Sunday, June 14th – 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: DJ Russ Rich – Russ Rich is one of San Francisco’s most versatile DJs. Early on in his DJ career, he became known for his happy and uplifting vocal style. After several years spinning local bars and T-Dances, he graduated to headliner status, playing peak time sets at clubs like “Industry” at Mighty, “Hero” at Ruby Skye, and “Colossus” at 1015 Folsom. In 2011, Russ won “San Francisco’s Next Top DJ” competition, and in 2013, he won a nationwide contest for Gay Internet Radio Live. That same year, Russ was named Resident DJ for PLAY T-Dance, held annually following the Up Your Alley Street Fair. For more information, please visit Facebook (www.Facebook.com/russrich) and soundcloud (www.soundcloud.com/Dj-Russ-Rich).
Our beneficiary: Maitri – Maitri’s mission is simple: No one should have to suffer or die alone. To this end, Maitri provides compassionate residential care to men and women in need of hospice of 24-hour care and cultivates the deepest respect and love for life among its residents and caregivers. Maitri is the only AIDS-specific residential care facility in California focusing on the underserved community of those dying of or severely debilitated by AIDS. Since opening in 1987, Maitri has been the final home for more than 900 people who lived with AIDS. Please consider supporting the work of Maitri by attending Flagging in the Park on Sunday, June 14th or by making a tax deductible donation through the Network for Good.
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: July 25, August 23, and October 10.
