According to Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director, “For this year’s poster, we want to pose the question: What makes someone a ‘leather’ person or a fetish enthusiast? Without the aid of our clothing, it can be impossible to tell who is into what kind of scene. We want to showcase the community from a truly stark, bare perspective. This is who we are – exposed. At the same time, we are asking that age-old question: What are you going to wear?”

Pony Gold, an in-house photographer at Kink.com, shot the Folsom Street Fair poster. Kink.com also generously volunteered their space in The Armory for the shoots, and all of the 23 models donated their time. They are: (back) Tom Whitler, Steve Satyricon, Roche, Lance Holman, Jim Knight, Race Bannon, Mike Pierce, Suzan Revah, Graig Cooper; (middle) Sister Phyliss Withe-Litaday, Cyd Nova, Suppositori Spelling, Tara Wrist, Jorge Vieto, Alotta Boutté; (front) Steven Foreman, Josh West, Eden Alexander, boy erik and Daddy Robert, Johnathan Lay, Dominic Sol, and Morgan Black. Mitchell Koonce served as Creative Director for the campaign.

All four images are available online at www.folsomstreetevents.org. There will be a special, uncensored version of the FSF poster on sale as well. The talented Rob Clarke illustrated the Up Your Alley poster again, producing a super hero-themed image. Joe Oppedisano photographed the Bay of Pigs poster, offering a dark, villainous image. The seriously hot Magnitude poster features Josh West with an orgy of sexy men, as shot by Pony Gold.

Sponsors are: PRESENTING RECON.com, Steamworks, Mr. S Leather, Kink.com, and GLOSS; PREMIER JC Events, 9x6 Lubes, and Blow Buddies; CHARTER Stockroom, Cumunion, Gold’s Gym, ExtremeRestraints.com, and Blue Angel Vodka; SUPPORTING Powerhouse, Orchid and Serpent, 440 Castro, Timeless Trends, Past Curfew, Frisco Disco Events, and Priape; MEDIA Bay Area Reporter, SF Bay Guardian, SCRUFF, Frontiers, Damron, and GayCities; and, HOST HOTELS Kimpton Hotels, SF Marriott Marquis, and Renoir Hotel. Folsom Street Events receives support from SF Grants for the Arts for its top entertainment.

Bay of Pigs – Saturday, July 28, 2012
Up Your Alley – Sunday, July 29, 2012
Magnitude – Saturday, September 22, 2012
Folsom Street Fair / DEVIANTS – Sunday, September 23, 2012

About Folsom Street Events

###]]> Wed, 09 May 2012 07:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=121 San Francisco, CA - Monday, April 2, 2012 - The Board of Directors of Folsom Street Events has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking independent filmmakers to tell the story of the nearly 30-year old Folsom Street Fair. Consistently voted “Best Street Fair” by the readers of publications like the Bay Area Reporter and the San Francisco Bay Guardian, Folsom Street Fair is a fan favorite with a very unique “only in San Francisco” tale to tell. The single-page RFP provides basic background information and asks filmmakers to answer five questions as well as to submit examples of previous work by Thursday, May 31, 2012.

Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director, said, “As Folsom Street Fair approaches its 30th anniversary, Folsom Street Events is seeking an independent filmmaker to help document our rich, diverse, and, sometimes, salacious history. With so much film talent in California, across the U.S. and even abroad, we believe that the development of Folsom Street Fair is a compelling story that must be shared.” Jacob Richards, Board President, added, “The Board of Directors has agreed to provide support for the project in the form of a very modest grant (if requested), fundraising appeals to its donor base, access to historical documents and agency contacts, and more. We are hoping to receive a broad range of proposals from diverse filmmakers.”

A copy of the full RFP may be found on the agency’s website at folsomstreetevents.org. The agency’s Executive Director is available via phone and email to answer questions and to provide additional information, if requested. Meetings between filmmakers and the leadership of Folsom Street Events may be scheduled in San Francisco, if possible.

Sponsorships are still being finalized. To date, returning sponsors are: PRESENTING RECON.com, Steamworks, Mr-S-Leather.com, Kink.com, and GLOSS; PREMIER 9x6 Lubes, and Blow Buddies; CHARTER Stockroom.com, ExtremeRestraints.com, FactoryVideos.com, and Gold’s Gym; SUPPORTING Powerhouse, Orchid and Serpent, Timeless Trends, Past Curfew, and, Priape; MEDIA Bay Area Reporter, SF Bay Guardian, SCRUFF, FrontiersLA.com, Damron, and GayCities.com; and, HOST HOTELS Kimpton Hotels, SF Marriott Marquis, and Renoir Hotel. Folsom Street Events receives support from SF Grants for the Arts for its top entertainment.

Bay of Pigs – Saturday, July 28, 2012
Up Your Alley – Sunday, July 29, 2012
Magnitude – Saturday, September 22, 2012
Folsom Street Fair – Sunday, September 23, 2012
DEVIANTS – Sunday, September 23, 2012

About Folsom Street Events

Folsom Street Events is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that creates world-class leather and fetish events that unite adult alternative lifestyle communities with safe venues for self expression and exciting entertainment. Our events raise funds to sustain San Francisco Bay Area-based and national charities. For more information, please visit folsomstreetevents.org.

###]]> Mon, 02 Apr 2012 07:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=120 San Francisco, CA - Wednesday, March 28, 2012 - The Board of Directors of Folsom Street Events announced this year's line up of its Major and Supporting beneficiaries today. Net proceeds from five key San Francisco leather and fetish events (Bay of Pigs™, Up Your Alley®, Magnitude®, Folsom Street Fair®, and DEVIANTS™) will be donated to local charities working in public health, human services, and the arts. Last year, Folsom Street Events donated over $330,000 to local and national charities in need.

Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director, said, "The economy is still devastating our nonprofit sector. Many local agencies are suffering from the severe cutbacks in government funding, particularly in HIV/AIDS services. Folsom Street Events hopes to fill many of the funding gaps." Jacob Richards, Board President, added, "We are incredibly proud to announce this year's line-up of Major and Supporting beneficiaries. These organizations are supporting our community with emergency financial assistance, employment services, housing, legal services, basic needs fulfillment, critical healthcare delivery, and, of course, the arts. We are extremely happy with the results of our grant review."

This year's eleven (11) MAJOR beneficiaries are:

• AIDS Emergency Fund
• AIDS Housing Alliance
• AIDS Legal Referral Panel
• Frameline
• Maitri
• Mission Neighborhood Health Center
• Pets Are Wonderful Support
• Positive Resource Center
• Project Open Hand
• Queer Cultural Center
• Shanti Project

• Breast Cancer Emergency Fund
• Dolores Street Community Services
• Lyon-Martin Health Services
• San Francisco LGBT Community Center
• Transgender Law Center
• Westside Community Services

Sponsorships for 2012 are still being finalized. To date, sponsors are: PRESENTING RECON.com, Steamworks, Mr. S Leather, Kink.com, and GLOSS; PREMIER 9x6 Lubes, and Blow Buddies; CHARTER Gold's Gym, Factory Video, and ExtremeRestraints.com; SUPPORTING Powerhouse, Orchid and Serpent, Timeless Trends, Past Curfew, and, Priape; MEDIA SF Bay Guardian, SCRUFF, Frontiers, and GayCities; and, HOST HOTELS Kimpton Hotels, SF Marriott Marquis, and Renoir Hotel. Folsom Street Events receives support from SF Grants for the Arts for its top entertainment.

Save These Dates

Bay of Pigs - Saturday, July 28, 2012
Up Your Alley - Sunday, July 29, 2012
Magnitude - Saturday, September 22, 2012
Folsom Street Fair - Sunday, September 23, 2012
DEVIANTS - Sunday, September 23, 2012

About Folsom Street Events

Folsom Street Events is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that creates world-class leather and fetish events that unite adult alternative lifestyle communities with safe venues for self expression and exciting entertainment. Our events raise funds to sustain San Francisco Bay Area-based and national charities.

For more information, please visit: www.folsomstreetevents.org or contact Demetri Moshoyannis at 415.777.3247

###

According to John Miller, the president of Product54 Corporation, “We are proud that 9X6 was named the official lube of Folsom Street Events.   The 9X6 brand was released last year at San Francisco Pride. This past year we stayed focused on our hometown San Francisco market in order to build a solid foundation for the corporation. Today, we have an amazing following of fans around the world. Each of the Folsom Street Events will allow us to continue to share the sensual and slippery feeling of 9X6 with the attendees from around the globe.”

About Folsom Street Events

Folsom Street Events, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, produces seven events which are The San Francisco Party at IML, Bay of Pigs, Up Your Alley, SF Leather Week Formal Dinner, Magnitude, Folsom Street Fair, and Deviants. The mission of Folsom Street Events is to create volunteer-driven leather events that provide the adult alternative lifestyle community with safe venues for self-expression while emphasizing freedom, fun, frolic and fetish and raising critical funds to benefit local charities. In 2011, Folsom Street Events commemorated the 28th Folsom Street Fair by donating over $333,000 to charity. More information about Folsom Street Events can be found online at: www.folsomstreetevents.org

About Product54 Corporation

Product54 Corporation, based in San Francisco, was founded in 2011 as a pure silicone solutions company. It produces 9X6 Pure Silicone Lubricant, 9X6 Lite, and 9X6 for Women, Get On Pure Silicone Spray, LUST’R, DEEP, Str8, and Strip. Product54 is developing and will be releasing in the near future other brands, HEAD FIRST and JAM IT. Product54 Corporation donated a percentage of every bottle sold over 8 ounces in 2011 to Project Open Hand, a San Francisco-based charity which offers home delivered meals, groceries, and nutritional counseling to people living with HIV/AIDS. More information about Product54 Corporation can be found online at www.product54.com and www.9x6lubes.com.

### ]]> Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=118 San Francisco, CA - Tuesday, December 20, 2011 - Folsom Street Events today announced a new date for the 2012 Folsom Street Fair, marking the first time since 1992 that the Folsom Street Fair will not take place on the last weekend in September. In the very early years of the fair (1984-1992), it was almost always timed to coincide with the autumnal equinox. In 2012, the fair will be pushed up one week from its regular date to Sunday, September 23rd in order to avoid a scheduling conflict with Oracle Open World. As such, San Francisco Leather Week will commence next year on Sunday, September 16th and it will end on Sunday, September 23rd.

According to Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director, “For many years the Folsom Street Fair has ‘always’ been held on the last Sunday in September. The decision to move the fair date was not taken lightly. We were told only weeks after this year's fair that nearly the entire inventory of hotel rooms for the City had been sold out for the last weekend of September 2012. So, we were faced a decision: either move the 2012 fair date and risk upsetting some people who had booked way in advance or not move the fair date, knowing that tens of thousands of visitors would be unable to book rooms at all. The vast majority of people books accommodations three to nine months out. Still, it was not an easy decision to make.”

“We are talking with Oracle representatives and the City in order to avoid future conflicts. We have been given the Open World dates for 2013 and 2015. So far, there are no additional future problems. Once we confirm their 2014 dates, we want to confirm our dates for the next three years,” says Jacob Richards, Board President. He adds, “We hope to get our message of the date change out to our community both quickly and broadly so that any necessary travel changes can be made soon. We truly regret any inconvenience this change may cause.”

Sponsors for 2011 included: PRESENTING RECON, Steamworks, Mr. S Leather, Kink.com, and GLOSS; PREMIER Blue Angel, NakedSword, Manhunt, Blow Buddies, and Elbow Grease; CHARTER The Stockroom, ExtremeRestraints.com, and TitanMen.com; SUPPORTING Powerhouse, FleshJack, AdultFriendFinder, Frisco Disco Events, and Past Curfew; MEDIA Bay Area Reporter, Damron, SF Weekly, Frontiers, and COMPETE Sports Media; FOLSOM STREET FAIR DANCE AREA Gold’s Gym; HOST HOTELS Joie de Vivre, Haiyi Hotels, and Renoir Hotel. Folsom Street Events receives support from Grants for the Arts for its live music entertainment.

Bay of Pigs – Saturday, July 28, 2012

Up Your Alley – Sunday, July 29, 2012

SF Leather Week Formal Dinner – Thursday, September 20, 2012

Magnitude – Saturday, September 22, 2012

Folsom Street Fair / DEVIANTS – Sunday, September 23, 2012

About Folsom Street Events

Folsom Street Events® is a 501(c)3 non-profit agency that produces seven fetish events annually. The mission of Folsom Street Events is to create world-class leather and fetish events that provide the adult alternative lifestyle community with safe venues for self-expression while raising critical funds to benefit local and national charities. In 2011, Folsom Street Events marked the 28th Folsom Street Fair with over 300,000 attendees and over $330,000 donated to charity.

###]]> Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=117

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (November 8, 2011) – The Board of Directors of Folsom Street Events announced charitable giving in the amount of $330,745 today. Jacob Richards, Board President, says, “2011 was a solid year for Folsom Street Events and our charities. We are enormously grateful to our sponsors, beneficiaries, beverage partners, and the leather/fetish community for the ongoing support. This check represents an increase from our $326,161 in charitable giving for 2010. Particularly given the depressed economy, we feel that this check is a total success.”

According to Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director, “Given that we had a less-than-stellar year with respect to the weather at both Up Your Alley and Folsom Street Fair, we relied much more heavily on the successes of our Magnitude and DEVIANTS parties. The size of our check proves the potency and spirit of the leather/fetish community. The vast share of the check will support our 16 Major and Supporting Beneficiaries, including AIDS Emergency Fund, Castro Country Club, Central City Hospitality House, Frameline, Project Open Hand, and Transgender Law Center, among others. Given what has been happening locally with other community organizations that distribute funds from special events, we feel particularly proud of our efforts. Combined, we are supporting over 70 great charities in San Francisco and around the U.S.”

Folsom Street Events will host a very special evening to honor its beneficiaries, sponsors, and nonprofit partners with a check ceremony. The event is held by invitation only and will occur at The Armory, 1500 Mission Street, well known in the leather/fetish community as the home of Kink.com. Special invited guests include Supervisor Jane Kim (District 6), Supervisor Scott Weiner (District 8), and many others.

Sponsors for Folsom Street Events (2011) include: PRESENTING RECON, Steamworks, Mr. S Leather, Kink.com, and GLOSS; PREMIER Blue Angel, NakedSword, Manhunt, Blow Buddies, and Elbow Grease; CHARTER The Stockroom, ExtremeRestraints.com, and TitanMen.com; SUPPORTING Powerhouse, FleshJack, AdultFriendFinder, Frisco Disco Events, and Past Curfew; MEDIA Bay Area Reporter, SCRUFF, Damron, SF Weekly, Frontiers, and COMPETE Sports Media; FOLSOM STREET FAIR DANCE AREA Gold’s Gym; HOST HOTELS Joie de Vivre, Haiyi Hotels, and Renoir Hotel. Folsom Street Events receives support from Grants for the Arts for its top-notch, cutting-edge alternative live music entertainment.

About Folsom Street Events

Folsom Street Events is a 501(c)3 nonprofit agency that produces seven annual fetish events: The San Francisco Party at IML, Bay of Pigs™, Up Your Alley®, SF Leather Week Formal Dinner, Magnitude®, Folsom Street Fair®, and DEVIANTS™. Its mission is to create volunteer-driven leather events that provide the adult alternative lifestyle community with safe venues for self-expression while raising funds to benefit charity. In 2011, an estimated 250,000+ event attendees raised money for charitable donations.

###

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (August 8, 2011) – On Sunday, September 25, 2011 from 11:00am – 6:00pm, Folsom Street Events presents the 28TH annual Folsom Street Fair. The nonprofit event producers hope to collect record-setting charity donations by showcasing one of its most sensational entertainment line-ups ever. Voted Best Street Fair (again) by the readers of the San Francisco Bay Guardian, Folsom Street Fair will present the following world-renowned indie and electronic acts alongside local talent:

7TH STREET STAGE LINE-UP MCs: Vivvyanne ForeverMORE! & Suppositori Spelling; and, Cookie Dough & Ambrosia Salad Stage DJs: DJ Brian Maier, and DJ Guy Ruben 11:00a Gunfighter Nation 11:50a Adonisaurus 12:45p Purple Crush 1:35p COCKTAILGATE 2:30p Raja 2:45p Alexis Blair Penney 3:20p The Miracles Club 4:10p Hard Ton 5:10p Billie Ray Martin & Roi

12TH STREET STAGE LINE-UP MCs: Anna Conda & MuthaChucka Stage DJs: DJ MC2, and DJ Medic 11:00a Le Panique 11:50a TurbonegrA 12:40p Leather Titleholders 12:55p Sex Industry 1:45p Neon Anyway 2:35p HOTTUB 3:25p Hi Fashion 4:15p In Flagranti (live) 5:10p Monarchy

According to Ivan Vera, Entertainment Co-Chair, “We think this is our best line up in Folsom’s long history. We are very excited to have the best of queer, indie pop including Portland’s Miracles Club and acid house/disco music-maker Hard Ton in his first San Francisco appearance alongside electronic masters like In Flagranti and electro-pop sensations Monarchy.” Joe Armenia, Entertainment Co-Chair, says “We are all really looking forward to hearing amazing live sets by all our bands, particularly the legendary Billie Ray Martin and up-and-coming favorites like SF’s Adonisaurus, Hi Fashion (LA) and East Bay favorites HOTTUB.” For more information, visit www.folsomstreetevents.org/entertainment.

