WHAT:  Folsom Street East
WHEN:  Sunday, June 20, 2010 – 2-8pm
WHERE:  28^th Street btw. 10^th & 11^th Avenues
WHO:  Co-Hosts: Peppermint and Mike Dreyden
Performers: Sylvia Tosun, Fredrick Ford, The Johns, Brian Kent, Noa Tylo, Unisex Salon, The I.C.N.Y.

A KINK OF OUR OWN: FOLSOM STREET EAST RETURNS

(New York City) On Sunday, June 20th from 2-8pm, the Folsom Street East (FSE) street fair returns for the 14th consecutive year, celebrating its adolescence with a day of fetish-fueled fun on West 28th Street between 10th and 11th Avenues on Manhattan’s West Side.

While most New York City street fairs feature a lot of the same stuff – tube socks sold in bulk, 10-minute massages, a variety of meats-on-a-stick, maybe a couple of pet adoption booths with cute puppies — FSE is a little different. True, there are tube socks – but mostly just visible above the laces of black leather boots — and any massages given are more friendly than therapeutic. You’re far more likely to encounter bears and wolves than puppies, and “meat-on-a-stick” can quickly take on an entirely new meaning.

Inspired by San Francisco’s legendary Folsom Street Fair, FSE was founded in 1997 by former Gay Male S/M Activists (GMSMA) chair John Weis and a cohort of similarly-minded New York City leathermen. “I thought that having a fun day in the sun for the SM/leather community celebrating our diversity would go a long way in helping dispel myths and stereotypes,” said Weis. “We saw FSE as important opportunity for visibility, outreach and activism. A key part of that is taking a proud stand — outside in the sunshine – embracing and celebrating sexual diversity.”

Since that first year, FSE has featured live music and performance art, bootblacks, barbers, health and community information, and vendors selling everything from cigars to harnesses to handmade floggers. From a handful of vendor tables and a few hundred attendees that first year, FSE has grown exponentially: the 2009 event drew over 50 vendors and nearly 10,000 leather and fetish-clad revelers over the course of the afternoon.

FSE is also an opportunity for the community to flex some philanthropic muscle as well. The $10 suggested donation benefits a number of charities and to date, FSE has donated over $210,000 to a wide array of non-profit organizations, including this year’s beneficiaries: the Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center, the New York City Anti-Violence Project, and the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF).

Each year, FSE names the winner of the organization’s Sexual Freedom Award, which is given to an individual or group whose work promotes equality, respect and openness among people regardless of sexual orientation or gender expression. In addition to public acknowledgment and a commemorative plaque, each year’s recipient receives a $500 grant to the charity of their choice. This year’s Sexual Freedom Award recipient is Ms Susan Wright, founder of the NCSF.

FSE is organized and staffed entirely by volunteers who give of their time and talents to make the whole thing happen.  Anyone interested volunteering at the event is invited to visit the FSE Volunteer page or email volunteer coordinator Mike Ryan at volunteers@folsomstreeteast.org.

In addition to the street fair, this year FSE will be spanning the weekend, kicking off with BULLY—a Friday night party—at View Bar, moving through Saturday night with Bad Apple at Rush (presented in conjunction with NY promoter Mark Nelson), and on into Sunday’s street fair.  For more details about these and other weekend events, visit the FSE Events page.

MEDIA INQUIRIES: press@folsomstreeteast.org
MEDIA LIAISON:
Susan Wright
susan@ncsfreedom.org
917-848-6544

Download PDF: A Kink of Our Own: FSE Returns (One Page)
Download PDF: A Kink of Our Own: FSE Returns (Full Version)

We would still love to have you volunteer. Send an email to volunteers@folsomstreeteast.org or come by the Information/Volunteer table near the 10th Avenue entrance at Folsom Street East this Sunday.

If you signed up through the site and have not received an email detailing your shift assignment, please check your spam filter for an email from volunteers@folsomstreeteast.org or send us a follow-up email.

See you Sunday!

Folsom Street East is a 100% volunteer event, and we only thrive on the enthusiastic participation of our volunteers. And volunteering puts you right in the heart of the action.

