media contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc. / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

International Pride Orchestra Announces June 5 Pride Celebration Concert at Strathmore Music Center After Disinvitation from Kennedy Center Following Trump Takeover

The iconic event celebrates resilience, unity, and the power of music against hate and bigotry.

24 February 2025 — San Francisco: The International Pride Orchestra (IPO) today announced that its highly anticipated Pride Celebration Concert will take place onThursday, June 5 at the renowned Strathmore Music Center in Bethesda, Maryland following its disinvitation from Washington, D.C.’s Kennedy Center. This decision comes after recent actions by President Trump, who, after taking control of the Kennedy Center, vowed to reshape programming in line with his administration’s agenda.

“We were heartbroken when we learned that our concert would no longer be welcome at the Kennedy Center,” said Michael Roest, Founding Artistic Director of IPO. “The Kennedy Center has long been a symbol of artistic excellence, inclusivity, and freedom of expression. However, we are profoundly grateful to the Strathmore Music Center for opening their doors to us. Their willingness to host our Pride Celebration Concert ensures that our message of love, pride, and resilience will be heard on the doorstep of the nation’s capital.”

After weeks of standard negotiations and having been invited to be a featured part of WorldPride and Capital Pride Alliance events, on Wednesday, February 12, Roest and his team received a curt email from the Kennedy Center: “We are not in a position at this time to advance a contract.” The disinvitation followed President Donald Trump’s announced intention to take over the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on the previous Friday, February 7. This move was part of his broader agenda to reshape the center’s cultural direction, including ending performances he perceived of as promoting DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) or as quoted verbatim from Trump’s Truth Social feed: “NO MORE DRAG SHOWS, OR OTHER ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA.” In the intervening weeks, Trump has replaced the previous board and installed a new one that promptly named him as chair.

“Sadly, to read something like this from the present President of the United States is not surprising, but is in itself profoundly unamerican and therefore disheartening. His actions further embolden us in our purpose.” said International Pride Orchestra board member and conductor Christine Brandes. 

“Music has always been a powerful force against hate and bigotry,” Roest continued. “In times of challenge, it reminds us of our shared humanity. The LGBTQ+ community has always shown resilience in the face of discrimination, and this concert will be a vibrant expression of that enduring spirit. We are honored to bring our music to the Strathmore Music Center and to stand together against intolerance.”

The Strathmore Music Center, known for its commitment to diversity and artistic freedom, quickly stepped in to offer IPO a new home for its landmark event. The Pride Celebration Concert will now serve not only as a celebration of LGBTQ+ pride, but as a testament to the enduring power of music to unite communities in the face of adversity.

The Pride Celebration Concert at Strathmore promises an unforgettable evening of music, featuring a diverse repertoire that reflects the richness of the LGBTQ+ experience. Attendees can expect performances that inspire, uplift, and affirm the importance of unity and pride.

Dressed to express in everything from full military uniform to couture drag, this San Francisco-based organization brings together 80 queer and ally musicians hailing from more than 32 states across the U.S. and beyond. This diverse group includes professional and community musicians, music educators, U.S. military band members, and members of queer ensembles nationwide. They come together annually to both celebrate community and raise funds for LGBTQ+ causes.

“We aim to create a powerful and positive representation of the queer community through music,” said Roest, sharing the vision for IPO. “We want to show the world who we are, celebrate our queer identities, and amplify the work of organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community.”

Peaches Christ, the San Francisco-based drag performer and filmmaker, will serve as the concert’s host, a role the popular artist has twice undertaken for IPO. Peaches has performed with major orchestras such as the San Francisco Symphony and at prestigious venues including London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Roest will share the podium with distinguished conductors, including DC-based Bonnie Alger and Robert Moody, who serves as the Music Director for the Memphis Symphony, the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, and Arizona MusicFest. A full schedule of the concert’s repertoire and guest artists will be forthcoming in the coming days.

Formed in 2023, the International Pride Orchestra aims to unite LGBTQ+ musicians worldwide and support LGBTQ+ causes. Each year, a different host city is chosen to host an IPO Pride Celebration Concert, fostering new partnerships and continuing to build a global network of queer musicians.