Sponsors for Folsom Street Events (2011) include: PRESENTING RECON, Steamworks, Mr. S Leather, Kink.com, and GLOSS; PREMIER Blue Angel, NakedSword, Manhunt, Blow Buddies, and Elbow Grease; CHARTER The Stockroom, ExtremeRestraints.com, and TitanMen.com; SUPPORTING Powerhouse, FleshJack, AdultFriendFinder, Frisco Disco Events, and Past Curfew; MEDIA Bay Area Reporter, SCRUFF, Damron, SF Weekly, Frontiers, and COMPETE Sports Media; FOLSOM STREET FAIR DANCE AREA Gold’s Gym; HOST HOTELS Joie de Vivre, Haiyi Hotels, and Renoir Hotel. Folsom Street Events receives support from Grants for the Arts for its top-notch, cutting-edge alternative live music entertainment.

Folsom Street Events, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, produces Bay of Pigs™, Up Your Alley®, Magnitude®, DEVIANTS™, Folsom Street Fair, and more. The mission of Folsom Street Events is to create volunteer-driven leather events that provide the adult alternative lifestyle community with safe venues for self-expression while raising critical funds for charity. For more information about Folsom Street Fair, visit www.folsomstreetfair.org . 100% of the gate donations directly benefits local and national charities.

###

]]> Mon, 08 Aug 2011 07:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=114 SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Wednesday, August 3, 2011) – Folsom Street Events (FSE) announces a restructuring of its developing fetish party for its 28TH events season. With an extraordinary line-up of essential leather events, DEVIANTS (Sunday, September 25TH scheduled from 3:00pm – 3:00am) is the fourth official “Folsom” event during San Francisco Leather Week. Other events include the SF Leather Week Formal Dinner (Thursday, September 22ND), Magnitude® (Saturday, September 24TH), and Folsom Street Fair (Sunday, September 25TH). Unlike the other events, FSE is partnering with other well-known and well-respected parties and DJ collectives from San Francisco, including Honey Soundsystem, Hard French, and SOME THING, for the first time to produce an amazing blowout to end SF Leather Week. The event is 12 hours long with four parties in one massive affair.

Located on the single block of Erie Street in front of Public Works (161 Erie Street), both floors of the club will be open for dancing, drinking, and debauchery. DEVIANTS features a sensational DJ line up from Honey Soundsystem (in the main room), Hard French (outside), and some very special post-Fair live performances. SOME THING hosts the main room early with unspeakably sexy drag performances. Presenting Sponsors of the party are RECON, Steamworks, Mr. S Leather, Kink.com, and GLOSS.

According to Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director, “DEVIANTS made its debut last year, and we’ve spent the better part of this last year talking to people about how to advance it. Clearly, people want a fun, low-cost, easily accessible and tawdry event, and that’s what we’re going to give you! Like the Fair, this party is for everyone.” Tickets for DEVIANTS start as low as $15, and tickets will be available online and at the Folsom Street Events merchandise booth at the Fair for $20 (or $30 at the door). Tickets and event information are available at www.folsomstreetevents.org/shop. Tickets are on sale now!

Sponsors for Folsom Street Events (2011) include: PRESENTING RECON, Steamworks, Mr. S Leather, Kink.com, and GLOSS; PREMIER Blue Angel, NakedSword, Manhunt, Blow Buddies, and Elbow Grease; CHARTER The Stockroom, ExtremeRestraints.com, and TitanMen.com; SUPPORTING Powerhouse, FleshJack, AdultFriendFinder, Frisco Disco Events, and Past Curfew; MEDIA Bay Area Reporter, SCRUFF, Damron, SF Weekly, Frontiers, and COMPETE Sports Media; FOLSOM STREET FAIR DANCE AREA Gold’s Gym; HOST HOTELS Joie de Vivre, Haiyi Hotels, and Renoir Hotel. Folsom Street Events receives support from Grants for the Arts for its top-notch, cutting-edge alternative live music entertainment.

SF Leather Week Formal Dinner – Thursday, September 22, 2011 Magnitude – Saturday, September 24, 2011 Folsom Street Fair / DEVIANTS – Sunday, September 25, 2011

Folsom Street Events, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, produces Bay of Pigs, Up Your Alley, Magnitude, and Folsom Street Fair (and many other fetish events). The mission of Folsom Street Events is to create volunteer-driven leather events that provide the adult alternative lifestyle community with safe venues for self-expression while emphasizing freedom, fun, frolic and fetish and raising critical funds to benefit local charities. In 2010, Folsom Street Events commemorated the 27TH Folsom Street Fair by donating $326,000 to local and national charities.

### ]]> Wed, 03 Aug 2011 07:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=113 SAN FRANCISCO, CA – July 21, 2011 Up Your Alley is considered by both locals and hardcore fetishists to be one of the major leather events in the world. For the fourth year in a row, the fairgrounds will be expanded to accommodate the mounting crowds of primarily gay male leather and fetish enthusiasts on Sunday, July 31, 2011. The Fair occupies Folsom Street between 9TH and 11TH Streets, Dore Alley from Howard past Folsom, and 10TH Street from Howard to Sheridan. The Magnitude® Dance Area resides at the intersection of Folsom and 10TH Streets, featuring the winners of the San Francisco’s Next Top DJ contest – Up Your Alley edition (DJ Brian Maier: 11:00am – 1:00pm, DJ Byron Bonsall: 1:00pm – 3:00pm, and DJ Russ Rich: 3:00pm – 6:00pm). Exhibitor booths for the fair are sold out!

For everyone who donates $7 or more at the gates, Folsom Street Events will offer $2 off each beverage. Jacob Richards, Board President, says, “We are creating more incentives for increased giving and beverage sales. We are proud to continue the expanded Up Your Alley, but there are costs associated with that expansion, too. With our growing DJ/dance area, we are featuring dancers and demos in a fun setting. We remind everyone that this is an ADULT event produced by and for the leather community.”

According to Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director, “With a Friday night dance party, Rub, at the new BeatBox space, the Saturday night main event, Bay of Pigs at Club NV (525 Howard Street), Up Your Alley, and the official closing party and T-dance, PLAY!, celebrating its 10TH year (taking place at Mezzanine), this is going to be one of the best weekend line-ups in our history. Tickets for Bay of Pigs are out-selling last year, so we are anticipating an amazing time.”

Folsom Street Events continues its most recent fetish party, Bay of Pigs™, in a new location. Bay of Pigs is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 30TH from 10:00pm – 4:00am at 525 Howard Street. DJ Frank Wild is a San Francisco and international favorite; and, he is warming up the crowd until 12:30am. At that time, DJ/Producer Paul Goodyear takes over the decks to keep everyone sweating until closing. Tickets are on sale at www.folsomstreetevents.org/shop and are available now at Mr. S Leather (385 8TH Street) in SoMa and at Phantom and Chaps in the Castro. Limited tickets are available at the door.

Sponsors for Folsom Street Events (2011) include: PRESENTING RECON, Steamworks, Mr. S Leather, Kink.com, and GLOSS; PREMIER Blue Angel, NakedSword, Manhunt, Blow Buddies, and Elbow Grease; CHARTER The Stockroom, ExtremeRestraints.com, and TitanMen.com; SUPPORTING Powerhouse, FleshJack, Adult FriendFinder, Wet4Her, Frisco Disco Events, and Past Curfew; MEDIA Bay Area Reporter, Damron, SCRUFF, SF Weekly, Frontiers, and COMPETE Sports Media; FOLSOM STREET FAIR DANCE AREA Gold’s Gym; HOST HOTELS Joie de Vivre, Haiyi Hotels, and Renoir Hotel. Folsom Street Fair receives support from Grants for the Arts for its top-notch, cutting-edge alternative live music.

Bay of Pigs – Saturday, July 30TH Up Your Alley – Sunday, July 31ST Magnitude – Saturday, September 24TH Folsom Street Fair® – Sunday, September 25TH DEVIANTS – Sunday, September 25TH

Folsom Street Events® is a 501(c)3 non-profit agency whose mission is to create volunteer-driven leather events that provide the adult alternative lifestyle community with safe venues for self-expression while raising critical funds to benefit local and national charities. In 2010, Folsom Street Events marked the 27TH Folsom Street Fair with nearly 400,000 attendees and over $326,000 donated to charity.

### ]]> Thu, 21 Jul 2011 07:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=112 SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Tuesday, May 24, 2011 – Several of the biggest and most well-known San Francisco businesses – Folsom Street Events and Steamworks along with bar sponsors Powerhouse and Marlena’s – are teaming up once again to produce the hottest party over IML weekend: THE SAN FRANCISCO PARTY. Scheduled for Friday, May 27th at the IML host hotel (The Hyatt Regency in Crystal Ballrooms B&C from 10:00pm to 2:00am), the massive party will unite over 1,000 leather and fetish enthusiasts for cruising, dancing, and a whole lot of excess. The party is free and open to all contestants and attendees of IML (and our friends).

“With another incredible year of San Francisco-based events planned, we are going to represent the bold and brash sex-positive environment of our city – in Chicago! We have the sleaziest leather men on stage doing demos (including play piercing, flogging, and more), the sexiest towel dancers from Steamworks, and the underground sounds of DJ DAMnation (Powerhouse / Steamworks), making his party debut. This is going to be the biggest and best party in the hotel. Of course, we wish the San Francisco contestants – Mr. Darren Bondy (Mr. Powerhouse 2011 / Mr. San Francisco 2011) and Mr. JB Kern (Mr. Hayes Valley Leather 2011) – the best of luck in the contest,” says Folsom Street Events Executive Director, Demetri Moshoyannis. Mr. Lance Holman (Mr. Powerhouse Leather 2010 / Mr. San Francisco Leather 2010, and IML 2010 First Runner Up) will host this year’s party. Also, Folsom Street Events will host a booth (#306, #308) in the IML vendor market.

Tickets for Bay of Pigs™ (The Official Saturday Night Event of Up Your Alley®) and Magnitude® (The Official Saturday Night Event of Folsom Street Fair®) go on sale today at the Folsom Street Events website – www.folsomstreetevents.org . Tickets will be on a special sale at the Folsom Street Events booth with Bay of Pigs tickets on sale for $30 and Magnitude tickets for only $50.

Sponsors include: PRESENTING RECON, Steamworks, Mr. S Leather, Kink.com, and GLOSS; PREMIER Blue Angel, NakedSword, Manhunt, Blow Buddies, and Elbow Grease; CHARTER The Stockroom, ExtremeRestraints.com, and TitanMen.com; SUPPORTING Powerhouse, FleshJack, AdultFriendFinder, Frisco Disco Events, and Past Curfew; MEDIA Bay Area Reporter, Damron, SF Weekly, Frontiers, and COMPETE Sports Media; HOST HOTELS Joie de Vivre, Haiyi Hotels, and Renoir Hotel. Folsom Street Events receives support from Grants for the Arts for its entertainment.

About Folsom Street Events

Folsom Street Events® is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency that produces four fetish events annually: Bay of Pigs, Up Your Alley, Magnitude, and Folsom Street Fair. The mission of Folsom Street Events is to create world-class leather and fetish events that provide the adult alternative lifestyle community with safe venues for self-expression while raising critical funds to benefit local and national charities. In 2010, Folsom Street Events marked the 27th Folsom Street Fair with nearly 400,000 attendees and over $326,000 donated to charity.

### ]]> Tue, 24 May 2011 07:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=111 San Francisco, CA – Monday, May 16, 2011 - Folsom Street Events has released its latest poster designs for the annual events: Bay of Pigs™, Up Your Alley®, Magnitude®, and Folsom Street Fair®. This year, the official Folsom Street Fair poster was inspired by the outrageous nature of the fair and the type of community created around a traveling carnival.

According to Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director, “For the past several years, we have portrayed our community through various lenses: spiritual, familial, and criminal. We chose a carnival theme because the leather community is often viewed – and labeled – as ‘misfits,’ ‘freaks,’ ‘queers’ and ‘outsiders.’ Ultimately, we are a strong, tight-knit community that finds strength in our differences and produces one hell of a party! We are exceedingly pleased with the poster because it maintains the recent custom of our trademark community commentary.”

Brian Mills of TitanMen.com made the Folsom Street Fair poster possible with his brilliant photography. TitanMen.com generously volunteered their studio for the photo shoots. All of the models gave their time, including: (bottom, left to right) Anna Conda as “poodle,” Kyle as “clown,” Andrés as “bear,” (middle) Ann as “bearded lady,” Nikas as the “strong man,” Aymeric and Joshua as “acrobats,” Coop as the “tall man,” Allen as “ring master,” Bo as “bear trainer,” and (top) Madeleine as “harlequin.” Mitch Koonce served as creative director for the poster.

All four images are available online at www.folsomstreetevents.org . The talented Rob Clarke creatively illustrated the Up Your Alley poster (www.robclarke.net) again. Joe Oppedisano photographed the Bay of Pigs poster (www.joeoppedisano.com). And, the amazingly hot Magnitude poster features Aymeric, Coop, and Nikas, as photographed by Brian Mills.

Sponsors include: PRESENTING RECON, Steamworks, Mr. S Leather, Kink.com, and GLOSS; PREMIER Blue Angel, NakedSword, Manhunt, Blow Buddies, and Elbow Grease; CHARTER The Stockroom, ExtremeRestraints.com, and TitanMen.com; SUPPORTING Powerhouse, FleshJack, AdultFriendFinder, Frisco Disco Events, and Past Curfew; MEDIA Bay Area Reporter, Damron, SF Weekly, Frontiers, and COMPETE Sports Media; HOST HOTELS Joie de Vivre, Haiyi Hotels, and Renoir Hotel. Folsom Street Events receives support from Grants for the Arts for its entertainment.

Bay of Pigs – Saturday, July 30, 2011 Up Your Alley – Sunday, July 31, 2011 SF Leather Week Formal Dinner – Thursday, September 22, 2011 Magnitude – Saturday, September 24, 2011 Folsom Street Fair / DEVIANTS – Sunday, September 25, 2011

About Folsom Street Events

Folsom Street Events® is a 501(c)3 non-profit agency that produces seven fetish events annually. The mission of Folsom Street Events is to create world-class leather and fetish events that provide the adult alternative lifestyle community with safe venues for self-expression while raising critical funds to benefit local charities. In 2010, Folsom Street Events marked the 27TH Folsom Street Fair with nearly 400,000 attendees and over $326,000 donated to charity.

### ]]> Mon, 16 May 2011 07:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=110 San Francisco, CA - Tuesday, March 8, 2011 - The Board of Directors of Folsom Street Events announced the line up of its Major and Supporting beneficiaries today. Net proceeds from five San Francisco fetish events (Bay of Pigs™, Up Your Alley®, Magnitude®, Folsom Street Fair®, and DEVIANTS™) will be donated to local charities working in public health, human services, and the arts. Last year, Folsom Street Events donated over $326,000 to local and national charities in need.

Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director, said, “The economy is devastating our nonprofit sector. Many local agencies are suffering from the severe cutbacks in local, state, and federal government funding; and, Folsom Street Events helps to fill many of these funding gaps.” Jacob Richards, Board President, added, “We are incredibly proud to announce this year’s line-up of Major and Supporting beneficiaries. These organizations are supporting our community with emergency financial assistance, employment services, basic needs fulfillment, critical healthcare, public safety support, and more. We are very happy with the results of our grant review.”

This year’s eleven (11) Major beneficiaries include AIDS Emergency Fund, AIDS Legal Referral Panel, Central City Hospitality House, Dimensions Clinic/HIFY, Frameline, Mission Neighborhood Health Center, Pets Are Wonderful Support, Positive Resource Center, Project Open Hand, San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, and Stop AIDS Project. This year’s five (5) Supporting beneficiaries include Castro Country Club/Baker Places, National AIDS Memorial Grove, St. James Infirmary, Transgender Law Center, and Triangle Martial Arts Association.

Event sponsorships are still being finalized. To date, returning sponsors include: PRESENTING RECON.com, Mr. S Leather, Kink.com, and GLOSS; PREMIER NakedSword.com, Manhunt, Elbow Grease, and Blow Buddies; CHARTER TitanMen.com, and ExtremeRestraints.com; SUPPORTING Powerhouse, and AdultFriendFinder; MEDIA Bay Area Reporter, SF Weekly, Frontiers Magazine, and COMPETE Sports Media; and, HOST HOTELS Joie de Vivre, Haiyi Hotels, and Renoir Hotel. Folsom Street Events receives fiscal support from San Francisco Grants for the Arts for its top entertainment.

Bay of Pigs – Saturday, July 30, 2011
Up Your Alley – Sunday, July 31, 2011
Magnitude – Saturday, September 24, 2011
Folsom Street Fair – Sunday, September 25, 2011
DEVIANTS – Sunday, September 25, 2011

About Folsom Street Events

Folsom Street Events is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that produces volunteer-driven events for the global adult alternative lifestyle community. Comprised almost entirely of volunteers, the organization donates net proceeds to selected San Francisco Bay charities and beyond. For more information, please visit: www.folsomstreetevents.org.

###

According to Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director, “Everyone is well aware of the dire state of California’s economy. The size of our charitable check proves the strength and resilience of the leather/fetish community. The vast share of the check will support our 16 Major and Supporting Beneficiaries, including Breast Cancer Emergency Fund, Dimensions Clinic, Mission Neighborhood Health Center, Project Open Hand, and Queer Cultural Center, among others. Given what has been happening locally with other community organizations that distribute funds from special events, we feel particularly proud of our efforts. Combined, we are supporting over 70 great charities in San Francisco and around the United States.”

Folsom Street Events hosted a reception to honor its beneficiaries, sponsors, and nonprofit partners with a check ceremony. The event, by invitation only, occurred at The Armory, 1500 Mission Street, well known in the leather community as the home of Kink.com. Special invited guests include Supervisor Bevan Dufty, Folsom Street Fair stage MCs Heklina and Sister Roma, and many others.

