Sunday, May 8 – 1 PM to 4PM
National AIDS Memorial Grove, Golden Gate Park
Music by Byron Bonsall
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: Byron Bonsall – From humble beginnings DJing his 7th grade dance, Byron has developed the philosophy of keep the crowd moving and make sure they leave with a smile. His mix of equal parts upbeat house, anthems, and progressive sounds (with a splash of disco and trance) has earned him a faithful following. “If you don’t leave with a smile on your face and maybe a little sweaty, I haven’t done my job.” Check out Byron’s music here.
Our beneficiary: The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence a leading-edge Order of queer nuns, the Sisters have devoted themselves to community service, ministry and outreach to those on the edges, and to promoting human rights, respect for diversity and spiritual enlightenment. We believe all people have a right to express their unique joy and beauty and we use humor and irreverent wit to expose the forces of bigotry, complacency and guilt that chain the human spirit.
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 nineteen 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. 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. There are little or no services nearby, but a Port-A-Potty will be available near the street entrance. 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.
2016 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 of our 2016 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, 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 support of FITP!
2016 Producers: Tom Steele & Joey Wong (May), Andrew Lopez (June), Patric Daddy (July), Jeff Hettinger & Rob Gomez (Special Event), Stratten Moore (Sept), Michele Laskowski & Amy Lam (Oct), still led by Xavier Caylor together with his stalwart partner Jeffrey Doney.