We need people to help setup, put on the event during the day, and finally take it down. Shift times are relatively short, so you will still be able to a full day of fun and debauchery. All Volunteers receive a Folsom Street East “Crew” t-shirt and a generous helping of gratitude…which comes in many forms.

We will be contacting you with more info regarding the exact shift or shifts assigned to you.

From gogo boy to model to porn performer, this Brooklyn born native New Yorker has taken the gay adult entertainment industry by storm and continues on a trajectory toward superstardom. In addition to performing and dancing at events like the Black Party and HustlaBall New York, Mike has now added Host and Promoter two of NY’s hottest nights and events to his resume… MIKE DREYDEN’S WOOF! at VIEW BAR and co-creator and judge of The Official NYC GOGO IDOL Competition at The Legendary Monster and this is only the beginning!

PEPPERMINT

Originally from Delaware, Peppermint got her start at the Tunnel’s infamous Kurfew parties. She has also held court at Boysroom, Limelight, The Blue Whale in the Pines and the Grove on Fire Island. Now this delicious Diva can be seen all over town at some of the hottest bars and clubs in the city including Boysroom, Area 10018 @ Opaline, XES, Rated-X: The Panty Party, Lips and Therapy. She is happy to announce some of her newest projects, including film, music and volunteer. Peppermint recently took home Glammy Awards for 3 (out of 4) first-time nominations, including “Best Host.” She also enjoys eating ice cream!

Performers

		Sylvia Tosun From the fearless abandon of the world-class dance floor to the strict discipline required to study voice at Juilliard, No. 1 Billboard recording artist Sylvia Tosun is an enigma among millennial music acts. The singer/songwriter has not only scored more than a half-dozen hits on global Club Play charts, but is also invested in elevating the genre’s artistic platform, as co-founder of label alliance Sea To Sun/Loverush Digital (S2S/LRD). Tosun’s electrifying live performances have ignited audiences in her New York base, as well as Miami, London, Canada, Asia and Eastern Europe, establishing her as a musical entrepreneur, fashionista, gay icon—and dedicated supporter of charity causes. Sylvia has landed the #1 spot on the Billboard Club Chart with her hit “Push n Pull,” and her song “5 Reasons” was the #1 record of 2009 in the UK on the DMC Club Chart. For more head to her website at www.seatosun.com
		Fredrick Ford Fredrick Ford brings great enthusiasm to his shows and perfectly blends his incredible dance moves with the raw sensuality of his voice. He has been touring all over the world in support of his projects—including headlining venues recently in Berlin, South Africa, Sydney, New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Columbia (SC), Las Vegas and San Francisco. www.FredrickFord.com
		the johns The johns are a post-punk, dark disco act based in NYC. They formed in 2005 under the pretense of starting riots and making people dance – mission accomplished! They’ve toured from coast to coast and played over 50 shows in NYC and beyond. Their video for “Shake It” can still be found on LOGO’s Click List and NewNowNext after almost a year after it’s release. Their most recent release, D-U-M-B EP ,has gathered rave reviews from critics and fans alike. www.thejohnsnyc.com
		Billboard Recording Artist Brian Kent “Billboard Recording Artist Brian Kent is bursting back into the music scene with his brand new single “I’ll Find A Way.” The first single from upcoming yet-to-be-titled sophomore album, “I’ll Find A Way” features new club remixes from DeMarko, Radboy, Twisted Dee and Dr. Brooks. After celebrating the incredible success of full-length debut album “Breathe Life,” Kent is excited to bring fresh new music to his fans. Having been featured on media outlets nationwide and sharing the stage with the likes of Kristine W, Crystal Waters and Martha Wash, this powerful live performer is ready to take 2010 to the next level. Brian Kent is proof that talent, ambition and belief are three things that are able to make a dream reality.” For more, visit Brian Kent’s website: www.brian-kent.com Photo credit: Mike Ruiz
		A.Salih A.Salih (pronounced Ā – Săh-lee) is the true definition of a triple threat. Singer/songwriter and dancer, A. Salih forays on the music scene as an industry veteran who has already made his presence felt within entertainment. Born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in South Orange, New Jersey, he knew early on that performing would be in his future. A. Salih followed his passion for singing and writing to New York University’s liberal arts program, and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music from the Manhattan School of Music. Having studied piano, music transcription, plus earning his certification in Jazz Voice, he was tuned into a broad swath of musical inspirations such as Stevie Wonder, Aerosmith, and his eventual mentor, Crystal Waters. Read more.
		Unisex Salon Eighties to the point of excess, Unisex Salon is everything you love to love about the “Me Decade”: shameless, upbeat and heavy on the synths. Garishly tattooed, omnisexual lead singer Kenyon Phillips brings to mind a modern Bryan Ferry, mincing, growling and crooning his way through danceable New Wave soundscapes crafted by keyboard player Brian Gumbel, guitarist Chris Comfort, bass player Jansen Cinco (Lukas Haas, Domino Kirke, Charles Tolliver) and former Fun Lovin’ Criminals drummer Stephen Borgovini. Backup singer Autumn Ready Potter rounds out the sound with disarmingly pretty harmonies that, like The Osmonds, are a little bit country and a little bit rock n’ roll. The band’s Bacchanalian live shows continue to set Unisex Salon apart from other New York City pop acts, and have resulted in the placement of their songs in episodes of “Eleventh Hour” (CBS), “The Mighty B!” (Nickelodeon) and “Teen Cribs” (MTV). www.unisexsalonband.com Photo credit: Roderick Angle
		Imperial Court NY The Imperial Court of New York is a social and fundraising organization that uses drag performance as its medium of expression. In it’s 24-year history the Court has raised and donated over a million dollars to gay- and AIDS-related charities by putting the fun in fundraising! Photo: Emperor XIX Jack and Empress XXIV Farrah Moans lead the Court in its 24th reign.

