Sunday, May 10th – 1 PM to 4 PM
National AIDS Memorial Grove – Golden Gate Park
Come enjoy the sun, music, flora, and friends in the beautiful National AIDS Memorial Grove. This event is open to all flow artists – fanning, flagging, poi, staff, hoopers and their supporters. Flags available for use or just relax, take in the fun dance music and colorful visuals. Bring a beverage, a lunch, something to sit on, and enjoy.
Music by: Paul Goodyear – We are thrilled to welcome Paul back to FITP! Music is his one true passion that when combined with the diversity of his influences means he is constantly pushing the boundaries of what popular dance music is. These days his sets have two distinct sound-scapes depending on his audience – his High Energy style which combines Tech and Progressive sounds with Latin Beats and Soaring Vocals, and his SanFranDisko style, which is a combination of House, Nu and Dynamic Disco with an end-note of good old-fashioned Soul. Variety is the Spice of his life, so no matter his audience, his smorgasbord of influence shows in every set he plays.
Our beneficiary: AIDS Emergency Fund – In 1982, a group of San Franciscans came together to pay bills for their friends who were too ill to work because of their battle with a mysterious disease. As the HIV epidemic grew, this lead to the formation of the AIDS Emergency Fund, now a vital contributor to the SF community for over 3 decades. AEF staff and volunteers continue to help qualified applicants receive emergency financial assistance while insuring that community funds are spent helping those who are most in need and facing genuine emergencies.
Where to go: National AIDS Memorial Grove – Taking public transportation is encouraged, finding a place for your car can be challenging. Never been there: pair up with someone who has been there; if you drive – go early for better parking, map here. Walking directions from 2nd and Irving (N-Judah). Walking directions from 9th and Judah (Bus #6, #43, and N-Judah). Walking directions from Stanyan and Hayes (Bus #21, #5). Walking directions from Haight and Stanyan (Bus #33, #7, #71)
About FITP: In 1997 a group of San Francisco flaggers started a tradition of celebrating life by gathering in the newly dedicated National AIDS Memorial Grove. Here we are eighteen years later, the event is thriving and growing; with the DJs, organizers, and participants donating their time, energy and love to help raise money for mostly local (sometimes national) non-profits.
What to expect: The National AIDS Memorial Grove is in a gorgeously secluded meadow in Golden Gate Park. There are little or no services nearby. Often the fog is licking at the sky above especially in the summer, bring sunscreen and a wrap. Bring something to sit on; pack a lunch or bring snacks and beverages; flags are available for use; usually a few furry friends roaming. Our DJ spins vocal fun-filled dance music and flow artists eagerly enjoy and share their art with newcomers. No pressure to participate, come relax and take in the color and beauty of our tribe.
2015 Partners: Flagging In The Park is proud to partner again with Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation, the nonprofit behind REAL BAD – they will be offering a $2,000 matching grant for all 5 of our 2015 events. Proving it takes a village, this event would not happen without the support of these partners: National AIDS Memorial Grove, Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Pretty in Ink, Randal Schiller Productions, Gloss Magazine, Flagger Central, Fitness SF, Benefit Marketing, Kenshi Westover, and the many volunteers that help with set up and strike. Make sure to let them know you appreciate their help with FITP!
2015 Co-Producers: Leading up to the 2015 Season, Xavier has been coaching a group of local Flaggers to assist with organizing and running this year’s events. By spreading the knowledge of how to arrange them, this will hopefully ensure that FITP continues as a set of vibrant community gatherings each year – for many years to come!
The Co-Producers for this year are – Thomas Steele (May), Andrew Lopez (June), Michael Rackley (July), Jeff Hettinger & Rob Gomez (Aug), Michele Laskowski (Oct), still led by Xavier Caylor together with his stalwart partner Jeffrey Doney.
The next 2015 events are: June 14, July 25, August 23, and October 10.