For more information, please visit internationalprideorchestra.org or strathmore.org. 

media contact:                 David Perry & Associates, Inc. • (415) 676-7007 • news@davidperry.com

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
– Thomas Edison

Success in Failure:
SEE®  Global Entertainment’s Museum of Failure ® to Open in San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf in early April

Acclaimed global exhibition explores the essential role of “oops” in innovation

20 February 2025 – San Francisco, CA: As a wise man once said: “Every ‘oops’ is just a chance to start again with a bit more wisdom.” The internationally renowned Museum of Failure® will make its highly anticipated San Francisco debut in just one month, celebrating high hilarity “oops” moments, opening early April in Fisherman’s Wharf (145 Jefferson Street). Building on sold-out runs worldwide and a celebrated stint in Los Angeles, the Museum of Failure® invites visitors to explore more than 150 historical missteps, oddities, and corporate flops in a dynamic 10,000-square-foot space. From Apple’s ill-fated Newton to the bizarre Hula Chair and Colgate’s ill-advised frozen lasagna plus the German “Spray On Condom”, the Museum of Failure® is an attraction that highlights how embracing missteps can ultimately spark growth and innovation.

“Get ready to experience the unconventional! The Museum of Failure® is a one-of-a-kind experience that is both educational and entertaining,” said Martin Biallas, CEO of SEE® Global Entertainment, which is bringing the attraction to San Francisco. “It’s an engaging way to explore the world of innovation, risk-taking, and the unexpected twists that lead to progress.”

SEE® Global Entertainment, a leader in the entertainment industry, brings invaluable expertise in creating and managing unforgettable attractions. Later this spring, SEE® Global will bring a permanent exhibit to the same site in Fisherman’s Wharf: Smurfs: The Adventure to coincide with the new Smurfs film, starring Rihanna as “Smurfette.”

“The Museum of Failure® is a perfect addition to the diverse attractions at Fisherman’s Wharf,” said Rodney Fong, President of Fong Real Estate, which owns the venue. “It’s thought-provoking, fun, and uniquely suited to San Francisco—a city that has always thrived on innovation. That plus SEE® Global’s upcoming Smurf exhibit is good news for everyone looking for a good time along San Francisco’s tourist central, our northern waterfront.”

Beyond the laughs and surprises, the Museum of Failure® shines a light on the value of mistakes and the resilience required to transform setbacks into opportunities. Set against the backdrop of a city celebrated for its trailblazing technology and entrepreneurial spirit, the Museum of Failure® offers a memorable, must-see experience that aligns perfectly with the Bay Area’s appetite for pushing boundaries.

“San Francisco is known as the tech and innovation capital of the country, if not the world,” Biallas added. “People who created AI and the Internet understand the importance of failure. I think the folks in ‘Cerebral Gulch’ and Silicon Valley will flock to this exhibit.”

Ticket Information and Hours:
• Kids (12 and under): $18
• Adults: $25
• Groups: $10–$18
• Students, Seniors, Military: $20
Open daily, 10am–6pm, Sunday – Thursday; 10am – 8pm, Friday & Saturday

For more information on the Museum of Failure® and to purchase tickets, visit https://themuseumoffailure.net/

Check out the CBS Evening News segment on the Museum of Failure®:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyEXBydMU_4

About SEE® Global Entertainment:
SEE® Global Entertainment Inc is part of the SEE® family of companies representing the finest in themed entertainment, specializing in global touring exhibitions including Star Trek, King Tut, Titanic, The X-Files, Asterix, Frida Kahlo, Michael Jackson, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, Hot Wheels, The Smurfs, and the Museum of Failure. For more information on SEE® Global Touring, visit www.seeglobalentertainment.com. SEE® is led by President Martin Biallas, a Hollywood veteran of 30 years. For more info, visit www.martinbiallas.com.

About the Museum of Failure®:
The Museum of Failure® is a collection of failed products and services from around the world. The museum aims to stimulate discussion about failure and inspire us to take meaningful risks. By showcasing these failures, the museum provides unique insights into the risky business of innovation.

About Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco:
Fisherman’s Wharf is one of San Francisco’s most iconic and visited neighborhoods, offering a rich blend of history, dining, shopping, and entertainment. Home to world-renowned attractions such as Pier 39, the Maritime National Historical Park, the Musée Mécanique, and Ghirardelli Square, the Wharf is a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike. Known for its fresh seafood, breathtaking bay views, and vibrant street performances, Fisherman’s Wharf continues to be a top-tier attraction in the City by the Bay. For more information, visit www.fishermanswharf.org.