Folsom Street Events 2010 sponsors include: PRESENTING – RECON.com, NakedSword.com, Steamworks, Mr. S Leather, Kink.com, Manhunt.net, and GLOSS; PREMIER – Elbow Grease and Blow Buddies; CHARTER – ExtremeRestraints.com and TitanMen.com; SUPPORTING – The Stockroom, Powerhouse, AdultFriendFinder.com, Gold’s Gym, and StraightHell.net; CHARTER HOST HOTELS – San Francisco Marriott, Joie de Vivre Hotels, and Renoir Hotel; and, MEDIA – Bay Area Reporter/BAR Tab, SF Weekly, SF Station, Frontiers Magazine, and GAYVN.

About Folsom Street Events

7th Street Stage Lineup		12th Street Stage Lineup
11:15 AM Munt 12:05 PM Box Squad 12:55 PM Trixxie Carr 1:45 PM Smash-Up Derby 2:35 PM Cocktailgate 3:25 PM Pepperspray 4:15 PM FM Attack 5:05 PM Dragonette		11:00 AM Heavy Liquid 11:50 AM Robot Bomb Shelter 12:40 PM Leather Titleholders 12:55 PM ejector 1:45 PM Sid Brown 2:35 PM HOTTUB 3:25 PM Killola 4:15 PM Deluka 5:05 PM Nitzer Ebb

According to Jeff Johnson, Entertainment Chair, “Hands down, this is undeniably one of the most powerful line-ups in Folsom Street Fair’s long history. We are very excited to have basement pop enthusiasts Dragonette and space disco music-maker FM Attack in his first US appearance alongside electro-rock acts like Deluka and electronic body music (EBM) pioneers Nitzer Ebb.” Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director, says “We are all really looking forward to hearing amazing live sets by all our bands, particularly local favorites like Smash-Up Derby, ejector and East Bay favorites HOTTUB.” For more information, visit our Entertainment pages.

Folsom Street Events sponsors include: PRESENTING – RECON.com, NakedSword.com, Steamworks, Mr. S Leather, Kink.com, Manhunt.net and GLOSS; PREMIER – Elbow Grease and Blow Buddies; CHARTER – ExtremeRestraints.com and TitanMen.com; SUPPORTING – The Stockroom, Powerhouse, AdultFriendFinder.com, Gold’s Gym, and StraightHell.net; CHARTER HOST HOTELS – San Francisco Marriott, Joie de Vivre Hotels, and Renoir Hotel; and, MEDIA – Bay Area Reporter/BAR Tab, SF Weekly, SF Station, Frontiers Magazine, and GAYVN.

About Folsom Street Events

Folsom Street Events, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, produces Bay of Pigs™, Up Your Alley®, Magnitude®, DEVIANTS™, and Folsom Street Fair. The mission of Folsom Street Events is to create volunteer-driven leather events that provide the adult alternative lifestyle community with safe venues for self-expression while raising critical funds for charity. For more information about Folsom Street Fair, visit folsomstreetfair.org. 100% of the gate donations directly benefits local and national charities.

###]]> Mon, 16 Aug 2010 07:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=107

San Francisco, CA - June 28, 2010 - Folsom Street Events introduces a brand new fetish party for its 27th events season. With an extraordinary line-up of essential leather events, DEVIANTS™ (Sunday, September 26TH from 6:00pm – 2:00am) becomes the fourth official Folsom event during San Francisco Leather Week. Other events include the SF Leather Week Formal Dinner (Thursday, September 23rd), Magnitude® (Saturday, September 25th), and Folsom Street Fair (Sunday, September 26th).

Located at 525 Harrison Street (formerly Sound Factory), both floors will be open for dancing and debauchery. Produced in association with Kink.com, DEVIANTS features a sensational DJ line up including The Juan Maclean, DJ Zach Moore (The Space Cowboys), and Stereogamous from Australia. Kink.com hosts the main floor with unspeakably sexy demos. Presenting Sponsors include RECON, NakedSword.com, Steamworks, Mr. S Leather, Manhunt.net, GLOSS, and, of course, Kink.com.

According to Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director, “For years, people have been saying that Folsom Street Fair is too short. With the introduction of the Official Closing Party of Folsom Street Fair, we can continue the party into the night! DEVIANTS is going to be a massive affair with fantastic live entertainment, superstar DJs, and much more. Like the Fair, this is a party for the entire fetish community!” Tickets and event information are available online at DEVIANTS.

According to Peter Acworth, owner of Kink.com, “I am very proud that Kink.com is a Presenting Sponsor of the 2010 Folsom Street Fair and DEVIANTS party. Folsom Street Fair has helped make San Francisco into the fetish capital of America, and that is the very reason that I moved here to start Kink.com.”

Folsom Street Fair continues as most beloved fetish events in the world, serving as the grand finale of San Francisco Leather Week. With the Fair occupying Folsom between 7th and 12th Streets and 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th Streets from Howard Street to Sheridan, it is the largest and most well attended leather and fetish event, attracting tourists from Australia and Europe to all across North America.

Folsom Street Events sponsors include: PRESENTING – RECON.com, NakedSword.com, Steamworks, Mr. S Leather, Kink.com, Manhunt.net and GLOSS; PREMIER – Elbow Grease and Blow Buddies; CHARTER – ExtremeRestraints.com and TitanMen.com; SUPPORTING – The Stockroom, Powerhouse, AdultFriendFinder.com, Gold’s Gym, and StraightHell.net; CHARTER HOST HOTELS – San Francisco Marriott, Joie de Vivre Hotels, and Renoir Hotel; and, MEDIA – Bay Area Reporter/BAR Tab, SF Weekly, SF Station, Frontiers Magazine, and GAYVN.

Folsom Street Events 201 beneficiaries include AIDS Legal Referral Panel, Breast Cancer Emergency Fund, Central City Hospitality House, Dimensions Clinic, Dolores Street Community Services, Healing Waters, Mission Neighborhood Health Center, National AIDS Memorial Grove, New Leaf, Project Inform, Project Open Hand, Queer Cultural Center, SF Gay Men’s Chorus, Shanti, Triangle Martial Arts Assn., and Visual Aid.

About Folsom Street Events

Folsom Street Events, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, produces Bay of Pigs, Up Your Alley, Magnitude, and the Folsom Street Fair (and many other fetish events). The mission of Folsom Street Events is to create volunteer-driven leather events that provide the adult alternative lifestyle community with safe venues for self-expression while emphasizing freedom, fun, frolic and fetish and raising critical funds to benefit local charities. In 2009, Folsom Street Events commemorated the 26th Folsom Street Fair by donating $333,000 to local and national charities.

###

San Francisco, CA - Tuesday, May 25, 2010 - Three of the biggest and most well-known San Francisco businesses – Folsom Street Events, Kink.com, and Steamworks along with bar sponsors Powerhouse, Marlena’s and Truck – are teaming up to produce the hottest party over IML weekend: THE SAN FRANCISCO PARTY. Scheduled for Friday, May 28TH at the IML host hotel (Hyatt Regency) in Crystal Ballrooms B&C from 10:00pm to 2:00am, the massive party will unite over 1,000 leather and fetish enthusiasts for cruising, dancing, and a whole lot of excess. The party is free and open to the public.

“With another incredible year of San Francisco-based events planned, we are going to represent the unabashed sex-positive environment of our city – even if we are in Chicago! We have the best DJ (Sean Greene of End Up, Steamworks), and the sexiest fetish demos from Bound Gods of Kinkmen.com. This is going to be the biggest and best party in the hotel! And, of course, we wish all of the San Francisco contestants – Mr. Lance Holman (Mr. Powerhouse Leather 2010 / Mr. San Francisco Leather 2010), Mr. Gary Rhoades (Mr. Hayes Valley Leather 2010), and Mr. George Schaeffer (Renegade 2010) – the best of luck in the contest,” says Folsom Street Events Executive Director, Demetri Moshoyannis, who is serving as a judge for this year’s contest. Also, Folsom Street Events will host a booth (#1010) in the IML vendor market.

Tickets for Bay of Pigs^tm (The Official Saturday Night Event of Up Your Alley®) and Magnitude® (The Official Saturday Night Event of Folsom Street Fair®) will be on sale at the Folsom Street Events booth with Bay of Pigs tickets priced at $30 and Magnitude tickets for a special price of $50. These tickets will also be available at the Folsom Street Events website later this week.

Folsom Street Events sponsors include: PRESENTING – RECON.com, NakedSword.com, Steamworks, Mr. S Leather, Kink.com, Manhunt.net and GLOSS; PREMIER – Elbow Grease and Blow Buddies; CHARTER – ExtremeRestraints.com and TitanMen.com; SUPPORTING – The Stockroom, Powerhouse, AdultFriendFinder.com, Gold’s Gym, and StraightHell.net; CHARTER HOST HOTELS – San Francisco Marriott, Joie de Vivre Hotels, and Renoir Hotel; and, MEDIA – Bay Area Reporter/BAR Tab, SF Weekly, SF Station, Frontiers Magazine, and GAYVN.

About Folsom Street Events

Folsom Street Events® is a 501(c)3 non-profit agency that produces four fetish events annually: Bay of Pigs, Up Your Alley, Magnitude, and Folsom Street Fair. The mission of Folsom Street Events is to create volunteer-driven leather events that provide the adult alternative lifestyle community with safe venues for self-expression while emphasizing freedom, fun, frolic and fetish and raising critical funds to benefit local charities. In 2008, Folsom Street Events marked the 25th Folsom Street Fair with nearly 400,000 attendees and over $340,000 donated to charity.

###

According to Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director, “This year’s Folsom Street Fair poster is intended to draw attention to the ongoing discrimination and persecution facing consenting adults who practice BDSM. We are extremely pleased with the outcome of this poster because it maintains the tradition of our trademark cutting-edge commentary on our community within the broader society. We are very much looking forward to producing a fantastic series of internationally renowned events this year.”

Mitchell Koonce, Administration and Special Projects Manager, who managed the creative process of producing the poster, commented, “Folsom Street Fair has a custom now of creating posters which are timely, provocative, and address vital community issues and values. At the same time, we like to give it our own ‘cheeky’ spin. With everything that has been happening on Wall Street, we think it is important to spotlight the real criminal behavior in society.”

Consensual BDSM can be prosecuted in many jurisdictions under felony laws dealing with assault and sexual abuse with the potential for serious jail time. Criminal laws that are used against consensual BDSM practitioners can include assault, battery, sexual assault, sexual abuse, sadomasochistic abuse, lewd or lascivious conduct, selling or possessing certain sex toys, kidnapping, rape, prostitution, and trafficking. For many other categories of sex-related crimes, proof of consent defeats the prosecution’s case – not so with BDSM, which is treated as violence instead of consensual sexual conduct.

The criminalization of our communities can also be seen in recent local police actions targeting gay and leather bars. At the Atlanta Eagle, 62 patrons and eight employees were searched without a warrant, reasonable suspicion or probable cause on September 10, 2009. Some were forced to lie face down on the floor for over two hours, and the police used excessive force by bringing in the “Red Dog Unit” which typically deals with crimes such as gang violence. A similar show of unjustified and excessive police force took place during the raid on a gay bar in Forth Worth, Texas on the 40th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in June 2009. Less extreme but still troubling, some local community members have accused the ABC in the State of California of unfairly targeting gay events and leather bars to seek out “crimes” committed by consenting adults. This targeting of consensual, adult behavior is often a way of harassing sexual minority communities.

According to the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF), a national organization focused on the sexual freedom rights of alternative sexuality practitioners, numerous BDSM practitioners face criminal charges each year for consensual activity. According to NCSF spokesperson Susan Wright, the Coalition’s help hotline dealt with 166 criminal incidents in 2009. NCSF is actively working to decriminalize BDSM through its Consent Counts Project.

The Folsom Street Fair poster was made possible in part by Brian Mills of Titan Media who brilliantly photographed the images. Titan Media generously volunteered their studio for the photo shoots. Additionally, all of the models volunteered their time, including (in order from left to right): Alix (cow-punk), JR Matthews (rubber cop), Ken (pink furry pig), Sparkly Devil (Betty Paige), Jason (Wall Street guy), Mark (leather daddy), Monistat (drag queen), Mollena (Ms. SF Leather 2009 and International Ms. Leather 2010), and James (uniform/leather man), all of whom brought vitality and diversity to the final image.

Posters for Bay of Pigs, Up Your Alley, and Magnitude as well as Folsom Street Fair are available online at folsomstreetevents.org. The Up Your Alley poster was illustrated creatively by the talented Rob Clarke (robclarke.net). The Bay of Pigs poster features model Torrez, as photographed by Joe Oppedisano (joeoppedisano.com). The Magnitude poster features local SF models John, Keith and Mark, as photographed by Brian Mills.

At the time of this press release, Folsom Street Events sponsors include: PRESENTING RECON, NakedSword, Steamworks, Mr. S Leather, Kink.com, Manhunt, and GLOSS; PREMIER Elbow Grease, Blow Buddies; CHARTER ExtremeRestraints.com, TitanMen.com; SUPPORTING The Stockroom, Powerhouse, Gold’s Gym, Adult Friend Finder, StraightHell.net, TheDiscoSF, Past Curfew, and Cruzliner Tea Events; MEDIA Bay Area Reporter/BAR Tab, SF Weekly, SF Station, Frontiers Magazine, GAYVN; HOST HOTELS SF Marriott Marquis, Joie de Vivre, and Renoir Hotel. Folsom Street Events receives support from SF Grants for the Arts for its top entertainment.

Bay of Pigs – Saturday, July 24, 2010
Up Your Alley – Sunday, July 25, 2010
Magnitude – Saturday, September 25, 2010
Folsom Street Fair – Sunday, September 26, 2010

About Folsom Street Events

Folsom Street Events® is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency that produces four fetish events annually: Bay of Pigs, Up Your Alley, Magnitude, and Folsom Street Fair. The mission of Folsom Street Events is to create volunteer-driven leather events that provide the adult alternative lifestyle community with safe venues for self-expression while emphasizing freedom, fun, frolic and fetish and raising critical funds to benefit local charities. In 2009, Folsom Street Events marked the 26TH Folsom Street Fair with nearly 400,000 attendees and over $333,000 donated to charity.

###]]> Mon, 10 May 2010 07:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=104 San Francisco, CA - Tuesday, March 16, 2010 - The Board of Directors of Folsom Street Events announced the line up of its Major and Supporting beneficiaries today. Net proceeds from four San Francisco fetish events (Bay of Pigs™, Up Your Alley®, Magnitude®, and Folsom Street Fair®) will be donated to local charities working in public health, human services, and the arts. Last year, Folsom Street Events donated over $333,000 to local and national charities in need.

Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director, said, “San Francisco Bay Area nonprofits are being hit extremely hard by the state of the economy. Many of them are suffering severe cutbacks in local, state, and federal government funding; and, Folsom Street Events helps to fill many of these funding gaps.” Jacob Richards, Board President, added, “We are incredibly proud to announce this year’s line up of Major and Supporting beneficiaries. These organizations are a solid cross-section of the community’s best nonprofits. We welcome both new beneficiaries and historically dependable charities to the table. We couldn’t be happier with the results of the grant review.”

This year’s eleven (11) Major beneficiaries include:

• Breast Cancer Emergency Fund
• Central City Hospitality House
• Dimensions Clinic
• Dolores Street Community Services
• Mission Neighborhood Health Center
• Project Inform
• Project Open Hand
• Queer Cultural Center
• San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus
• Shanti
• Visual Aid

• AIDS Legal Referral Panel
• Healing Waters
• National AIDS Memorial Grove
• New Leaf
• Triangle Martial Arts Association

Event sponsorships are still being finalized. To date, returning sponsors include: PRESENTING RECON.com, NakedSword.com, Mr. S Leather, Manhunt, and GLOSS; PREMIER Elbow Grease; CHARTER Blow Buddies, ExtremeRestraints.com; SUPPORTING The Stockroom, Powerhouse, Cruzliner Tea Events, and StraightHell.net; MEDIA Frontiers/IN LA Magazine; HOST HOTELS San Francisco Marriott, Renoir Hotel, and Joie de Vivre Hospitality. Folsom Street Events receives ongoing support from San Francisco Grants for the Arts for its top entertainment.

About Folsom Street Events

San Francisco, CA - December, 15 2009 - The Board of Directors of Folsom Street Events elected a new President, Jacob Richards. According to Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director, “The organization has been preparing for this transition for some time. We are extremely grateful for Andy’s tireless commitment and dedication. At the same time, we are very excited to have Jacob’s new energy and vision for the agency."

Mr. Richards has been involved with a variety of LGBT and leather organizations since moving to the Bay Area in 2002. He came to Folsom Street Events through the GLBT Historical Society when the organization was a Folsom beneficiary in 2005. He loved working on the fairs so much that he joined the board in 2006 and became Vice President in 2007. His involvement with the community includes being a member of the 2007 steering committee for Leather-Levi Weekend, and volunteering with the Leathermen's Discussion Group and International Ms. Leather.

According to Richards, “I look forward to serving as President in order to continue the work of producing world-class leather/fetish events for the community, to increase the organization's charitable giving both locally and nationally, and to build on the organization's efforts to work with leather/fetish organizations and businesses for a stronger leather community.”

Under Mr. Copper’s leadership as Board President (2005 – 2009), Folsom Street Events achieved a number of outstanding accomplishments including doubling the size of the board from five to ten members and more than doubling the size of the associate members from four to eleven members. Mr. Copper helped the organization to revise its by-laws and grow the agency’s annual operating budget to over $1.1 million. He helped expand the Folsom brand with trademark rights in the US, Canada, EU, and Australia. Also, Mr. Copper helped to increase the group’s philanthropy. Since the fairs began in 1984, Folsom Street Events has distributed over $4 million to charity – nearly half of which was distributed since Mr. Copper became President in 2005.

