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David Eugene Perry – Bio

Ahoy! My name is David Eugene Perry and hopefully you’re enjoying, or about to enjoy, my novel “Upon This Rock” from Quilldriver Books / Pace Press.

Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia I graduated from the State University of New York at Fredonia (it’s not just a place in the Marx Brothers movie “Duck Soup”, but that’s another story) and then set about my career as a freelance writer and publicist in Washington, DC with stints along the way as a cocktail pianist and a catering waiter for swank Capitol Hill parties and presidential inaugurations (truly, but that’s another book, still underway).

Moving to San Francisco in 1986, I continued writing for such publications at “The Advocate”, “American Theatre”, “Opera Now”, “Omni”, “The Utne Reader” and “The San Francisco Examiner.” And, of course, being the first of who-knew-would-be TWO pandemics of a lifetime, the AIDS/HIV years were full of activism, advocacy, hearts, hugs, held hands and volunteering. Those friendships and bonds forged in “Baghdad by the Day” still enrich me. 

In 1997 I was offered the job of childhood fantasies: working my way around the world by ship as editor of the onboard newspaper for the glorious “Crystal Symphony” (long may she sail). Back on dry land, I stumbled into an AOL chat room and met the best thing that ever happened to me, my husband Alfredo. Whenever we can, we still travel aboard ship, usually in exchange for my nattering on about old ocean liners in one of my maritime history lectures.

Over the last 27 years, we’ve visited a LOT of places. As Mark Twain famously said: “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”

We agree totally.

When I’m not writing, along with my husband and several dedicated associates, I run a public relations and design firm with a bevy of interesting clients — from stars to those with starry eyes (www.davidperry.com).

Our home is in Palm Springs. Most of our work and our office is in San Francisco. Our heart: wherever we are currently exploring, with special nods given to Spain, Italy and of course, that magical hilltop town of “Upon This Rock” – Orvieto. Stay tuned: “Upon This Rock” is now in its second print with a screenplay being shopped (“Dear Netflix Big Wigs….call me maybe?”) and a sequel in the works, reuniting our sleuths Adriano and Lee plus the enigmatic political operative, Magda.

Until then, as my Virginia always said: “There are three magic words – ‘please’ and thank you.’ “ So, “please” keep supporting authors, and “thank you” for picking up “Upon This Rock.”

Make Your Special Event, Concert or Party a Masterpiece at SF’s Sistine Chapel Exhibition

“If people knew how hard I worked to get my mastery, it wouldn’t seem so wonderful at all.” — Michelangelo

Experience the Sistine Chapel Like Never Before. Make Your Special Event, Concert or Party a Masterpiece.

Imagine gathering beneath the breathtaking majesty of Michelangelo’s ceiling—immersed in celestial frescoes, lit by artfully arranged lighting, as live music swells and guests mingle in an unforgettable environment. This is not just a tour: it’s a special event of wonder, inspiration, and shared enchantment set in one of the world’s greatest artistic marvels. And, it’s in San Francisco now through September 14.

The Ultimate Venue for Bay Area Gatherings.
The Sistine Chapel exhibit in the special event space of San Francisco’s St. Mary’s Cathedral offers a one-of-a-kind backdrop for community events, corporate soirées, wedding receptions, and private celebrations. It’s ideal for:

• Concerts accompanying live classical, jazz, or acoustic sets—enhancing music with visual grandeur

• Elegant cocktail openings or galas that integrate masterpieces into the event’s ambiance

• Interactive art experiences, such as curator-led mini-tours, painting-inspired workshops, or live projections syncing with performances

Why This Venue Is Uniquely Captivating

A Historic Masterpiece Comes Alive:
For centuries, the Sistine Chapel has been a global symbol of beauty, art, and ceremony. In recent years, it has hosted remarkable special events:

• A private classical concert by the Berlin Philharmonic in 2014—marking the first time an outside orchestra ever performed under Michelangelo’s ceiling

• A Porsche-sponsored gala dinner and concert in 2014—marking the Vatican Museums’ opening to high-end corporate events to support restoration projects

• A 2016 choral performance by Loyola Marymount University, whose students described it as “the greatest spiritual moment” of their lives

• In 2020, the Sistine Chapel welcomed a UNESCO cultural diplomacy concert, inviting global dignitaries to reflect on peace and unity under “The Last Judgment”

Depth, Drama & Dialogue:
The Chapel’s epic narratives—The CreationThe FloodThe Last Judgment—spark profound conversation. Whether through narration, themed performances, or experiential dinners, the art becomes part of the storytelling.