About Smurfs: The Adventure®:
Smurfs: The Adventure® is a brand-new interactive experience that transports visitors into the enchanting world of the Smurfs. Featuring a variety of engaging activities that combine fun and learning, this attraction offers an immersive experience for the whole family. The Smurfs are among the most beloved characters in the world, first introduced in comics by Belgian artist Peyo in 1958. Since then, the little blue creatures have starred in multiple animated series, blockbuster films, and international attractions. Smurfs: The Adventure® is slated to open in May 2025.

MEDIA STATEMENT: Presidio Trust Response to Executive Order 

President Trump has issued an executive order requiring the Presidio Trust to eliminate “all non-statutory functions” that are performed by the Presidio Trust. The Presidio Trust Act, passed by Congress in 1996, created the Presidio Trust as a wholly-owned federal corporation with a mandate to, among other things, “manage the leasing, maintenance, rehabilitation, repair and improvement of property within the Presidio” and “The Trust shall develop a comprehensive program for management of those lands and facilities within the Presidio which are transferred to the administrative jurisdiction of the Trust. Such program shall be designed to reduce expenditures by the National Park Service and increase revenues to the Federal Government to the maximum extent possible.”   

We do this, as required by the Trust Act, through “an innovative public/private partnership that minimizes cost to the United States Treasury and makes efficient use of private sector resources.”  The Presidio Trust has not received regular annual appropriations from Congress since 2013, instead relying on the funds earned by leasing the historic buildings that the Trust has renovated. 

We will present a report on our activities to the Office of Management and Budget, as required by the order, in two weeks. We are confident that our activities are all statutorily-based. 

The Presidio a one-of-a-kind national park site, and all of its services and business will continue to operate as normal, welcoming visitors and serving all who live and work here. 

Lisa Petrie 

Senior Manager of Public Relations

Presidio Trust

David Eugene Perry’s Upon This Rock
 In Second Printing and Screenplay Development
www.davideugeneperry.com 

Acclaimed Mystery Thriller Is Best-Selling Book Ever for Pace Press
www.quilldriverbooks.com

18 February 2025 – Fresno, CA: Upon This Rock, by award-winning author David Eugene Perry, has gone into its second printing and additionally is in screenplay development and currently being shopped for distribution rights. It is the best selling book ever for Pace Press.

“The success of Upon This Rock has been one of the chief delights of my publishing career,” said Kent Sorsky, publisher of Pace Press/Linden Publishing. “It’s a real pleasure to see its continued appeal.”

The book won a Silver Medal from the coveted IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards, recognizing excellence in book editorial and design, regarded as one of the highest national honors for independent publishers. In addition, it won a Gold Medal from the San Francisco Book Festival.

“I am deeply grateful to Kent and everyone at Pace Press for their faith and support,” says Perry. “To have the book continue to sell four years after its debut is deeply gratifying. Now, if we can just get the attention of someone in Hollywood!”

Perry is currently at work on the sequel to Upon This Rock.Taking place ten years after the events in Rock, the new book features the return of amateur sleuths and married couple Adriano and Lee. In addition, the enigmatic and popular Magda makes a repeat appearance, this time with a greatly expanded backstory and history. Entitled Thorns of the 15 Roses,like Upon This Rock, the book is inspired by real historical events. The new book takes place in two places: aboard a luxury cruise ship where Lee has been recalled to his previous job and in the small Andalusian town of Grazalema, Spain.

“I worked my way around the world by ship in the 1990s and have always wanted to set something at sea,” said Perry. “That, and the rich history of Grazalema, including the Spanish Civil War and aftermath, I hope will make for compelling reading. Plus, over the last few years, my husband, Alfredo Casuso, and I have become deeply attached to the town and its generous residents.”

This summer, Perry and Casuso will return to Grazalema, where he expects to complete the manuscript after several years of research.

“The theme of Thorns of the 15 Roses is forgiveness and reconciliation,” Perry summed up. “Two concepts much in need in the current world.”