Sponsors for the 2009 events season: PRESENTING SPONSORS TitanMen.com, NakedSword, RECON.com, GLOSS Magazine; PREMIER SPONSORS Steamworks, Doc Johnson, Elbow Grease; CHARTER SPONSORS Blow Buddies, ExtremeRestraints.com, Manhunt; SUPPORTING SPONSORS Stockroom/Stormy Leather/Syren, Powerhouse, Mr. S Leather, StraightHell.net, Leatherpost.com, AdultFriendFinder; HOST HOTELS SF Marriott, Renoir Hotel, Joie de Vivre; and, MEDIA SPONSORS Bay Area Reporter, SF Bay Guardian, IN LA Magazine, Bear Party Magazine.

About Folsom Street Events

According to Andy Copper, Board President of Folsom Street Events, “We are thrilled to see this antiquated and discriminatory 22-year old policy become a horrible thing of the past. No longer shall our brothers and sisters in leather living with HIV/AIDS be discriminated at our borders.”

Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director, added, “This policy sends a message that anyone can come to the U.S. without worrying about his/her HIV status, traveling with medications, etc. On the eve of World AIDS Day, we recognize that this shift is a new-found greeting for our HIV-positive community members. They can plan a trip now to San Francisco, one of America’s most HIV-friendly cities, for next year’s Folsom Street Fair!”

"With the repeal of the travel ban, HIV-positive international travelers can now legally visit one of the world's centers for gay and lesbian history and HIV/AIDS activism," said Joe D'Alessandro, President and CEO of the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau. "We welcome this change as long overdue."

San Francisco Supervisor Bevan Dufty commented, “This action by President Obama and his Administration is long overdue, recognizing that discrimination against HIV+ people is unwarranted. Our country now joins enlightened nations around the world who do not discriminate against HIV+ travelers."

About Folsom Street Events

Upcoming Folsom Street Events include:
Bay of Pigs – Saturday, July 24, 2010
Up Your Alley – Sunday, July 25, 2010
Magnitude – Saturday, September 25, 2010
Folsom Street Fair – Sunday, September 26, 2010

###]]> Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=101 San Francisco, CA - November 16, 2009 - The Board of Directors of Folsom Street Events announced charitable giving in the amount of $333,452 today. Andy Copper, Board President, says, “2009 was a fantastic year for Folsom Street Events and our charities. We are enormously grateful to our sponsors, beneficiaries, beverage partners, volunteers and the leather/fetish community for the unyielding support. We are thrilled to clear the $4 million mark in our giving history. This check is a philanthropic landmark for our community.”

According to Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director, “The majority of this check will support the work of our 16 Bay Area Major and Supporting beneficiaries that are working diligently to improve our communities in the areas of public health, human services, and the arts. In the current state of the economy, we couldn’t be more thrilled to present a check of this size. This check only goes to show how strong and consistent our community is when it comes to showing our support. Combined, we are supporting over 60 worthy charities around the United States.”

Folsom Street Events will host a very special evening to honor its beneficiaries, sponsors, and nonprofit partners with a check ceremony. The event is held by invitation only and will occur at Sloane, 1525 Mission Street, known in the leather community as the former home to the Loading Dock. Special invited guests include Supervisor Bevan Dufty, Treasurer Jose Cisneros, and Joe D’Alessandro, San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau, among others.

Sponsors included PRESENTING SPONSORS TitanMen.com, NakedSword, RECON.com and GLOSS Magazine; PREMIER SPONSORS Steamworks, Doc Johnson, and Elbow Grease; CHARTER SPONSORS Blow Buddies, ExtremeRestraints.com, Manhunt, SUPPORTING SPONSORS The Stockroom/Stormy Leather/Syren, Powerhouse, Mr. S Leather, StraightHell.net, Leatherpost.com, and AdultFriendFinder; HOST HOTELS San Francisco Marriott, Renoir Hotel, and Joie de Vivre Hospitality; and, MEDIA SPONSORS Bay Area Reporter, SF Bay Guardian, IN LA Magazine, and Bear Party Magazine.

About Folsom Street Events

### ]]> Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=100 San Francisco, CA - September 18, 2009 - Nearly 2,500 hot, sweaty, fit, and sexy fetish fans from around the world will converge at San Francisco’s Regency Center for Magnitude, the Official Saturday Night Dance event of the Folsom Street Fair®, on Saturday, September 26, 2009 from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. This ‘only-in-San Francisco’ event will feature dancing to world-class music by DJ Paul Goodyear in the Grand Ballroom and a complete dungeon, presented by Kink.com, in The Lodge.

“Magnitude is the cornerstone of the week’s nightlife. If you miss Magnitude, then you miss out on a big part of what makes SF Leather Week so special. We are thrilled to produce outstanding events such as Magnitude for both locals and visitors alike; and, this year is going to be one of our best,” says Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director of Folsom Street Events. “This year’s party is out-selling all previous Magnitude events with men coming from Australia and New Zealand, Canada, England, Germany, France, Spain, Singapore, and almost every single one of the 50 U.S. states. And, we seem particularly popular with the Aussie men this year!”

Now in its 13th year, Magnitude has evolved into the convergence of first-rate music, dancing, live erotic demonstrations, and interactive play. For many, the event is the ultimate event of sensual self-expression. Special performances will be staged by the men of TitanMen.com.

This year, the dungeon is sponsored by Kink.com. It will be in the upstairs space with a totally different vibe than the main floor — much darker and sexier. According to Franco Beneduce, the event manager, “You can expect a steamy, safe playground of pleasure with some of the best dungeon equipment around, thanks to Kink.com.”

“Music, multi-media projections and live performances on the main floor are a big part of Magnitude’s popularity,” says Beneduce. After rave reviews, DJ Paul Goodyear (London/Sydney) returns for his third spin at the decks. For more information about DJ Paul Goodyear, visit his website at www.paulgoodyear.com.

Event sponsors include TitanMen.com, NakedSword, RECON.com, GLOSS Magazine, Doc Johnson, Mr. S Leather, Manhunt.net, Bay Area Reporter, Aftershock, and Damron. Magnitude tickets are on sale now at Folsom Street Events Shop or at retailers like Mr. S Leather in SoMa or Phantom in the Castro. Online tickets are available for only a little while longer at Online, and a limited number of tickets will be available at the door.

About Folsom Street Events

7th Street Stage Line-Up
MCs: Anna Conda & Monistat; Heklina & Sister Roma Stage
DJ: Paul V.

11:00a   Future Villain Band
11:50a   Sex Presleys
12:40p   Saints of Ruin
1:30p    Ejector
2:20p    Smash-Up Derby
3:10p    Trannyshack! featuring CHRISTEENE
4:00p    M.E.N. (with JD Samson of Le Tigre)
5:10p    Dirty Sanchez

12th Street Stage Line-Up
MCs: BeBe Sweetbriar & Suppositori Spelling Stage
DJs: Seattle Eagle DJs

11:15a   Perfect Machines
12:05a   Psychostar
12:55p   Leather Title Holders
1:10p    Flexx Bronco
2:00p    estocar
2:50p    The Black Pandas
3:40p    Normandie
4:50p    Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head

Magnitude Dance Area (10th Street)
11:00a   DJ Craig Gaibler
12:30p   DJ Gray
2:00p    DJ Luke Johnstone (Industry) 
3:45p    DJ Paul King (Trade, Ministry of Sound)

According to Jeff Johnson, Entertainment Chair, “Folsom Street Fair is attracting bigger and better alternative artists all the time – hard rock acts, electro outfits, goth bands, and indie dance numbers. We are very excited to have Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head and M.E.N. (with JD Samson of Le Tigre) alongside electro acts like Dirty Sanchez and shoegazers like Normandie.” Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director, says “We are all really looking forward to hearing Austin, TX drag sensation CHRISTEENE, local favorites Smash-Up Derby and hot sets from Ejector and estocar.” For more information, visit: Folsom Street Fair Entertainment

Sponsors include: PRESENTING – TitanMen.com, Naked Sword, RECON.com, and GLOSS Magazine; PREMIER – Steamworks, Doc Johnson, and Elbow Grease; CHARTER – Blow Buddies, Manhunt, and ExtremeRestraints.com; SUPPORTING – Stockroom/Stormy Leather/Syren, Powerhouse, Mr. S Leather, AdultFriendFinder.com, StraightHell.net, Gold’s Gym, Leatherpost.com, and Wicked Grounds; CHARTER HOST HOTELS – San Francisco Marriott, Joie de Vivre Hotels, and Renoir Hotel; and, MEDIA – Bay Area Reporter, Energy 92.7FM, SF Bay Guardian, Frontiers/IN LA Magazine, and Bear Party Magazine.

About Foslom Street Events

In addition to the main attractions of Magnitude® and the Folsom Street Fair, San Francisco Leather Week (September 20 – September 27, 2009) offers a growing range of options for the leather and fetish communities. “We are mounting leather pride banners on Market Street and Folsom Street in order to greet visitors and commemorate the week,” declares Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director. “The week kicks off with Sandy ‘Mama’ Reinhardt’s LeatherWalk and a heaving Eagle beer bust. Later in the week, Folsom Street Events hosts an extraordinary formal leather dinner on Thursday, September 24th at supperclub with Varla Jean Merman as the entertainment. And, we are highlighting the City’s leather and GLBT histories on a specially guided tour of The City of San Francisco. And, don’t forget Magnitude, the Official Saturday Night Dance Party of Folsom Street Fair!” says Moshoyannis. Tickets may be purchased at the Folsom online Shop.

The annual Folsom Street Fair offers 250+ exciting and sexy exhibitors and vendors, hot food and cold drinks, and tons of artistic and cultural entertainment. The event hosts two live stages with 14 live alternative acts, a huge dance area with internationally renowned DJs, a dedicated area for women (“Venus’ Playground”) and an erotic artists’ area. This year, the Fair features performances by indie dance rockers like Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head, MEN (featuring JD Samson of Le Tigre), Normandie, and Dirty Sanchez among others. Previous performers have included Berlin, Ladytron DJ Tour, The Presets, The English Beat, and Shiny Toy Guns.

Sponsors include: PRESENTING – TitanMen.com, Naked Sword, RECON.com, and GLOSS Magazine; PREMIER – Steamworks, Doc Johnson, and Elbow Grease; CHARTER – Blow Buddies, Manhunt, and ExtremeRestraints.com; SUPPORTING – Stockroom/Stormy Leather/Syren, Powerhouse, Mr. S Leather, AdultFriendFinder.com, StraightHell.net, Gold’s Gym, Leatherpost.com, and Wicked Grounds; CHARTER HOST HOTELS – San Francisco Marriott, Joie de Vivre Hotels, and Renoir Hotel; and, MEDIA – Bay Area Reporter, Energy 92.7FM, SF Bay Guardian, Frontiers/IN LA Magazine, and Bear Party Magazine.

About Folsom Street Events

###]]> Mon, 24 Aug 2009 07:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=97 San Francisco, CA - July 20, 2009 - Up Your Alley is considered by both locals and hardcore fetishists to be one of the major leather events in the world. For a second year, the fairgrounds will be expanded to accommodate the mounting crowds of gay male leather and fetish enthusiasts this Sunday, July 26, 2009. The Fair occupies Folsom Street between 9th and 11th Streets, Dore Alley from Howard past Folsom, and 10th Street from Howard to Sheridan. The Magnitude Dance Area resides at the intersection of Folsom and 10th Streets with the food court moving up 10th Street (between Folsom and Howard Streets). Exhibitor booths for the fair are sold out.

Andy Copper, Board President, said, “We are pleased to continue our expanded Up Your Alley. We do hope to see lots of fun and frisky BDSM play at the fair, but we also hope that fairgoers respect our security volunteers, if they’re not playing by the rules. Folsom Street Events has implemented some new rules on lewd behavior, but we know it won’t change the heart of this uniquely San Francisco event!”

Folsom Street Events continues its most recent fetish party, Bay of Pigs™, in a new location. Bay of Pigs is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 25th from 10:00pm – 4:00am at 181 Eddy Street. The now infamous DJ Ted Eiel, creator of CHUNKHOUSE (DJTedEiel.com), is the main floor DJ with newcomer DJ Luis Cintron (Palm Springs) spinning downstairs in the dungeon. Similar to the organization’s Magnitude® event, there will be dancing and decadence for all who attend. Tickets are on sale at Mr. S Leather (385 8TH Street) in SoMa and at Phantom and Chaps in the Castro.

According to Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director, “With a Friday night kick-off party at Powerhouse, a Saturday day-time play party at Citadel sponsored by RECON, the Saturday night main event, Bay of Pigs at 181 Eddy, the Up Your Alley fair, and the official closing T-dance, PLAY, at DNA Lounge, this is going to be a superb weekend of fetish events. Tickets for Bay of Pigs are already out-selling last year, so we are anticipating a spectacular time all around.”

Sponsors include: PRESENTING – TitanMen.com, Naked Sword, RECON.com, and GLOSS Magazine; PREMIER – Steamworks, Doc Johnson, and Elbow Grease; CHARTER – Blow Buddies, Manhunt, and ExtremeRestraints.com; SUPPORTING – Stockroom/Stormy Leather/Syren, Powerhouse, Mr. S Leather, AdultFriendFinder.com, StraightHell.net, Gold’s Gym, Leatherpost.com, and Wicked Grounds; CHARTER HOST HOTELS – San Francisco Marriott, Joie de Vivre Hotels, and Renoir Hotel; and, MEDIA – Bay Area Reporter, Energy 92.7FM, SF Bay Guardian, Frontiers/IN LA Magazine, and Bear Party Magazine.

Bay of Pigs – Saturday, July 25th
Up Your Alley – Sunday, July 26th
Magnitude – Saturday, September 26th
Folsom Street Fair® – Sunday, September 27th

About Folsom Street Events

Folsom Street Events is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that produces volunteer-driven events for the global adult alternative lifestyle community. Comprised almost entirely of volunteers, the organization donates net proceeds to selected San Francisco Bay Area and national charities.

For more information contact Demetri Moshoyannis at 415-777-3247, or visit www.folsomstreetevents.org. ###]]> Mon, 20 Jul 2009 07:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=96 San Francisco, CA - June 29, 2009 - Folsom Street Events invites all US based 501(c)(3) organizations to apply to become a beneficiary of our 2009 event season. Proceeds from Bay of Pigs™, Up Your Alley®, Magnitude®, and the Folsom Street Fair™ will benefit our National Community Giving Program as well as Major and Supporting Beneficiaries from the SF Bay Area. Applications are due no later than 12:00 noon on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 965 Mission Street, Suite 200, San Francisco, CA, 94103.

A PDF version of the application is available on our website at: http://folsomstreetevents.org

Folsom Street Events seeks to make innovative program grants to organizations serving sexual minorities. As such, we accept national grant requests from nonprofit agencies that serve the priority areas of Public Health, Gay Men’s Health (via TitanMen/Folsom Fund), civil rights with an emphasis on LGBT rights, and Development of the Leather/Fetish Communities. If your project falls into one of these priority areas, then please apply according to the application instructions. Please note that Folsom Street Events prefers to fund programs in major metropolitan areas within the United States, although rural programs are eligible to apply as well. Generally, National Community Grants range from $150 – $5,000. Folsom Street Events retains the right to make additional grants on an invitation-only basis, as generated by its Board of Directors.

Folsom Street Events offers three categories of annual grant-making: National Community Grant, Major Beneficiary, and Supporting Beneficiary. This announcement pertains to the National Community Grant program only. Determinations for Major and Supporting Beneficiaries are made through a separate process.

Recent changes to our grant-making process include the ability for eligible nonprofits to apply every year for beneficiary status and consideration of grant requests that include program staff salaries. The changes we have made result directly from community feedback.

About Folsom Street Events

Folsom Street Events® is a 501(c)3 non-profit agency that produces four fetish events annually: Bay of Pigs, Up Your Alley, Magnitude, and the Folsom Street Fair. The mission of Folsom Street Events is to create volunteer-driven leather events that provide the adult alternative lifestyle community with safe venues for self-expression while emphasizing freedom, fun, frolic and fetish and raising critical funds to benefit local charities. In 2008, Folsom Street Events marked the 25th Folsom Street Fair with nearly 400,000 attendees and over $340,000 donated to charity.

For more information contact Demetri Moshoyannis at 415-777-3247, or visit http://folsomstreetevents.org

###]]> Mon, 29 Jun 2009 07:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=95 SAN FRANCISCO, CA - May 20, 2009 - Four of the biggest and most well-known San Francisco businesses, Folsom Street Events, TitanMen, Steamworks and Powerhouse, are teaming up to produce the hottest party over IML weekend: The San Francisco Party. Scheduled for Friday, May 22nd at the IML host hotel (Hilton Chicago) in the Grand Ballroom from 10:00pm to 2:00am, the massive party will unite over 1,000 leather and fetish enthusiasts for cruising, dancing, and a whole lot of revolting fun. The party is free and open to IML attendees.

“With another fantastic year of San Francisco-based events planned, we are going to remind everyone just how fun and sexy San Francisco is – even if we are in Chicago! We have the best DJ (Sean Greene of End Up, Wunderland, Steamworks), the sexiest porn stars from TitanMen (Dean Flynn, Tony Buff, and Will Parker) promoting the new “Folsom Flesh” release, and one of the strongest contestants competing at IML – Mr. Brandon Clark, Mr. Powerhouse Leather 2009/ Mr. San Francisco Leather 2009. We want to see everyone there on Friday night!” says Folsom Street Events Executive Director, Demetri Moshoyannis. Also, Folsom Street Events will host a booth (#3215) in the vendor market. Tickets are on sale starting now at http://folsomstreetevents.org and will be on sale at the Folsom Street Events booth for both Bay of Pigs and Magnitude as well.