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition makes for A Pitch-Perfect Cultural Experience.
A spectacular setting enriches your brand or group’s image. Sponsors and guests will link your event with sophistication, introspection, and artistic excellence.

Event Ideas to Inspire:

• Baroque Chamber Music Night: Period instruments and performers in candlelit splendor beneath Creation’s hand

• Jazz & Frescoes Fusion: A Bay Area quartet improvising beneath dancing Cherubim—modern meets Renaissance

• Art & Champagne Reception: Guests explore the Chapel, guided by docents; a flute of bubbly in hand as illuminated panels glow

• Themed Storytelling Evenings: Dramatic readings of Genesis or Dante, with music and immersive A/V, layering narrative over imagery

• Opera in the Round: Short selections from Renaissance or sacred works staged with minimalist sets under the grandeur of the ceiling

• Meditation & Sound Bath Nights: Slow-breath experiences paired with guided meditations, Gregorian chants, or bowls

• Wine & Wisdom Talks: Evening speaker salons with light refreshments, exploring history, art, or philosophy under Michelangelo’s masterpieces

Join the Legacy—Book Your Event Now! Contact David Perry at news@davidperry.com / (415) 676-7007

Bring your gathering into the realm of Renaissance wonder at “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition”.

Why Bay Area Groups Should Book Now

1. Unmatched ambiance: Elevate your event with Renaissance brilliance

2. Cultural distinction: Leave a lasting impression on guests and sponsors

3. Immersive immersion: Enjoy Michelangelo’s genius in three dimensions—seen, heard, felt

Let your guests experience that liberating blend of art and atmosphere as you host under Michelangelo’s frescoed skies. Bring your event into living history—and transform it into a special event people will never forget.

See the Masterpieces for Yourself — Up Close

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition
Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption
1111 Gough Street, San Francisco
Free on-site parking (first come, first served)

Now Open – September 14
Tuesday – Sunday, 10:30am – 5:00pm
(Last entry at 3:30pm)
Duration: 60 to 90 minutes

Tickets start at:
$26 adults | $16 children
$18 students & military | Kids 4 and under: FREE
Wheelchair accessible | All ages welcome

Get tickets: chapelsistine.com/exhibits/san-francisco

Download the audio guide app!
Enhance your experience at the exhibition by downloading the free “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Exhibit” app / audio guide onto your smartphone. At each stop, scan the QR codes to listen to additional, fascinating details on each image.

Unlike in the Vatican — where the original frescoes soar 60 feet above — this exhibition places Michelangelo’s greatest works at eye level using high-definition licensed images and a proprietary technique that captures the texture and nuance of the original frescoes. Whether you’re a lifelong admirer or new to Renaissance art, this experience is designed to inspire awe.

Photography encouraged!
Tag your best shots and stories with
#SistineChapelExhibit and #SEEGlobalSF

May 29th BuildIT California Founders Day Conference & AwardsBrings Record Attendance to InterContinental Los Angeles

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

May 29th BuildIT California Founders Day Conference & Awards
Brings Record Attendance to InterContinental Los Angeles

Phillip A. Washington Receives the “Built Community Impact Award”
for his lifetime of service as the Chief Executive Officer of
Denver International Airport, former CEO of LA Metro, former CEO of Denver’s Regional Transportation District, and 24-Year U.S. Army Active Duty Service Career

27 June 2025 – Los Angeles, CA  BuildIT (https://www.build-it.world) the world’s largest industry association dedicated to the sustainable development of LGBT/Allied businesses, professionals, tradespeople in construction, architecture, engineering and large-scale real estate development honored Phillip A. Washington, and others, at their Founders Day Conference and Gala Dinner & Awards event held on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at the InterContinental Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. The event was attended by nearly 1,100 individuals, construction industry leaders, public agency representatives and thought leaders from around the world.