Upon This Rock is an “elegant twisty thriller” (Armistead Maupin, author of the international sensation Tales of the City) and “the gay DaVinci Code, but a lot better” (Fenton Johnson, Guggenheim Fellow, author of The Man Who Loved Birds); Upon This Rock is “for those readers who love Italy and who love crime fiction” (Lucinda Hawksley, great-great-great-granddaughter of Charles Dickens, author of Dickens’s Artistic Daughter, Katey); “Perry’s novel sparkles with campy wit but is written with serious clues that keep you reading. And, oh yes, because it is a mystery, there’s a killer of a surprise at the end. Move over, Sam Spade and Nick and Nora Charles. Welcome the new kids to the neighborhood, Lee and Adriano.” (Will Snyder,Bay Area Reporter); Upon This Rock is “a perfect read for anyone who is into thrillers, mysteries and historical fiction, like John Grisham and Dan Brown for sure.”(Ankita Dasgupta, The Bookworm Resort); “This is a wild read. Perry’s ability to build suspense is impressive and the denouement of this thriller will not just surprise you, but literally stun.”(Erika Atkinson, author of Ode to the Castro).

“You will not find a more exquisite, captivating, well written first novel than David Eugene Perry’s Upon This Rock. I was literally hooked from the first chapter. Set in the Italian city of Orvieto, Perry takes us on a roller-coaster ride that begins with the Sixteenth Century papacy of the de Medici Pope, Clement VII, and then quickly plummets us to the present day. A wonderfully addictive and engrossing story with brilliant characters and an ending that will have you perusing your favorite bookstore looking for Perry’s next novel”(Dennis Koller, author of The Rhythm of Evil). “You will not be able to put his book down. It is a page-turner from the first sentence until the twisted unexpected ending.” (Lynn Ruth Miller, author of Getting the Last Laugh). In short, David Eugene Perry’s Upon This Rock is “A potboiler thriller with nail-biting suspense” (Lew J. Whittington, New York Journal of Books); a “sexy, historical thriller” (Julissa James, Nob Hill Gazette); “a love letter to Orvieto like Tales of the City is a love letter to San Francisco” (Eric Jansen, SF Bay Times & Out In the Bay).

Perhaps Emmy Award winning journalist, famed Hollywood reporter Jan Wahl put it best: “Upon This Rock is fabulous. This historical thriller is a sexy DaVinci Code. I can’t wait for the movie.”

Upon This Rock by David Eugene Perry / 360 pages / $18.95 / Quill Driver Books, Fresno, CA.  

Book Burning on the Potomac

By David Eugene Perry

This morning, three weeks in of “47” (I refuse to say the name), I was merely sad. Now, I am genuinely frightened. When the chief executive of a country decides what is art, then book burnings, truly, are not far behind. 

Hyperbole? Whether sanctioned by the state or not, suppression of the arts is the oil on an already greasy slope to dictatorial rule. First they came for the Kennedy Center, then – I promise – to the local theatre, school play, public library or Opera in the Park that in any way receives federal dollars. Trump’s cry of “No drag queens” (he said that a mere few hours ago) for the Kennedy Center gives license not only to homophobes and the ultra right, it gives license to all those who think art, in general, should only be “pretty.”

I was taught that “Art is the revelation of private truth in public.” Private truth is, sometimes, pretty. But often, it is harsh, nasty, brutish, and yes sometimes offensive to some. In short, it is exactly like life. Now, for the first time in our history, a president has decided what the premiere arts institution in the most important capital city on earth can show.  What is more astounding: evidently it is all perfectly legal.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts was established by the National Cultural Center Act, which was signed into law on September 2, 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. This legislation authorized the creation of a national cultural center in Washington, D.C. After President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, Congress amended the act in 1964 to rename it the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as a memorial to the late president. That legislation allows for the President of the United States to appoint – and fire – its board. No president has ever dared – until now. 

My first job, which I started in May 1984 fresh out of college was working for the National Endowment for the Arts – the building, to my mind, disgraced by its brief-but-not-brief-enough stint as the “Trump Hotel.”  In those halcyon days, a Republic President, Ronald Reagan, left in charge the administration appointed by the previous president, Jimmy Carter. To even that staunchly conservative president, censoring the arts was a bridge too far. For “47”, there is no bridge, clearly too far, or no bridge in his attempted power, too sacred not to burn.

The books have been chosen. The gas has been poured. The match is lit and already in motion to be thrown.

 David Eugene Perry has worked in the arts for over 40 years. He is the author of hundreds of articles, and also a novelist.