Mr. Brandon Clark who is the reigning Mr. Powerhouse Leather 2009 and Mr. San Francisco Leather 2009 will be on hand to meet and greet event-goers. According to Scott Peterson, Manager of Powerhouse, “Mr. Clark will represent the bar and San Francisco superbly. He is a true leatherman and a fantastic representative for the community found at our bar. With Powerhouse being ground zero for Up Your Alley and Folsom Street Fair, we’re excited to continue our role in helping to produce this year’s San Francisco party at IML,” says Peterson.

Folsom Street Events sponsors include: PRESENTING – TitanMen.com, NakedSword.com, RECON.com, IS Vodka, and GLOSS Magazine; PREMIER – Steamworks, Doc Johnson, and Elbow Grease; CHARTER – Blow Buddies, Manhunt.net, and ExtremeRestraints.com; SUPPORTING – Stockroom/Stormy Leather, Powerhouse, Mr. S Leather, AdultFriendFinder.com, StraightHell.net, and Leatherpost.com; CHARTER HOST HOTELS – San Francisco Marriott, Joie de Vivre Hotels, and Renoir Hotel; and, MEDIA – Bay Area Reporter, Energy 92.7FM, San Francisco Bay Guardian, IN LA Magazine, and Bear Party Magazine.

About Folsom Street Events

For more information contact Demetri Moshoyannis at 415-777-3247, or visit http://folsomstreetevents.org

###]]> Wed, 20 May 2009 07:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=94 San Francisco, CA - May 15, 2009 - Folsom Street Events has released its latest poster designs for the annual events: Bay of Pigs™, Up Your Alley®, Magnitude®, and Folsom Street Fair®. This year, the official Folsom Street Fair poster was inspired by a classic 1950's "nuclear family" photo. In light of the passage of Proposition 8 last fall, the organization felt it was important that the Folsom Street Fair – and San Francisco – take a stand about what family is and how we experience those similar bonds in our community. Folsom Street Events wanted to juxtapose the traditional and iconic imagery from that "era of innocence" against the irreverent diversity of the fetish community.

According to Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director, “We are extremely pleased with the outcome of this poster, and we are looking forward to a particularly inspirational event season. The poster is an attempt to portray an alternative to the archetypal image of the family; it’s our way of saying: ‘This is our family.’ It is a distinctive representation of leather and fetish diversity with people of all genders, sexual orientations, ages, interests, etc.”

According to Russell Brown, Administration and Special Projects Manager, who managed the creative process of producing the poster, “I really wanted a fun poster, maybe a little bit lighter than what Folsom has produced in the past with the hope of attracting some potential new fair-goers who may have been reluctant before. Especially with the downturn of the economy, I wanted the poster to reflect the three tenants of Folsom Street Fair: Fun, Frolic and Fetish.”

The poster was made possible in part by Brian Mills of Titan Media who brilliantly photographed the images. Titan Media generously volunteered their studio for the photo shoots. Additionally, all of the models volunteered their time, including: Troy Weakley (“dad”), Bianka Stevens (“mom”), Tony Buff of TitanMen.com (“son”), Sparkly Devil (“daughter”), Trevor Wayne (“younger son”) and Justin Morgan (“family dog”), all of whom brought energy and life to the picture.

Posters for Bay of Pigs, Up Your Alley, and Magnitude as well as Folsom Street Fair are available online at www.folsomstreetevents.org . The Bay of Pigs and Up Your Alley posters were illustrated creatively by Axel and Rob Clarke, accordingly. The Magnitude poster features TitanMen.com models Eduardo and Korben, and it was also photographed by Brian Mills.

About Folsom Street Events

Folsom Street Events® is a 501(c)3 non-profit agency that produces four fetish events annually: Bay of Pigs, Up Your Alley, Magnitude, and Folsom Street Fair. The mission of Folsom Street Events is to create volunteer-driven leather events that provide the adult alternative lifestyle community with safe venues for self-expression while emphasizing freedom, fun, frolic and fetish and raising critical funds to benefit local charities. In 2008, Folsom Street Events marked the 25th Folsom Street Fair with nearly 400,000 attendees and over $340,000 donated to charity.

For more information, please visit us on the web at:
www.folsomstreetevents.org
or contact Demetri Moshoyannis at (415) 777-3247.

###

“With the economy in such a poor state, we are confident that our limited exhibitor spaces will go fast. Up Your Alley and Folsom Street Fair are strong, dependable events that always bring out the best of our community,” says Executive Director Demetri Moshoyannis. “Even in times of recession, our events continue to build and grow and generate unparalleled revenue for our exhibitors,” Moshoyannis added. Applications are now available at: http://www.folsomstreetevents.org/fair-exhibitors.php

For successful Artists’ Area applicants, Folsom Street Events waives all space rental fees and covers the costs of booth structures for the artists. The artists only need to supply tables, chairs, and display materials. According to Andy Copper, Board President, "We are excited about continuing this area because there is so much artistic talent out there. We are helping to spread the word about this talent, and we’re staying true to our grassroots efforts to remain accessible, particularly in this economy.” Applications are now available at: http://www.folsomstreetevents.org/art/

Folsom Street Events 2009 Schedule

Event sponsorships are still available. To date, sponsors include PRESENTING TitanMen.com, NakedSword.com, RECON.com, and GLOSS; PREMIER Steamworks and Elbow Grease; CHARTER Blow Buddies and ExtremeRestraints.com; SUPPORTING Powerhouse, Mr. S Leather, StraightHell.net, and Leatherpost.com; CHARTER HOST HOTELS Renoir Hotel and Joie de Vivre Hospitality; MEDIA Energy 92.7FM, San Francisco Bay Guardian, IN LA Magazine, and Bear Party Magazine. Folsom Street Events receives ongoing support from SF Grants for the Arts for its unrivaled entertainment.

About Folsom Street Events

Folsom Street Events is a 501(c)3 non-profit agency that produces four annual fetish events: Bay of Pigs, Up Your Alley, Magnitude, and Folsom Street Fair. The mission of Folsom Street Events is to create high-quality, volunteer-driven leather events that provide the adult alternative lifestyle community with safe venues for self-expression while emphasizing freedom, fun, frolic and fetish and raising funds to benefit local charities. In 2008, Folsom Street Events marked the 25th Folsom Street Fair with nearly 400,000 attendees and over $340,000 donated to charity.

###]]> Wed, 15 Apr 2009 07:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=92 San Francisco, CA - February 25, 2009 - The Board of Directors of Folsom Street Events announced the recipients of its Major and Supporting Beneficiary grants today. Net proceeds from four San Francisco fetish events (Bay of Pigs™, Up Your Alley®, Magnitude®, and Folsom Street Fair®) will be donated to local charities working in public health, human services, and the arts. Last year, Folsom Street Events donated over $340,000 to local and national charities in need.

Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director, said, "Everyone is struggling in these tough economic times, but our nonprofits will be hit the hardest. Many of them are facing severe cutbacks in local and federal government funding, and we hope to help fill the funding gaps." Andy Copper, Board President, added, "We are incredibly proud to announce this year's Major and Supporting beneficiaries. These organizations are a strong cross-section of the community's best charities, and we are confident that they will work with us to create one of our best events seasons yet."

This year's eleven (11) Major beneficiaries include:

• AIDS Emergency Fund
• Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center
• Episcopal Community Services
• Maitri
• Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS)
• Positive Resource Center
• Project Inform
• Queer Cultural Center
• Shanti Project
• St. James Infirmary
• Tenderloin Health

• AIDS Legal Referral Panel
• Central City Hospitality House
• Immune Enhancement Project
• New Leaf
• Pacific Center for Human Growth

Event sponsorships are still being finalized. To date, returning sponsors include: PRESENTING TitanMen.com, RECON.com, and GLOSS; PREMIER Steamworks and Elbow Grease; CHARTER Blow Buddies, ExtremeRestraints.com, Renoir Hotel, and Joie de Vivre Hospitality; SUPPORTING Powerhouse, Mr. S Leather, and StraightHell.net; and, MEDIA Energy 92.7FM, San Francisco Bay Guardian, IN LA Magazine, and Bear Party Magazine. Folsom Street Events receives ongoing support from SF Grants for the Arts for its unrivaled entertainment.

Bay of Pigs™ Saturday, July 25, 2009
Up Your Alley® Sunday, July 26, 2009
Magnitude® Saturday, September 26, 2009
Folsom Street Fair® Sunday, September 27, 2009

About Folsom Street Events

###]]> Mon, 02 Mar 2009 08:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=91

San Francisco, CA - November 11, 2008 - The Board of Directors of Folsom Street Events announced charitable giving in the amount of $339,725 today. Andy Copper, Board President, says, “We are enormously grateful to our sponsors, beneficiaries, beverage partners, and the leather/fetish community for their generous support. 2008 was an historic year for us, marking the 25th Folsom Street Fair with unprecedented visibility, excitement, and events abound.”

According to Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director, “The majority of this check will support the work of our 16 Bay Area major and supporting beneficiaries that are working diligently to improve our communities in the areas of public health, human services, and the arts. However, our grant-making extends beyond these groups to include our nonprofit beverage partners, community partners, and the National Community Grants Program. Combined, we support over 60 worthy charities; and, we couldn’t be happier with the results of our giving programs.”

Today, Folsom Street Events hosts a very special evening to honor its beneficiaries, sponsors, and nonprofit beverage partners with a check ceremony. The event is held by invitation only and will occur at the incredibly chic and charity-minded supperclub in the South of Market neighborhood. Special invited guests include Supervisor Bevan Dufty, Treasurer Jose Cisneros, and Joe D’Alessandro, San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Sponsors included PRESENTING SPONSORS TitanMen.com, RECON.com, NakedSword.com, and GLOSS; PREMIER SPONSORS Steamworks, StraightHell.net, Mr. S Leather, Doc Johnson, Elbow Grease, Gay.com, and AdultFriendFinder; CHARTER SPONSORS Blow Buddies, Stockroom/Stormy Leather, XR LLC, Manhunt.net, Leatherpost.com, Powerhouse, Renoir Hotel, and Joie de Vivre Hospitality; and, MEDIA LIVE 105, SF Bay Guardian, IN LA Magazine, and Bear Party Magazine.

About Folsom Street Events

Scheduled for Saturday, September 27th, the “Notorious City Tour” will help wrap up San Francisco Leather Week (September 20th – September 28th, 2008) right before the historic 25th Folsom Street Fair. The tour begins with a private viewing of the GLBT Historical Society’s “Fun, Frolic and Fetish: 25 Years of Folsom Street Fair” exhibit (now open) at 657 Mission Street. Tour attendees will hop on board a chartered bus to head back in time to the heyday of SoMa’s leather history. After a whirlwind trip up the Embarcadero and over the Golden Gate Bridge, tour attendees will tour the Castro to learn about the GLBT civil rights movement, including facts about prominent leaders like Harvey Milk. Tour tickets may be purchased now online at Folsom Street Events Shop.

Added festivities leading up to the historic 25th Folsom Street Fair include leather pride street pole banners on Market Street and Folsom Street, a formal gala dinner with Joan Rivers on Saturday, September 20th, and a week’s worth of special bar nights, play parties, receptions, educational opportunities and lots more! The 25th Folsom Street Fair offers 250 exciting exhibitors and vendors, hot food and cold drinks, and tons of artistic and cultural entertainment (e.g., a dedicated area for women called “Venus’ Playground,” a newly inaugurated artists’ area, and two live stages featuring Berlin, The Presets, The English Beat, and Shiny Toy Guns).

Sponsors include PRESENTING SPONSORS TitanMen.com, RECON.com, NakedSword.com, and GLOSS; PREMIER SPONSORS Steamworks, StraightHell.net, Mr. S Leather, Doc Johnson, Elbow Grease, Gay.com, and AdultFriendFinder; CHARTER SPONSORS Blow Buddies, Stockroom/Stormy Leather, XR LLC, Manhunt.net, Leatherpost.com, Powerhouse, Renoir Hotel, and Joie de Vivre Hospitality; and, MEDIA LIVE 105, SF Bay Guardian, IN LA Magazine, and Bear Party Magazine.

About Folsom Street Events

About Cruisin' the Castro

###]]> Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=90 San Francisco, CA - September 3, 2008 - More than 2,000 leather-clad, sexy fetish fans from around the world will converge at San Francisco’s Regency Center for Magnitude, the Official Saturday Night Dance event of the Folsom Street Fair, on Saturday, September 27, 2008 from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. This ‘only-in-San Francisco’ event will feature dancing to world-class music by DJ Paul Goodyear in the Grand Ballroom and play spaces in the lower level Sutter Room.

“Magnitude is the cornerstone of the weekend’s nightlife. If you miss Magnitude, then you miss out on a big part of what makes SF Leather Week so special. We are thrilled to produce outstanding events such as Magnitude for both locals and visitors alike; and, this year is going to be better than ever,” says Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director of Folsom Street Events.

Now in its eleventh year, Magnitude has evolved into the convergence of first-rate music, dancing, live erotic demonstrations, and interactive play. For many, the event is the ultimate event of sensual self-expression.

This year, the dungeon space is sponsored by Mr. S Leather with support from Titan Studios. It will be in the basement of the venue, with different music and different vide than the main floor—darker and sexier. According to Franco Beneduce, the event manager, “You can expect a steamy, safe, playground of pleasure.”

“Music, multi-media projections and live performances on the main floor are a big part of Magnitude’s popularity,” says Beneduce. The music of Magnitude was influenced by Neil Lewis who brought a distinct San Francisco sound to the first four events. Since his death, Magnitude has featured such great DJs and producers as Susan Morabito, Mark Anthony, and Joe Gauthereaux. This year, Paul Goodyear returns for his second spin. “Paul was a close friend of Neil’s and has a similar style. And, since Paul has lived in Sydney, London and Barcelona and has played all over the world, he brings a fresh international vibe to Magnitude that reflects the make-up of the crowd,” adds Beneduce.

In addition to Magnitude and the main attraction of the 25th Folsom Street Fair, SF Leather Week (September 20 – September 28, 2008) will offer an expanded range of social, artistic, historic, and cultural options for the community. “Leather pride flags will greet visitors on Market Street. There’s a formal gala dinner with Joan Rivers. An exhibit of cultural artifacts from 25 years of the Fair is now on display at the GLBT Historical Society. We are hosting a leather and GLBT bus and walking tour of South of Market, the Castro district and the entire City of San Francisco. And, there’s even a City Hall reception open to the public!” says Moshoyannis.

Event sponsors for Magnitude include TitanMen.com, RECON, NakedSword.com, GLOSS Magazine, StraightHell.net, Mr. S Leather, Doc Johnson, Manhunt.net, Aftershock, and Damron. Magnitude tickets are on sale now online at the Folsom Street Events Shop or at retailers like Mr. S Leather in SoMa or Phantom and Chaps in the Castro.

About Folsom Street Events

###]]> Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=88 San Francisco, CA - July 27, 2008 - Upon leaving our Bay of Pigs event at 535 York Street, San Francisco at approximately 2:00am Sunday morning July 27th, one of our patrons was brutally attacked and stabbed repeatedly. He was walking west on Mariposa, when he was jumped by a group of three Asian men walking east on Mariposa. The men were apparently speaking Chinese, and they were accompanied by three Asian women. We believe the attack was a hate crime. Luckily, he returned to the venue where our medical and security teams were able to rush him to the hospital. He is in stable condition at this time.

We are requesting anyone with any information that may lead us to the attackers to please contact Inspector Brian Danker - SFPD at 415.553.9256. Folsom Street Events cares deeply about the health and well-being of our community members. Please help us to look out for one another and help us bring closure to this dreadful incident.

Folsom Street Events

### ]]> Tue, 29 Jul 2008 07:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=87 San Francisco, June 13, 2008 - “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Joan Rivers as our entertainment for the upcoming 25th Folsom Street Fair formal gala,” says Andy Copper, Folsom Street Events Board President. “We are both ecstatic and just a little frightened to witness Joan Rivers in the same room with 350 members of the leather community,” adds Copper.

The formal gala will help kick off San Francisco Leather Week (September 20th – September 28th, 2008). The week itself will offer an expanded range of social, artistic, historic, and cultural options for the community. “The gala is the first of its kind for us. We’ve never produced a formal event so we are anticipating a superb turnout,” declares Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director. Formal attire is required to attend the event, including formal dress leather and high-fashion kink wear. Tickets may be purchased exclusively online at the Folsom Street Events Shop.

The formal gala will take place in the luxurious Regency Center’s Sutter Room. Included in the ticket price is a specially designed menu from Small Potatoes, an open bar, and, of course, a very special and intimate performance with Joan Rivers. A display of selected pieces from the GLBT Historical Society’s exhibit of “25 Years of Folsom Street Fair” will be on hand at the gala, too. The event is likely to sell out as the space can only accommodate 350 people.

The added festivities will lead up to the historic 25th Folsom Street Fair, offering 250+ exciting and sexy exhibitors and vendors, hot food and cold drinks, and tons of artistic and cultural entertainment. The event hosts two live stages with 16 live alternative acts, a huge dance area with internationally renowned DJs, a dedicated area for women (“Venus’ Playground”) and a newly inaugurated artists’ area. This year, the Fair hopes to attract a famous and fun, top-name performer or two that will excite everyone in attendance. Previous performers have included Imperial Teen, Ladytron DJ Tour, Bob Mould, and My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult among others.

Event sponsors include PRESENTING SPONSORS TitanMen.com, RECON.com, NakedSword.com, and GLOSS; PREMIER SPONSORS Steamworks, StraightHell.net, Mr. S Leather, Doc Johnson, Elbow Grease; CHARTER SPONSORS Blow Buddies, Stockroom/Stormy Leather, XR LLC, Manhunt.net, Leatherpost.com, Powerhouse, Joie de Vivre Hospitality, and Renoir Hotel; and, MEDIA SPONSORS LIVE 105, SF Bay Guardian, IN LA Magazine, and Bear Party Magazine.