Phil Washington received the Built Community Impact award for his lifetime of service as the Chief Executive Officer of multiple large transportation infrastructure organizations, including Denver International Airport, as well as his role in founding the Equity in Infrastructure Project which is a national organization dedicated to increasing the generational wealth of Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs) through public contracting in infrastructure. 

“Phil Washington is one of the most transformative leaders within the design and construction industry throughout the United States, and beyond,” stated BuildIT’s President Paul Pendergast. “For decades, his thought leadership has developed innovative programs that create meaningful opportunities that build businesses and change lives for the better. Consistently, Phil has taken on the challenges that other infrastructure development leaders have bypassed.” 

“I am deeply honored to receive the 2025 Built Community Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Phil Washington, CEO of Denver International Airport. “Throughout my career, I’ve been driven by two core passions: advancing transportation infrastructure and opening doors for Historically Underutilized Businesses in this industry. Empowering these businesses with the training, relationships, and expertise they need to compete—and succeed—on major projects is not just a professional goal, it’s a personal mission. This work matters, and I am proud to continue championing it every day.”

Phil Washington became CEO of Denver International Airport in July 2021. DEN is the world’s 6th busiest airport with an annual economic impact of $47.2B. He also oversees 40,000+ badged employees with 27 air carriers and over 200 concessions. In 2023, Washington broke ground on a first-of-its kind Center of Equity & Excellence in Aviation that is intended to create a pipeline of talent for Denver and the aviation industry more broadly, with a concentration on under-served communities, historically underutilized businesses, military veterans and women.   

Washington is also the Co-Founder of the Equity in Infrastructure Project (EIP) which is a national non-profit organization which exists to improve public contracting practices by creating more opportunities for HUBs to build generational wealth and reduce the racial wealth gap by creating more prime, joint venture and contracting opportunities for these firms.

“Since the opening days of BuildIT, Phil has been an advocate for the inclusion of our LGBT businesses in Design/Construction/Material Supply firms and a champion of our workforce development efforts,” said BuildIT founder and President Paul Pendergast. “He is both the definition of an ally, and a consummate professional.”

About BuildIT:
BuildIT is the world’s largest LGBTQ Industry Association dedicated to the sustainable growth of LGBTQ/Allied owned and certified businesses, professionals, tradespeople, thought leaders and stakeholders, in the fields of Architecture, Engineering, Construction Services, Program/Construction Management, Material Suppliers, Large Scale-Real Estate Development, and Related Industries.

​BuildIT welcomes participation from all individuals based on merit, achievement, and commitment to excellence. BuildIT recognizes the value that different perspectives bring to their mission of excellence in the Built Environment and they are committed to maintaining an ecosystem where all members associated with the Built Community have access to opportunity. Membership and opportunities within BuildIT are available to anyone who meets our established professional criteria and standards.

On the 80th Anniversary of the Signing of the U.N. Charter

On the 80th Anniversary of the Signing of the U.N. Charter 
— by David Eugene Perry

Today in History: June 26, 1945. 80 years ago today, the United Nations Charter was signed in the Herbst Theatre at San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center, which also encompasses San Francisco Opera. My first job in The City — and what enabled me to move here along with the support and machinations of my friend and mentor Anthony Turney — was with the Opera. I’ve always found it fitting that San Francisco’s official requiem to WWI is where the UN document was signed: a place of healing art to commemorate “the war to end all wars.” Yes, well…

The San Francisco conference took place while WWII was still raging in the Pacific, and yet representatives from 50 nations gathered in person (Poland’s representative was unable to attend but signed later, and is considered a founding UN member) to chart a hoped for better world. Given the past 80 years, not to mention the last 80 months, 80 weeks, 80 days or 80 hours, I’d say there is still a lot of work to be done. 

