountain-laurel-performing-arts-center-closing-1.1464768

DeMedici II Will Buy Former GlaxoSmithKline Building For New String Theory School

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Philadelphia County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A new performing arts charter high school says it has sealed a deal to open in the fall at GlaxoSmithKline‘s former North American headquarters at 16th and Vine Streets.

Under terms that will be announced Thursday, a nonprofit associated with the Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School has agreed to buy the curving, eight-story building for $29 million for the String Theory High School for the Arts and Sciences.  It will be the first charter high school in the city focused on the performing arts.

The nonprofit, DeMedici Corporation II, expects to finance the property with tax-exempt bonds from the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development (PAID), according to Mary D’Anella, spokeswoman for String Theory Schools, which manages the charter.

“It’s the most exciting high school this city has opened in a generation,” said Angela Corosanite, chief executive officer of the nonprofit String Theory, and founder of it and the Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School.

Read more:  http://www.philly.com/philly/education/20130328_DeMedici_II_will_buy_former_GlaxoSmithKline_building_for_new_String_Theory_School.html

Thrifty Threads: Viral Rap Song Inspires Used-Clothing Trend

GRANDPA sweaters. Pro Wings, with Velcro.  Fur coats, extra fluffy.  Fringed brown jackets.  Footie pajamas – for adults.

All cheap.  All used.  All . . . the height of fashion?

Absolutely, according to the song “Thrift Shop,” which occupied the No. 1 spot on both Billboard’s Hot 100 and R&B/hip-hop charts for most of February.

The creation of Seattle rapper Macklemore, producer Ryan Lewis and vocalist Wanz (who performs the addictive, Barry White-like hook), “Thrift Shop” is more than a sketch of West Coast trends, more than a YouTube sensation, more than a huge crossover hit.

It’s an anthem for a sort of secondhand style that’s been part of Philly culture for a while now.  And, it’s getting bigger by the day.

Read more:  http://www.philly.com/philly/style/20130226_Thrifty_Threads__Viral_rap_song_inspires_used-clothing_trend.html

Annual Pottstown Family Fest

Family Services/Pottstown Family Center

Annual Pottstown Family Fest

Tuesday, March 12, 5pm-7:30pm

Pottstown Senior High School, 750 North Washington Street, Pottstown

This free family-focused event will feature information/resources from more than 30 area organizations, activities for the entire family, roving entertainment, sandwiches, drinks, Rita’s water ice, and a variety of door prizes.  Informational booths will be open from 5-7 p.m.  Door prizes will be awarded from 7-7:30 p.m. (must be present to win).  Children must be accompanied by an adult.  For more information call Jenn Brown at 610-326-1610 ext. 247

ACLU Defends Brownsville High ‘Harlem Shake’ Video

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Fayette County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A version of the Harlem Shake performed by students at Brownsville High School last month continues to reverberate.

Thirteen students at the Fayette County high school were given two-day suspensions in February for their involvement in filming a 29-second Harlem Shake video and posting it online, part of a popular song-and-dance craze that has swept through the Internet in recent weeks.

Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania and the National Coalition Against Censorship emailed a letter to Philip J. Savini Jr., Brownsville Area School District superintendent and Rocky Brashear, school board president, urging the district to revoke the suspensions and expunge the students’ records.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/region/aclu-defends-brownsville-high-harlem-shake-video-678338/#ixzz2MtMmBTIL