About Folsom Street Events

For more information on Folsom Street Events, visit: folsomstreetevents.org. For more information on San Francisco Leather Week, visit the Leather Week Calendar.

###]]> Wed, 11 Jun 2008 07:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=86 San Francisco, CA - May 19, 2008 - Three of the biggest and most well-known San Francisco businesses – Folsom Street Events, TitanMen, and Powerhouse – are teaming up to produce the hottest party over IML weekend in Chicago: The San Francisco Party. Scheduled for Friday, May 23rd at the IML host hotel in Crystal Ballrooms B & C from 10:00pm to 2:00am, the massive party will attract thousands of fetish enthusiasts for cruising, dancing, and a whole lot of unspeakable fun. The party is free and open to the public.

“With the upcoming historic 25th Folsom Street Fair™, we are going to remind everyone just how fun and sexy it is to be in San Francisco – even if we are in Chicago! We will have the hottest DJ (Sean Greene, End Up), the sexiest porn stars from TitanMen, and one of the strongest contestants competing – Mr. Ron Balos, Mr. Powerhouse Leather 2008 / Mr. San Francisco Leather 2008. We hope to see everyone there on Friday night!" says Folsom Street Events Executive Director, Demetri Moshoyannis.

The party features the official premiere of the latest TitanMen release, “Folsom Prison,” the next in line of the Official Leather/Fetish Films of the Folsom Street Fair. Come meet TitanMen exclusive performers Tony Buff, Dean Flynn, Rick van Sant, and Diesel Washington. “Folsom Prison is one of the hottest and hardest prison-themed fetish films we’ve ever made,” says Keith Webb, Vice President of TitanMen. “What better way to represent our hometown of San Francisco than to show all of the IML pigs the best fetish porn in the world!”

Mr. Ron Balos who is the reigning Mr. Powerhouse Leather 2008 and Mr. San Francisco Leather 2008 will be on hand to meet and greet event-goers. According to Scott Peterson, Manager of Powerhouse, “Mr. Balos will represent the bar and San Francisco wonderfully. He reflects the traits of a true leatherman and the community found at our bar. With Powerhouse being ground zero for Up Your Alley and Folsom Street Fair, we’re especially excited to be a major part of this year’s San Francisco party at IML,” says Peterson.

Folsom Street Events sponsors include: PRESENTING – TitanMen.com, RECON.com, NakedSword.com, and GLOSS; PREMIER – Steamworks, StraightHell.net, Mr. S Leather, Doc Johnson, Elbow Grease; CHARTER – Blow Buddies, Stockroom/Stormy Leather, Manhunt.net, Leatherpost.com, Powerhouse, Joie de Vivre Hospitality, and Renoir Hotel; and, MEDIA – LIVE 105, San Francisco Bay Guardian, IN LA Magazine, and Bear Party Magazine.

About Folsom Street Events

###]]> Mon, 19 May 2008 07:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=85 San Francisco, CA - May 9, 2008 - “With over 400,000 people in attendance covering 13 city blocks, Folsom Street Fair is a true San Francisco original,” says Andy Copper, Folsom Street Events Board President. “The Fair is the largest leather/fetish event in the world and the third largest, single-day outdoor event in California. We are thrilled to celebrate our 25th Fair with style and a week’s worth of truly outstanding events and programs,” adds Copper.

In addition to the main attraction of the 25th Folsom Street Fair, San Francisco Leather Week (September 20 – September 28, 2008) will offer an expanded range of social, artistic, historic, and cultural options for the community. “We are kicking off the week with a gala dinner at The Regency Center’s Sutter Room,” declares Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director. “Leather pride flags will greet visitors on Market Street. An exhibit of cultural artifacts from 25 years of the Fair will be presented at the Gay & Lesbian Historical Society. We are even planning a leather and GLBT bus and walking tour of South of Market, the Castro district and the entire City of San Francisco. And, that’s just for starters!” says Moshoyannis.

The 25th Folsom Street Fair will offer 250+ exciting and sexy exhibitors and vendors, hot food and cold drinks, and tons of artistic and cultural entertainment. The event hosts two live stages with 16 live alternative acts, a huge dance area with internationally renowned DJs, a dedicated area for women (“Venus’ Playground”) and a newly inaugurated artists’ area. This year, the Fair hopes to attract an exceedingly famous and fun, top-name performer or two that will surely excite everyone in attendance. Previous performers have included Imperial Teen, Ladytron DJ Tour, Blowoff with Bob Mould, and My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult among others.

An ad hoc committee of leather-oriented community groups, businesses, and leaders meets on a monthly basis to discuss details for San Francisco Leather Week. The committee is working to coordinate all events and to give a new sense of unity to the week. Official Leather Week events will be listed on the Folsom Street Events website (http://folsomstreetevents.org) and on the SF Leather Calendar website (http://sfleathercalendar.com).

Event sponsors to date include the following:
PRESENTING SPONSORS: TitanMen.com, RECON.com, NakedSword.com and GLOSS;
PREMIER SPONSORS: Steamworks, StraightHell.net, Mr. S Leather, Doc Johnson and Elbow Grease;
CHARTER SPONSORS: Blow Buddies, Stockroom/Stormy Leather, Manhunt.net, Leatherpost.com, Powerhouse, Joie de Vivre Hospitality and Renoir Hotel;
MEDIA SPONSORS: LIVE 105, SF Bay Guardian, IN LA Magazine and Bear Party Magazine.

About Folsom Street Events

For more information, visit http://www.folsomstreetevents.org or contact Demetri Moshoyannis at (415) 777-3247.

###]]> Fri, 09 May 2008 07:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=84 San Francisco, CA - May 1, 2008 - The Up Your Alley street fair continues in its third decade as one of the premier fetish events in the world. For the first time in many years, the fairgrounds will expand to accommodate growing crowds of gay male leather and fetish enthusiasts. The Fair will occupy Folsom Street between 9th and 11th Streets, Dore Alley from Howard Street to Sheridan, and 10th Street from Howard to Harrison [See Map]. The Magnitude Dance Area as well as the food court will move from Folsom to 10th Street. Exhibitor booth applications for the fair are now online at folsomstreetevents.org and are selling out quickly. Net revenues from Up Your Alley support local and national charities.

Andy Copper, Board President, says, “We are very proud to announce the expansion of Up Your Alley. With mounting crowds attending the fair, Folsom Street Events has responded by creating a more comfortable and enjoyable fairground set-up for our attendees. We think the expansion onto 10th Street will provide a truly outstanding addition to an already amazing and uniquely San Francisco event!”

Folsom Street Events continues its new fetish party, Bay of Pigs™, in a new underground location. Bay of Pigs is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 26TH from 10:00pm – 4:00am. The infamous DJ Paulo ( Los Angeles / DJPaulo.com) is slated to return for the event’s second year. Similar to the organization’s Magnitude® event, there will be dancing and debauchery for all who attend. Tickets will go on sale in the next few weeks at the Folsom Street Events online shop.

According to Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director, “Folsom Street Events is always looking to keep its events fresh and exciting for the community. With a great Saturday night fetish party, expanded fairgrounds, new bars like Chaps II opening up, and establishments like Powerhouse invigorating SoMa nightlife, we see a revitalized interest in the San Francisco leather and fetish community. The new face of Up Your Alley will serve as a perfect precursor to the upcoming 25th Folsom Street Fair™.”

Event sponsors to date include:
PRESENTING SPONSORS: TitanMen.com, RECON.com, NakedSword.com and GLOSS;
PREMIER SPONSORS: Steamworks, StraightHell.net, Mr. S Leather, Doc Johnson and Elbow Grease;
CHARTER SPONSORS: Blow Buddies, Manhunt.net, Leatherpost.com, Powerhouse, Joie de Vivre Hospitality and Renoir Hotel;
MEDIA SPONSORS: LIVE 105, San Francisco Bay Guardian, IN LA Magazine and Bear Party Magazine.

About Folsom Street Events

For more information about Folsom Street Events, the Folsom Street Fair^tm, our other events, or volunteer opportunities please see our website: folsomstreetevents.org

or contact:

Demetri Moshoyannis
Folsom Street Events
info@folsomstreetevents.org
(415) 777-3247

### ]]> Thu, 01 May 2008 07:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=83 San Francisco, CA - April 3, 2008 - The Board of Directors of Folsom Street Events is pleased to continue a newly inaugurated area at Folsom Street Fair®: The Artists' Area. This is the second year that up-and-coming erotic artists will be featured in a special area at the Fair, located just off Folsom Street on Eleventh Street between Folsom and Harrison Streets. A small group of six artists were picked last year to create and build the promising area. This year marks the grand 25th Folsom Street Fair.

For successful applicants, Folsom Street Events will waive all space rental fees and cover the costs of a booth structure rental for the artists. The artists only need to supply tables, chairs, and display materials. According to Andy Copper, Board President, "We are excited about continuing this area because there is so much artistic talent in our community. We realize that we are helping to spread the word about this talent and staying true to our grassroots efforts to remain accessible."

Also continuing for its fifth year is the Folsom Street Fair Poster Competition. Artists wishing to share their vision for poster of the 25th anniversary Folsom Street Fair may enter it into the competition for cash prizes. Works chosen as finalists will be on display at the Folsom Street Fair. Artwork for the Poster Competition is due by August 29, 2008.

Applications for both programs are now available at folsomstreetevents.org/art. Juried Artists' Area applications received by the deadline of May 30, 2008 will be reviewed by a jury selected from the community by the Folsom board. Decisions will be made and announced by June 16, 2008 for participation at the historic 25th Folsom Street Fair. All Folsom Street Events are scheduled as follows:

At this time, event sponsors include: Presenting Sponsors Miller Lite and Miller Genuine Draft, TitanMen.com, RECON.com, NakedSword.com, and GLOSS; Premier Sponsors Steamworks, Mr. S Leather, Doc Johnson, and Elbow Grease; Charter Sponsors Blow Buddies, Leatherpost.com, Manhunt.net, Powerhouse, Joie de Vivre Hospitality and Renoir Hotel; and, Media Sponsors LIVE 105, San Francisco Bay Guardian, IN LA Magazine, and Bear Party Magazine. Folsom Street Events receives support from San Francisco Grants for the Arts/Hotel Tax Fund for its unrivaled entertainment.

About Folsom Street Events

###]]> Thu, 03 Apr 2008 07:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=82 San Francisco, CA - February 25, 2008 - The Board of Directors of Folsom Street Events announced the line up of its Major and Supporting beneficiaries today. Net proceeds from four San Francisco fetish events (Bay of Pigs™, Up Your Alley®, Magnitude®, and Folsom Street Fair®) will be donated to local charities working in public health, human services, and the arts. Last year, Folsom Street Events donated $350,066 to charities in need.

Andy Copper, Board President, says, “We are very proud to announce this year’s Major and Supporting Beneficiaries. These organizations are a diverse representation of the community, and we have no doubt that they will work closely with us to produce a record-breaking and historic year of events. Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director, added, “With our upcoming 25th Folsom Street Fair, we are planning for a huge, over-the-top San Francisco Leather Week. We hope to donate a truly massive check to these deserving charities come November.”

This year’s eleven (11) Major beneficiaries include:

• AIDS Emergency Fund
• Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center
• Frameline
• Healing Waters
• Lyon-Martin Health Services
• Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS)
• Positive Resource Center
• Project Open Hand
• San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus
• St. James Infirmary
• Tenderloin Health

• Community United Against Violence
• Quan Yin Healing Arts Center
• Shanti Project
• Transgender Law Center
• Triangle Martial Arts Association

Event sponsorships are still being finalized for 2008. To date, returning sponsors include:

Presenting Sponsors:	Miller Lite and MGD, TitanMen.com, RECON, NakedSword.com, and GLOSS Magazine
Premier Sponsors:	Steamworks, Mr. S Leather, Elbow Grease, and Hot House Entertainment
Charter Sponsors:	Blow Buddies, Leatherpost.com, Powerhouse, and Joie de Vivre Hospitality
Media Sponsors:	LIVE 105, San Francisco Bay Guardian, IN LA Magazine, and Bear Party Magazine

In addition, Folsom Street Events receives ongoing support from San Francisco Grants for the Arts/Hotel Tax Fund for its unrivaled entertainment.

About Folsom Street Events

For more information about Folsom Street Events, the Folsom Street Fair^tm, our other events, or volunteer opportunities please see our website: folsomstreetevents.org

or contact:

Demetri Moshoyannis
Folsom Street Events
info@folsomstreetevents.org
(415) 777-3247

### ]]> Mon, 25 Feb 2008 08:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=81

San Francisco, CA (December 3, 2007) – The Board of Directors of Folsom Street Events announced today that a revised grant application is available for potential beneficiaries of the 2008 fair season. Proceeds from the Up Your Alley Fair™, Bay of Pigs™, Magnitude™, and the Folsom Street Fair™ will benefit nonprofit agencies that serve the community in the areas of Public Health, Human Services, and The Arts. Applications are due no later than 12:00 noon on Friday, February 1, 2008 at 965 Mission Street, Suite 200, San Francisco, CA, 94103. Electronic versions of the 2008 Beneficiary Application are available on the Folsom Street Events website at folsomstreetevents.org as a PDF file.

There are three categories of annual grant-making: Major Beneficiary, Supporting Beneficiary, and National Community Grants. Please review each category carefully to ensure that your agency meets the basic qualifications, including volunteer recruitment. National Community Grants are made on an invitation basis only; please do not use this application for a request.

Fairly recent changes to our grant-making process include the ability for eligible nonprofits to apply every year for beneficiary status and consideration of grant requests that include program staff salaries. The changes we have made result directly from your feedback.

About Folsom Street Events

Folsom Street Events™, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, produces the Up Your Alley Fair™, Bay of Pigs™, Magnitude™, and the Folsom Street Fair™. The mission of Folsom Street Events™ is to create volunteer-driven leather events that provide the adult alternative lifestyle community with safe venues for self-expression while emphasizing freedom, fun, frolic and fetish and raising critical funds to benefit San Francisco Bay Area and national charities. In 2007, Folsom Street Events marked the 24th Folsom Street Fair™ with nearly 400,000 attendees and over $350,000 donated to San Francisco charities.

For More Information

For more information about the new grant process, Folsom Street Events, the Up Your Alley Fair™, Bay of Pigs™, Folsom Street Fair™, Magnitude, or volunteer opportunities please see our website: folsomstreetevents.org

or contact:

Demetri Moshoyannis
Folsom Street Events
info@folsomstreetevents.org
(415) 777-3247]]> Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=80
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (November 12, 2006) – The Board of Directors of Folsom Street Events announced charitable giving in the amount of $350,066 today. Andy Copper, Board President, says, “We are deeply humbled by this philanthropic achievement. We are so very grateful to our sponsors, beneficiaries, beverage partners, and the leather/fetish community for its growing generous support. This is absolutely a record-breaking year, and we are already working diligently on our upcoming 25th Folsom Street Fair in 2008.”

According to Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director, “The vast majority of this check will support the work of our 16 Bay Area major and supporting beneficiaries that are working diligently to improve our communities in the areas of public health, human services, and the arts. However, our grant-making extends beyond these groups to include our nonprofit beverage partners and a new National Community Grants Program. Combined, we support over 60 worthy charities; and, we couldn’t be happier with the amount of this check and the results of our giving programs.”

On Tuesday, November 13th, Folsom Street Events hosts a very special evening to honor its beneficiaries, sponsors, and nonprofit beverage partners with a check ceremony. The event is by invitation only and will be held again at the incredibly chic and charity-minded supperclub in the South of Market neighborhood. Special invited guests include Mayor Gavin Newsom, Supervisors Bevan Dufty, Chris Daly, and Tom Ammiano as well as Assemblymember Mark Leno.

Presenting sponsors of Folsom Street Events were Miller Lite/Miller Genuine Draft, NakedSword, TitanMen.com, and GLOSS. Premier sponsors were RECON, Hot House Entertainment, Elbow Grease, Mr. S Leather, and Maximus Vodka. Charter sponsors were Steamworks, BigMuscle.com, Blow Buddies, Dungeonbeds, Leatherpost.com, Joie de Vivre Hospitality, and Powerhouse. Media sponsors were SF Bay Guardian, IN LA Magazine, and Bear Party Magazine.

Major beneficiaries included AIDS Emergency Fund, Dolores Street Community Services, Frameline, Healing Waters, Lyon-Martin Health Services, Pets Are Wonderful Support, Positive Resource Center, San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, STOP AIDS Project, and Tenderloin Health. Supporting beneficiaries included Berkeley Free Clinic, Black Rock Arts Foundation, GLBT Historical Society, Transgender Law Center, and Triangle Martial Arts Association.

About Folsom Street Events

For More Information

Today, the Board of Directors of Folsom Street Events released the following statement about its signature event, the Folsom Street Fair.

Andy Copper, President of the Board of Directors, stated, “We can no longer stand by while Folsom Street Fair remains under attack. The Catholic League insists upon provoking its followers, resulting in emails and phone calls threatening us with everything from ill-will to bodily harm. We understand that The Catholic League believes it is doing ‘the right thing’ but they are attacking our San Francisco values of community, diversity, education, and freedom of self expression. If they do not share in our values or do not understand them, that’s fine; but, they have never opened up a dialogue with us. They have only stood in judgment, making threats. We can no longer remain silent on the issue.”

Andy Copper added the following, “To date, we have donated over $5 million to charities serving the community’s needs in the areas of public health, human services, and the arts. Sponsorship dollars only underwrite the direct expenses of the Fair itself. Miller’s sponsorship does not support the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence or any other charity that benefits from the Fair. The donations brought in at our gates from individual community members support our charities. Additionally, Folsom Street Fair generates approximately $36.4 million in travel and tourism dollars benefiting San Francisco and the nation.”