The Sexual Freedom Award comes with a cash prize to be donated to the charity of the recipient’s choosing.

2010 Sexual Freedom Award Recipient: Susan Wright

Folsom Street East is thrilled to announce the recipient of this year’s Sexual Freedom Award: Susan Wright.

Susan Wright is the spokesperson for the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom, which she founded in 1997. Susan coordinated the SM Policy Reform Project for the National Organization for Women which resulted in rescinding their anti-SM policy in 1999, and created the SM vs. Abuse policy statement through Leather Leadership Conference, 1997-98. Susan is a member of the organizing committee for the Smarter Sex NYC, the Sex Positive Journalism Awards (Sexies), and the advocacy committee for the American Association for Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists. Susan has published over 25 books, and her latest novel is Confessions of a Demon. For more information about this year’s recipient, visit her website at www.susanwright.info.

Charity Recipient: National Coalition for Sexual Freedom

2009 Sexual Freedom Award Recipient: John Weis

Charity recipient: Pieter Claeys, researcher/historian documenting the history of the Leather Community in Amsterdam www.LTHR.nl

BULLY – The Official Opening Party of FSE Weekend

10pm at View Bar -232 8th Avenue

Photo courtesy Hot House Entertaiment

SATURDAY, JUNE 19

Folsom Street East, Rentboy.com, Boiparty.com and Mark Nelson present:

The Official FSE Saturday Night Party: BAD APPLE

10pm at RUSH – 579 Sixth Ave (at 16th St)
$2 in gear (includes a drink ticket) / $15 out of gear
FSE Volunteers get in free. (Must be signed up through website to be on list.)

Photo courtesy Hot House Entertaiment

LEATHER PRIDE NIGHT
Doors at 6pm, Auction at 7pm
At Splash – 50 West 17th Street

SUNDAY, JUNE 20

FOLSOM STREET EAST STREET FAIR

June 20, 2010 2-8pm
28th Street btw 10th & 11th Avenues
$10 suggested donation benefits: The LGBT Center, Anti-Violence Project and NCSF

NEW YORK BONDAGE CLUB
At Paddles – 250 W. 26th Street
People with FSE entrance sticker receive $5-off the normal $25 cover.
FSE volunteers will get $10-off.

Peformers:

Sylvia Tosun
Peppermint
Reina
Miss Guy
The Imperial Court of New York
The Johns
Trai La Trash
Noa Tylo
Fredrick Ford