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Fresh Meat Festival goes on big with a bang at Project Artaud

MISSION DISTRICT — Fresh Meet 2008, the 7th Annual Transgender and Queer Performance Festival, took place at Project Artaud Theater June 19 through 22. The Festival is the only event of its kind in North America, according to members of Fresh Meat Productions, who have gained an international reputation for its first-class transgender and queer artist gatherings.

The Festival premiered five new cutting-edge ensembles this year who challenge the boundaries of traditional art forms. The newly commissioned acts included the Transcendence Gospel Choir, Na Lei Hulu I Ka Wekiu, the Barbary Coast Cloggers, Colombian Soul, and Prado Gomez and Nejla Baguio.

According to artistic director Sean Dorsey, Fresh Meat this year went on stage big with a bang! “We’re celebrating our expansion with an out-of-this world, powerhouse lineup of artists who will astonish audiences with their innovation, skill, heart and strength,” said Dorsey.

The Festival’s lineup continued to feature popular performances such as Sean Dorsey’s award-winning modern dance, Shawna Virago’s trans rock, and Freeplay Dance Crew’s sexy hip hop.

After six years and 20 sold-out performances at ODC Theater, the Fresh Meat Festival made its move to Project Artaud Theater. The move was to help accommodate Fresh Meat’s growing audiences as well as to highlight larger ensembles and nationally-recognized artists.

“I’m thrilled that the festival is expanding — our audiences have grown so large that they really demanded a larger venue,” said Dorsey.

Fresh Meat Productions is the nation’s first arts organization dedicated to year-round transgender arts programs, which include the annual Fresh Meat Festival, performances by artistic director Sean Dorsey’s award-winning dance company, and visual and media arts events.

Project Artaud Theater is at 450 Florida Street. Visit freshmeatproductions.org for more information.