In closing, the organization asks the following, “Please support FOLSOM STREET FAIR by calling Miller Brewing Company and thanking them for not caving into extreme right-wing pressure, requesting that they pull out from presenting sponsorship of our Fair. We have worked successfully with this company for many years, and they have been very supportive. This is no longer an issue of our poster image, but it is an issue of free speech and freedom of expression. We think it's important for Miller to hear from you – the people who enjoy the Fair! Please contact Miller spokesman Julian Green at green.julian@mbco.com or call 1-800-MILLER 6 or 414-931-2000 to let them know how much you appreciate their support.”

Presenting sponsors of the event were Miller Lite/Miller Genuine Draft, NakedSword, TitanMen.com, and GLOSS. Premier sponsors are RECON, Hot House Entertainment, Elbow Grease, Mr. S Leather, and Maximus Vodka. Charter sponsors were Steamworks, BigMuscle.com, Blow Buddies, Dungeonbeds, Leatherpost.com, Joie de Vivre Hospitality, and Powerhouse. Media sponsors were LIVE 105, SF Bay Guardian, IN LA Magazine, and Bear Party Magazine.

Major beneficiaries included AIDS Emergency Fund, Dolores Street Community Services, Frameline, Healing Waters, Lyon-Martin Health Services, Pets Are Wonderful Support, Positive Resource Center, San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, STOP AIDS Project, and Tenderloin Health. Supporting beneficiaries included Berkeley Free Clinic, Black Rock Arts Foundation, GLBT Historical Society, Transgender Law Center, and Triangle Martial Arts Association.

About Folsom Street Events

Folsom Street Events is a 501(c)3 nonprofit agency that produces four annual fetish events: Bay of Pigs™, Up Your Alley™, Magnitude™, and the Folsom Street Fair™. The mission is to create volunteer-driven leather events that provide the adult alternative lifestyle community with safe venues for self-expression while emphasizing freedom, fun, frolic and fetish and raising funds to benefit charity. In 2006, over 350,000 attendees raised $301,512 for charitable donations. 2008 marks the 25th Anniversary of the Folsom Street Fair.

For Further Information

Hundreds of thousands of Folsom Street Fair-goers, dressed in leather, rubber, uniforms, drag, or very little at all, enjoyed a memorable day of frolic in the hot summer sun this past Sunday, September 30th. Incredible numbers of visitors came from all over the world to mix and mingle with local enthusiasts to enjoy top alternative acts, sexy vendor booths, lots of cold beer, and more than just a little fun and flirtation.

The Board of Directors of Folsom Street Events extends a huge thank you to the over five hundred volunteers who helped make Folsom Street Fair such a huge success. Andy Copper, Board President, said “We are extremely grateful to the community volunteers who make this event so successful and fun! Our generous sponsors, engaging exhibitors, our special women’s area, and vibrant fairgoers all came together to make for a truly memorable weekend. We marked many milestones in the development of the Folsom Street Fair this year, including the introduction of new area for artists like cartoonist Justin Hall, illustrator Axel, and photographer Shilo McCabe. This year signified the second year of our Leather Women’s Area, Venus’ Playground, as well as the biggest headlining bands in our history like Kelly, theSTART, Imperial Teen, and Ladytron DJ Tour. We’re thrilled!”

Magnitude™ sold out early on Saturday with record numbers – over 2,200 hot leathermen in attendance! Sweating up a storm at the Factory nightclub, the event welcomed Hot House porn stars and featured the infamous DungeonBeds Lounge as well as DJ Paul Goodyear (London/Sydney). As this party continues to grow, we will be scouting out new and exciting venues for Magnitude.

This year’s event sponsorships covered the direct expenses of the Fair, including dumpsters, toilets and more. Direct grants from the City and County helped to underwrite the stage and sound production for the aforementioned top name entertainers. And, all gate donations will go to local and national charities working in public health, human services, and the arts.

Presenting sponsors of the event were Miller Lite/Miller Genuine Draft, NakedSword, TitanMen.com, and GLOSS. Premier sponsors were RECON, Hot House Entertainment, Elbow Grease, Mr. S Leather, and Maximus Vodka. Charter sponsors were Steamworks, BigMuscle.com, Blow Buddies, Dungeonbeds, Leatherpost, Joie de Vivre Hospitality, and Powerhouse. Media sponsors were SF Bay Guardian, IN LA Magazine, and Bear Party Magazine.

Major beneficiaries include AIDS Emergency Fund, Dolores Street Community Services, Frameline, Healing Waters, Lyon-Martin Health Services, Pets Are Wonderful Support, Positive Resource Center, San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, STOP AIDS Project, and Tenderloin Health. Supporting beneficiaries include Berkeley Free Clinic, Black Rock Arts Foundation, GLBT Historical Society, Transgender Law Center, and Triangle Martial Arts Association.

About Folsom Street Events

For More Information

Folsom Street Events has released its latest poster design for the 24TH Annual Folsom Street Fair. This year, the official poster uses well-known community members as players in an innovative version of the culturally iconographic “Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci. The poster is the first in a series that draws from well-known paintings, album covers, movie posters, or other iconic images.

According to Andy Copper, Board President, “We are extremely pleased with the outcome of this poster, and we are looking forward to a particularly inspirational event season. There is no intention to be particularly pro-religion or anti-religion with this poster; the image is intended only to be reminiscent of the ‘Last Supper’ painting. It is a distinctive representation of diversity with women and men, people of all colors and sexual orientations.”

Folsom Street Events acknowledges that many of the people in the leather and fetish communities are spiritual and that this poster image is a way of expressing that side of the community’s interests and beliefs. This year, Folsom Street Fair is dedicated to “San Francisco Values,” previously used against the San Francisco community for its support of sexual diversity and now used by Folsom Street Events as a way to reclaim power by the fetish community.

Andy Copper, adds “We hope that people will enjoy the artistry for what it is – nothing more or less. Many people choose to speculate on deeper meanings. This is one artist’s imagining of the ‘Last Supper’, and we have made it our own. The irony is that da Vinci was widely considered to be homosexual. In truth, we are going to produce a series of inspired poster images over the next few years. Next year’s poster ad may take inspiration from American Gothic by Grant Wood or Edvard Munch’s The Scream or even The Sound of Music! I guess it wouldn’t be Folsom Street Fair without offending some extreme members of the global community, though.”

About Folsom Street Events

Working in conjunction with leaders in the erotic arts community, the Board of Directors of Folsom Street Events is pleased to welcome a new area to Folsom Street Fair™. This is the first year that up-and-coming and struggling new artists will be featured in a special area at the Fair, located just off Folsom Street on Eleventh Street between Folsom and Harrison Streets. A small group of six erotic artists has been picked to work with the organization to create and build the promising area.

The Board of Directors of Folsom Street Events passed a motion unanimously to waive all fees for space and to cover the additional costs of booth structures for the artists. The artists only need to supply tables, chairs, and display materials. “I believe that the erotic is a part of who we all are. Suppressed by society in general, it is up to the artists to confront, shock, titillate and inspire humanity. Sensual, hot, passionate and extreme, erotica, lust, desire and SEX must be put back where it belongs – in our everyday lives. Folsom Street Fair is an important part of that expression,” says erotic artist Axel (www.artbyaxel.com).

Erotic Artists Scheduled to Display Works

According to Andy Copper, Board President, "We realize that our rising booth costs have been slowly shutting out the struggling artists. So, the inauguration of a dedicated erotic arts area is one way of returning to our grassroots and promoting greater cultural and artistic diversity at the Fair. Both Rob Clarke and Axel are previous poster designers for our events, and we are proud to be able to showcase their work further – this is a natural tie-in for all.”

“There is so much talent in our community,” says Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director. “We feel it should be shown and celebrated, regardless of one’s ability to pay. Hopefully, the area will grow and become a more competitive process in future years. We are all very excited about this development!"

Presenting sponsors of Folsom Street Fair are Miller Lite/MGD, NakedSword, TitanMen.com, and GLOSS. Premier sponsors are RECON, Hot House Entertainment, Elbow Grease, Mr. S Leather, and Maximus Vodka. Charter sponsors are Steamworks, BigMuscle.com, Blow Buddies, Dungeonbeds, Leatherpost, Joie de Vivre Hospitality, and Powerhouse. Media sponsors include LIVE 105, SF Bay Guardian, IN LA Magazine, and Bear Party Magazine.

About Folsom Street Events

For More Information

Working in conjunction with leaders in the leather women’s community, the Board of Directors of Folsom Street Events™ is proud to bring back Venus’ Playground, its Leather Women’s Area. This is the second year for Venus’ Playground, the unique women’s area in the heart of Folsom Street Fair on Ninth Street between Folsom and Howard Streets. Within the women's area, anyone who identifies as female in the past, present or future is welcome to participate.

The organizing Women’s Committee is excited to announce improvements to Venus' Playground for the second year, including a mixed gender education, reception and entertainment area which will host a Wet T-shirt & Dildo Contest, sponsored by Vixen Creations and SpareParts Hardwear as well as a Titleholder Meet & Greet. There will be a sitting and socializing area for women as well. A greatly expanded tent will host demos where women can learn about favorite kinks and will house a fully-equipped dungeon.

Entertainment Lineup

• Sticks and Punching with Lady Hilary
• Beginner Bondage: Quick Tricks for your toy bag with Rope
• Play Piercing by Olga
• Fire and Ice with a grin with the women of smOdyssey
• Flogging with Xtc
• Title Holder Meet & Greet
• Wet T-shirt & Dildo Contest with Daddy Rick
• Caning with Glenda Rider
• Singletails with Boi Vic
• Japanese Rope Bondage with Madame Butterfly

According to Rachele Sullivan, Board Member and member of the Women’s Committee, "We look forward to welcoming women of all orientations and backgrounds to the second year of Venus’ Playground. Our commitment to provide safe venues and education to the community couldn’t happen without the dedication of the Women's Committee and our sponsors. I hope everyone comes with an open heart and mind and joins us at SF Citadel starting at 5:00pm for the women’s after-party."

Sponsors of Venus’ Playground include The Exiles, SF Citadel, Vixen Creations, SpareParts Hardwear, El Rio, Edges, and Butch/Femme Socials. For more information about the area and its sponsors, to volunteer or to sign up for the Wet T-shirt & Dildo Contest, visit www.folsomstreetevents.org/women/ or email womensarea@folsomstreetevents.org.

About Folsom Street Events

For More Information

According to Jeff Johnson, Entertainment Chair of Folsom Street Events, “Folsom Street Fair is such a unique event for the worldwide leather and fetish community. We are incredibly excited about our lineups this year. With famous indie artists like Imperial Teen and theStart, the Fair is going to bring the crowd to its knees in more ways than one.” Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director, said “We are working very hard to attract the perfect balance of well-known artists with rising talents. We are all really looking forward to PeaceBisquit performers Risqué and Cazwell and a hot set from the Ladytron DJ Tour.” Ladytron performs live on Saturday, September 29th at Mezzanine.

Folsom Street Events welcomes LIVE 105 as its exclusive radio partner, offering broadcasts of interviews with the artists and fair-goers alike all day long as “Leather 105.” Presenting sponsors of the event are Miller Lite/MGD, NakedSword, TitanMen.com, and GLOSS. Premier sponsors are Recon.com, Hot House Entertainment, Elbow Grease, Mr. S Leather, and Maximus Vodka. Charter sponsors are Steamworks, BigMuscle.com, Blow Buddies, Dungeonbeds, Leatherpost, Joie de Vivre Hospitality, and Powerhouse. Media sponsors include SF Bay Guardian, IN LA Magazine, and Bear Party Magazine as well.

2007 Beneficiaries

About Folsom Street Events

For more information about the Folsom Street Fair, please visit:
www.folsomstreetfair.org

100% of all gate donations directly benefit local and national charities ]]> Tue, 21 Aug 2007 07:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=73 Over this past weekend, Folsom Street Events produced an extraordinary assemblage of essential leather events, Bay of Pigs™ (on Saturday, July 28th from 10pm – 4:00am) and the infamous Up Your Alley™ (on Sunday, July 29th from 11:00am – 6:00pm). All net proceeds from both Up Your Alley and Bay of Pigs supported local charities.

In its premier production, Bay of Pigs welcomed over 900 party pigs with DJ Paulo (LA I DJPaulo.com) in the Main Room and DJ Nikita (SF I DJNikita.com) in the upstairs Dungeon Lounge. Produced in association with Galvanize Productions (SF) and Tattoo Chris (LA), all three floors of the Cat Club were open for dancing and debauchery. Presenting Sponsors included Miller Lite/MGD, NakedSword, Titan Men, and GLOSS. Premier Sponsors included RECON, Hot House Entertainment, Elbow Grease, Mr. S Leather, and Maximus Vodka. Folsom Street Events hopes very much to continue the party next year.

According to Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director, “Both Bay of Pigs and Up Your Alley were a tremendous success. All of the feedback we have received has been overwhelmingly positive. Packed crowds enjoyed loads of BDSM and piggy fun.” Andy Copper, Board President, added, “By including our newest event, we are hopeful that we can donate our biggest check to charity in our 24-year history. We’re now looking forward to our best Folsom Street Fair ever!”

Up Your Alley continued to serve as one of the premier fetish events in the world, occupying Folsom between 9th and 10th Streets and Dore Alley from Howard Street to Sheridan. The Magnitude Dance Area was a highlight of the fair with DJs Reed McGowan and Jeff Johnson. The Fair also welcomed nearly 50 exhibitors of leather, sex, and fetish gear, including Steamworks, Leatherpost, RECON, Cold Steel, SF Citadel, and lots more.

Presenting Sponsors include Miller Lite/MGD, NakedSword, GLOSS, and TitanMen. Premier Sponsors include RECON, Hot House Entertainment, Elbow Grease, Mr. S Leather, and Maximus Vodka. Charter Sponsors include Steamworks, BigMuscle.com, Blow Buddies, DungeonBeds, Leatherpost, Powerhouse, and Joie de Vivre Hospitality. Media Sponsors include San Francisco Bay Guardian, IN LA Magazine, and LIVE 105. Folsom Street Events receives support from San Francisco Grants for the Arts and San Francisco Department of the Environment.

This year’s Major Beneficiaries include AIDS Emergency Fund, Dolores Street Community Services, Frameline, Healing Waters, Lyon-Martin Women’s Health Services, Pets Are Wonderful Support, Positive Resource Center, San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, STOP AIDS Project, and Tenderloin Health. Additionally, The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence returned to host the gates for UYA. This year’s Supporting Beneficiaries include Berkeley Free Clinic, Black Rock Arts Foundation, GLBT Historical Society, Transgender Law Center, and Triangle Martial Arts Association.

About Folsom Street Events

Folsom Street Events, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, produces Bay of Pigs, Up Your Alley, Magnitude, and Folsom Street Fair. The mission of Folsom Street Events is to create volunteer-driven leather events that provide the adult alternative lifestyle community with safe venues for self-expression while emphasizing freedom, fun, frolic and fetish and raising critical funds to benefit local charities. In 2008, the agency commemorates the 25th Folsom Street Fair with 25 special events during SF Leather Week.

For more information about Folsom Street Events, the Folsom Street Fair™, our other events, or volunteer opportunities please see our website: folsomstreetevents.org

or contact:

Demetri Moshoyannis
Folsom Street Events
info@folsomstreetevents.org
(415) 777-3247 ]]> Wed, 01 Aug 2007 07:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=71
Folsom Street Events introduces a brand new fetish party for its 24th event season. With an extraordinary line-up of essential leather events, Bay of Pigs(tm) (Saturday, July 28th from 10pm - 4:00am) becomes the fourth official Folsom event. Other events include Up Your Alley(tm) (Sunday, July 29th), Magnitude(r) (Saturday, September 29th) and Folsom Street Fair(tm) (Sunday, September 30th).

Located at the famous Cat Club at 1190 Folsom St., San Francisco. All three floors will be open for dancing and debauchery. Produced in association with Galvanize Productions, Bay of Pigs features DJ Paulo (LA DJPaulo.com) in the Main Room and DJ Nikita (SF DJNikita.com) in the upstairs Dungeon Lounge. Tattoo Chris (LA) hosts the Dungeon Lounge with sexy strippers and loads of unspeakable action. Presenting Sponsors include Miller Lite/MGD, NakedSword, Titan Men, and GLOSS. Premier Sponsors include RECON, Hot House Entertainment, Elbow Grease, Mr. S Leather, and Maximus Vodka.

According to Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director, "Given the overwhelming success of Magnitude during Folsom Street Fair weekend, we know that our fairgoers crave a good old-fashioned filthy affair. So, we are producing, Bay of Pigs, the newest and hottest event of the Up Your Alley weekend. With over 12,000 players in town for Up Your Alley, this event is sure to be a twisted, sold-out affair." Ticket information is available at www.folsomstreetevents.org.

Up Your Alley

Up Your Alley continues as one of the premier fetish events in the world, occupying Folsom between 9th and 10th Streets and Dore Alley from Howard Street to Sheridan. The Magnitude Dance Area will highlight DJs Reed McGowan and Jeff Johnson. Exhibitor booth applications are now online at www.folsomstreetevents.org. Proceeds from both Up Your Alley and Bay of Pigs support local charities. This year's Major Beneficiaries include AIDS Emergency Fund, Dolores Street Community Services, Frameline, Healing Waters, Lyon-Martin Women's Health Services, Pets Are Wonderful Support, Positive Resource Center, San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, STOP AIDS Project, and Tenderloin Health. Additionally, The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will return to host the gates for Up Your Alley. This year's Supporting Beneficiaries include Berkeley Free Clinic, Black Rock Arts Foundation, GLBT Historical Society, Transgender Law Center, and Triangle Martial Arts Association.

About Folsom Street Events

Folsom Street Events, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, produces Bay of Pigs, Up Your Alley, Magnitude, and the Folsom Street Fair. The mission of Folsom Street Events is to create volunteer-driven leather events that provide the adult alternative lifestyle community with safe venues for self-expression while emphasizing freedom, fun, frolic and fetish while raising critical funds to benefit San Francisco charities. In 2008, Folsom Street Events will commemorate the 25th Folsom Street Fair with 25 events to commemorate this special anniversary.

For more information about Folsom Street Events, the Folsom Street Fair^tm, our other events, or volunteer opportunities please see our website: folsomstreetevents.org

or contact:

Demetri Moshoyannis
Folsom Street Events
info@folsomstreetevents.org
(415) 777-3247 ]]> Fri, 25 May 2007 07:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=72
San Francisco, CA – May 21, 2007 - Folsom Street Events, the producer of the Folsom Street Fair^tm, invites all artists to enter the fourth annual Folsom Street Fair Poster Art Competition. The competition is open to all forms of flat art (2D) including photography. Submissions must be provided digitally on CD-ROM with an accompanying 18”x24” print. Entries will be judged by the Folsom Street Events Board of Directors for possible use as the primary image on the Folsom Street Fair 2008 poster and/or related promotional materials.

Prizes

Up to ten finalists will vie for prizes of $400.00, $200.00 and $100.00 for first, second and third place. In addition a “Peoples’ Choice” award of $100.00 will be given to the finalist receiving the most votes from viewers. Folsom Street Events will arrange for both online website viewing and create a special gallery at the 2007 Folsom Street Fair^tm showing the finalists. Prize money may optionally be donated to the charity of the winner’s choice in their name. In the event of selection for use on the 2008 poster or other promotional material, over 50,000 images will be circulated worldwide during the 2008 fair season.

Important Dates

• May 21, 2007 - Competition begins, registration opens
• August 27, 2007 - Deadline for receiving all artwork from registered entrants
• September 13, 2007 - Finalists picked
• September 30, 2007 - Finalists gallery at the Folsom Street Fair
• October 25, 2007 - Winners announced
• November 19, 2007 - Prizes awarded

About the Folsom Street Fair

Andy Copper, Board President, explains, “We are extremely proud to announce this year’s Major and Supporting beneficiaries. These organizations epitomize the commitment to community, diversity and service that we so admire and promote at Folsom Street Events. Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director, added, “We have no doubt that the 2007 event season will be our best yet. Indeed, 2007 will set the stage for our 25th anniversary in 2008. Mark your calendars now!”

This year’s Major beneficiaries include:

• AIDS Emergency Fund/Breast Cancer Emergency Fund
• Dolores Street Community Services
• Frameline
• Healing Waters
• Lyon-Martin Women’s Health Services
• Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS)
• Positive Resource Center
• San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus
• STOP AIDS Project
• Tenderloin Health

• Berkeley Free Clinic
• Black Rock Arts Foundation
• GLBT Historical Society
• Transgender Law Center
• Triangle Martial Arts Association

Event sponsors include Miller Lite and MGD, NakedSword, TitanMen, Gloss, RECON, Hot House Entertainment, Elbow Grease, Mr. S Leather, Steamworks, BigMuscle.com, Blow Buddies, DungeonBeds, Leatherpost, Powerhouse, Joie de Vivre Hospitality, San Francisco Bay Guardian, and LIVE 105. Also, Folsom Street Events receives support from San Francisco Grants for the Arts/Hotel Tax Fund and San Francisco Department of the Environment.

About Folsom Street Events

For more information about Folsom Street Events, the Folsom Street Fair^tm, our other events, or volunteer opportunities please see our website: folsomstreetevents.org

or contact:

Demetri Moshoyannis
Folsom Street Events
info@folsomstreetevents.org
(415) 861-3247 ]]> Mon, 09 Apr 2007 07:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=68

San Francisco, CA (December 8, 2006) – The Board of Directors of Folsom Street Events announced today that a revised grant application is available for potential beneficiaries of the 2007 fair season. Proceeds from Up Your Alley™, Magnitude™, and Folsom Street Fair™ will benefit nonprofit agencies that serve the community in the areas of Public Health, Human Services, and The Arts. Applications are due no later than 12:00 noon on Friday, February 2, 2007 at 385 Eighth Street, Suite A, San Francisco, CA, 94103. Electronic versions of the 2007 Beneficiary Application are available on the Folsom Street Events website at folsomstreetevents.org as a PDF file.

According to Andy Copper, Board President, “We are proud to introduce three categories of annual grant-making: Major Beneficiary, Supporting Beneficiary, and National Community Grants. Each category carefully stipulates minimum qualifications, including volunteer recruitment expectations. Additionally, National Community Grants are made on an invitation basis only. And, we are hopeful that these categories of grant-making will create an even broader reach to support our nonprofits in 2007.”

Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director, added, “Other changes to the Folsom Street Events grant-making process include the ability for eligible nonprofits to apply every year for beneficiary status and requests that include funding for program staff salaries. We have also added the ability for nonprofits outside of San Francisco – but within the Bay Area – to apply for Supporting Beneficiary status. All of these changes derive from feedback received by our beneficiaries. We believe that these changes offer more flexibility and greater equity in our process.”

About Folsom Street Events

Folsom Street Events™, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, produces Up Your Alley™, Magnitude™, and Folsom Street Fair™. The mission of Folsom Street Events™ is to create volunteer-driven leather events that provide the adult alternative lifestyle community with safe venues for self-expression while emphasizing freedom, fun, frolic and fetish and raising critical funds to benefit San Francisco Bay Area and national charities. In 2006, Folsom Street Events marked the 23rd Folsom Street Fair™ with nearly 400,000 attendees and over $301,000 donated to San Francisco charities.

For More Information

For more information about the new grant process, Folsom Street Events, the Up Your Alley Fair™, Folsom Street Fair™, Magnitude, or volunteer opportunities please see our website: folsomstreetevents.org

or contact:

Demetri Moshoyannis
Folsom Street Events
info@folsomstreetevents.org
(415) 861-3247]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2006 08:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=58

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The Board of Directors of Folsom Street Events announced charitable giving in the amount of $301,512 today. Andy Copper, Board President, says, “We are extremely grateful to our sponsors, beneficiaries, beverage partners, and the fetish community for the incredibly generous support that makes these gifts possible. We have had a banner year, and we are going to continue working hard to improve our already remarkable fetish events for our upcoming 25th anniversary in 2008.” Voted Best Street Fair (2006) by San Francisco Bay Guardian and SF Weekly, Folsom Street Fair is the cornerstone of the agency’s event line-up.

According to Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director, "The lion’s share of this check will support the work of our 13 major beneficiaries that are working diligently to improve the San Francisco community in the areas of Health, Human Services, and The Arts. However, our grant-making extends beyond these groups to include our nonprofit beverage partners and a modest national community grants program. Combined, we support over 60 worthy charities, and, we couldn’t be happier with the results of our giving program."

On Monday, November 20th, Folsom Street Events hosted a special evening to honor its beneficiaries, sponsors, and nonprofit beverage partners with an awards reception. The event was held by invitation only and took place at the ultra chic and charity-minded supperclub in the South of Market neighborhood at 657 Harrison Street.

This year’s major beneficiaries included AIDS/HIV/HepC Nightline, Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center, Bay Area Young Positives, Episcopal Community Services, The Family Link, Frameline, Immune Enhancement Project, Lesbian Health Research Center, Magnet, SF Gay Men’s Chorus, The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Tenderloin Health, and Visual Aid.

This year’s event sponsors were Miller Lite/MGD, Tattoo, Cuervo, RECON, TitanMen, LIVE 105, Elbow Grease, Mustang Studios, Blow Buddies, Hot House Entertainment, DungeonBeds, Steamworks, Mr. S Leather, BigMuscle.com, Leatherpost, Renoir Hotel, and Powerhouse.

About the Folsom Street Fair

Folsom Street Fair is the largest leather/fetish/kink street fair in the world with nearly 400,000 attendees annually. Folsom Street Events is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that produces Folsom Street Fair, Up Your Alley™, and Magnitude™. Comprised almost entirely of volunteers, the organization donates net proceeds to selected San Francisco charities.

For More Information

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (October 26, 2006) - The board of Folsom Street Events, the producers of the Folsom Street Fair(tm), Up Your Alley Fair(tm) and Magnitude is delighted to announce the winners of this year's Folsom Street Fair Poster Art Competition. From a field of 26 entries submitted by artists from all over the US and as far away as the UK, the board selected 10 finalists from which the winners below were chosen.

First Prize:	"Freedom" by Patrick Brewer from Wappingers Falls, NY
Second Prize:	"Cruise Control" by Tony Perez from Hayward, CA
Third Prize:	"San Francisco" by Tony Perez from Hayward, CA
People's Choice Prize:	"Freedom" by Patrick Brewer from Wappingers Falls, NY

Please join us in congratulating the winners. We also want to thank each of the entrants for their hard work and excellent submissions, all of which are viewable on our website at:

http://folsomstreetevents.org/art/

Please check back at this site in early 2007 as we announce the dates for the 2007 contest.

About the Folsom Street Fair

For more information about the Folsom Street Fair(tm), our other events, or our organization please see our website:

http://folsomstreetfair.org

or contact:

Demetri Moshoyannis
Folsom Street Events
info@folsomstreetevents.org
(415) 861-3247
]]> Thu, 26 Oct 2006 07:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=55 SAN FRANCISCO, CA (September 22, 2006) - Folsom Street Fair just got even hotter. Two years ago we announced free, on-site, secure, monitored bike parking in association with the SF Bike Coalition. We are pleased to announce that we are continuing this service to our fair goers this year and in addition free, secure, monitored motorcycle parking and helmet check will be returning for a second year. Bike parking will be located on 9th Street off Howard.

In conjunction with the San Francisco Women's Motorcycle Contingent -- Dykes on Bikes and Mr.S Leather we are pleased to announce the Folsom Street Fair motorcycle parking area on 8th Street just off Harrison. A map of both these parking areas as well as detailed hours of operation is available on our website.

About the San Francisco Women's Motorcycle Contingent -- Dykes on Bikes

The Women's Motorcycle Contingent's mission is to support, encourage and motivate women motorcyclists everywhere. General Membership is open to any woman who registers for the Pride Ride or who attends the Committee Meetings. For more information please see their website at: sfwmc.org.

About the SF Bike Coalition

The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition has a membership base of 4,500 urban cyclists who enjoy discounts in local bike shops, among other perks. The SFBC is best known for their efforts to build a citywide Bicycle Network, with successful campaigns for bike lanes on Valencia, Howard, Polk and several other San Francisco streets. For additional details visit: sfbike.org.

About the Folsom Street Fair

The Folsom Street Fair(tm) is the largest leather, alternative and fetish street fair in the world with over 400,000 attendees annually. This year marks the 23rd year of Folsom Street Fair(tm). Folsom Street Events is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization and all proceeds raised from our events are directly returned to San Francisco charities. Last year over $285,000 was donated back to thirteen beneficiary organizations.

For more information about the Folsom Street Fair^tm, our other events, or our organization please see our website: http://www.folsomstreetfair.org/

or contact:

Demetri Moshoyannis - Executive Director
Folsom Street Events
fse@folsomstreetevents.org
(415) 861-3247
]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2006 07:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=54

On Sunday, September 24, 2006 from 11:00am – 6:00pm, Folsom Street Events™ presents Folsom Street Fair™, the final major event of its 23rd annual fair season. The organization plans to attract record donations by finalizing one of the strongest entertainment line ups in its history. Already voted Best Street Fair for 2006 by the readers of the SF Bay Guardian, Folsom Street Fair will be showcasing a roster of world-renowned alternative rock acts along side up-and-coming talent from far and wide.

The current (still tentative) stage line up is:

7th Street Stage Line Up	12th Street Stage Line Up
11:30a Exhibition	11:30a The Ethel Merman Experience
12:15p Catalog	12:15p Space Vacuum from Outer Space
1:15p Logan Lynn	1:00p Daniel Cartier
2:00p Vibatron	1:45p The May Fire
2:45p Groin	2:30p Unknown Boy
3:15p Trannyshack	3:15p Hot Mute
4:00p Smash-Up Derby	4:00p The Presets
4:45p My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult	5:00p Blowoff (with Bob Mould and Richard Morel)

According to Jeff Johnson, Entertainment Chair of Folsom Street Events, “Folsom Street Fair is an incomparable event for the worldwide leather community. We are extremely excited to showcase such famous artists as My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult and Blowoff, with celebrated alt-rocker Bob Mould of Hüsker Dü.” Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director, said “The focus on our live acts promises to draw a wider cross-section of the adult alternative lifestyle community to the Fair. Personally, I can’t wait to see Logan Lynn, The May Fire, Unknown Boy, and The Presets.” My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult and The Presets are finalizing a full gig for the next night (Monday, September 25TH) at The Independent.

Folsom Street Events welcomes LIVE 105 as its exclusive radio partner, offering broadcasts of interviews with bands and fair-goers alike. Other sponsors of the event are Miller Lite/MGD, Tattoo, Cuervo, RECON.com, TitanMen, Elbow Grease, Dungeonbeds, Blow Buddies, Hot House Entertainment, Steamworks, Mustang Studios, Mr. S Leather, BigMuscle, Leatherpost, Renoir Hotel, and Powerhouse.

2006 Beneficiaries

This year’s benefiting charities include: AIDS/HIV/Hep C Nightline, Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center, Bay Area Young Positives, Episcopal Community Services, The Family Link, Frameline, Immune Enhancement Project, Lesbian Health Research Center, Magnet, SF Gay Men’s Chorus, Tenderloin Health (the merger of Tenderloin AIDS Resource Center and Continuum), and Visual Aid.

About Folsom Street Events

Folsom Street Events™, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, produces Up Your Alley™, Magnitude™, and Folsom Street Fair™. The mission of Folsom Street Events™ is to create volunteer-driven leather events that provide the adult alternative lifestyle community with safe venues for self-expression while emphasizing freedom, fun, frolic and fetish and raising critical funds to benefit San Francisco charities. In 2005, Folsom Street Events marked the 22nd Folsom Street Fair™ with nearly 400,000 attendees and over $280,000 donated to San Francisco charities.

For More Information

For more information about the Folsom Street Events, the Up Your Alley Fair™, Folsom Street Fair™, Magnitude, or volunteer opportunities please see our website: folsomstreetevents.org

or contact:

Demetri Moshoyannis
Folsom Street Events
fse@folsomstreetevents.org
(415) 861-3247]]> Wed, 30 Aug 2006 07:00:00 -0700 http://folsomstreetevents.org/fair-press.php?relNum=51
Folsom Street Events™ is working diligently on its 23rd fair season with its extraordinary line up of essential leather events: Up Your Alley™ (Sunday, July 30th), Magnitude™ (Saturday, September 23rd) and Folsom Street Fair™ (Sunday, September 24th). In the past six months, the organization has been preparing for growth and a bigger, better fair season include the following developments:

Leather Women’s Area

Working in conjunction with leaders in the leather women’s community, the Board of Directors of Folsom Street Events™ is proud to inaugurate a Women’s Area, to be located on 9th Street between Folsom and Harrison inside the Folsom Street Fair™. The area will feature a dedicated tent area for education and socializing as well as women’s specific vendors on the street. This area is a landmark in community development efforts because it will ensure that the women’s community feels even more safe and welcome at the Folsom Street Fair™.

Premier Entertainment

This year marks the first time that the Folsom Street Fair™ will be showcasing a roster of world-renowned live alternative rock entertainers, such as My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult and Blowoff, featuring artist Bob Mould (Hüsker Dü, Sugar) and Richard Morel. Folsom Street Events™ welcomes LIVE 105 as a presenting sponsor, offering broadcasts of the live entertainment including up-and-coming bands like The May Fire, Unknown Boy, and Smash-Up Derby. The focus on live bands promises to attract a wider cross-section of the adult alternative lifestyle community to the Fair.

Environmentalism Efforts

Folsom Street Events™ is working closely this year with the San Francisco Department of the Environment (SFE). The organization has received confirmation that it will accept a modest grant to help with recycling and composting efforts at both fairs. The goal is to reach as close to 100% waste diversion as possible and to develop a model program that is transferable to fellow street fair producers. With technical assistance and financial support from SFE, Folsom Street Events™ is confident to achieve its goal of producing totally green street fairs.

Sponsors

This year’s Folsom Street Fair™ sponsors are Miller/Miller Genuine Draft, Tattoo, Cuervo, RECON.com, TitanMen, Elbow Grease, Dungeonbeds, Blow Buddies, Hot House Entertainment, Steamworks, Mustang Studios, Mr. S Leather, BigMuscle.com, Leatherpost, Renoir Hotel, and Powerhouse Bar.

About Folsom Street Events

Folsom Street Events™, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, produces Up Your Alley™, Magnitude™, and Folsom Street Fair™. The mission of Folsom Street Events™ is to create volunteer-driven leather events that provide the adult alternative lifestyle community with safe venues for self-expression while emphasizing freedom, fun, frolic and fetish and raising critical funds to benefit San Francisco charities. In 2005, Folsom Street Events marked the 22nd Folsom Street Fair™ with nearly 400,000 attendees and over $280,000 donated to San Francisco charities.

For More Information

For more information about the Folsom Street Events, the Folsom Street Fair™, our other events, or volunteer opportunities please see our website: folsomstreetevents.org

or contact:

Demetri Moshoyannis
Folsom Street Events
fse@folsomstreetevents.org
(415) 861-3247

Members of the press can request a press kit and press credentials to our events by contacting us at: fse-pr@folsomstreetevents.org

]]> Sun, 05 Dec 2004 08:00:00 -0700