Often during my time working at the Opera, and since, I’ve stopped by to see the painting in the Herbst Green Room marking the occasion. I remember well the 50th anniversary of the signing and ceremonies at UN Plaza and Fountain in front of SF City Hall — a troubled civic site perhaps fitting to its inspiration’s troubled legacy. 

However, my favorite tribute to that optimistic moment in the City of Saint Francis is not in a government building, it’s in a church: Grace Cathedral. That mural, by Bolivian artist Antonio Sotomayor (1902–1985), for me captures perfectly the spirit of the time.

While our efforts to beat swords into plough shares seem continuously to be beaten back, we must not consider the ideals of June 26, 1945 to be beaten. 

Keep on keeping on.

Below: the mural from Grace, and a link to coverage of the conference.

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Porchfest Nights June 25, July 30 and August 27Adds Intimate Musical Flavor to Benicia’s Sound Scene

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

Porchfest Nights June 25, July 30 and August 27
Adds Intimate Musical Flavor to Benicia’s Sound Scene

Starting Tomorrow Night!
Three Exclusive Wednesday Evening Events Set Stage for
Second Annual Porchfest Benicia Taking Place Saturday, September 13

www.porchfest-benicia.com

24 June 2025 – Benicia, CA: Looking for something to liven up the mid-week hump day? As the buzz builds for the second annual Porchfest Benicia taking place on Saturday, September 13, the folks at Benicia Magazine (www.beniciamagazine.com) are launching something new—and a bit more intimate—to kick off the season: Porchfest Nights: Wednesday evenings June 25, July 30 and August 27. A series of three exclusive evenings of music, connection, and community, Porchfest Nights is being held at The Escape (4588 East Second Street, Suite E) in the Benicia Industrial Park. Tickets for all Porchfest Nights can be purchased [HERE].

“Last year’s Porchfest Benicia brought more than 10,000 music lovers to our streets,” said Mary Hand, publisher of Benicia Magazine and the creative spirit behind both Porchfest and Porchfest Nights. “Now, with Porchfest Nights, we’re offering a more up-close-and-personal taste of the talent that makes our town sing—literally.”

Porchfest Nights will take place on three Wednesday evenings—June 25, July 30, and August 27—with doors opening at 6:00pm and music from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. After the music, audiences will have the chance to meet the artists in casual post-performance gatherings. Tickets are $18 and include the meet-and-greet. Beer and wine will be available for purchase.

The first Porchfest Nights concert, on Wednesday, June 25, features a special duo performance by members of Beso Negro, the Bay Area’s beloved gypsy rockers.

The July 30 Porchfest Nights concert will feature Patrick Winningham and Seth Affoumado, a dynamic acoustic duo representing the beloved Bay Area band Tender Mercies. Frontman Winningham will be joined by longtime collaborator Affoumado for this intimate performance ahead of Tender Mercies’ full band appearance at the Coldwell Banker Stage during Porchfest Benicia on September 13.

The August 27 Porchfest Night will offer a preview of the band Pardon the Interruption, scheduled to perform a full set at the Benicia Yacht Club during Porchfest Benicia on September 13. This special “taste of Pardon the Interruption” will feature the group’s guitarist David Noble and bassist Rob Fordyce in an intimate duo setting.

“Porchfest Benicia highlights the best of what the city has to offer, blending music, history, and local flavor into a memorable celebration for all,” Hand continues. “With Porchfest Nights, we’re keeping that energy going—and raising vital funds to ensure Porchfest Benicia continues to thrive.”

Proceeds from Porchfest Nights support the production of Porchfest Benicia 2025, which returns to First Street and historic neighborhoods on Saturday, September 13, with performances from 1:00–5:00pm following a noontime preshow. Last year’s inaugural event drew thousands of attendees, transforming Benicia into a regional music hot spot.

“The Rotary Club of Benicia is acting as Porchfest Benicia and Porchfest Nights’ 501(c)(3) partner,” Hand noted. “So, we can accept donations and you can have a tax write off. Everybody wins!”

As Benicia Mayor Steve Young summed it up last year: “This festival has truly captured the heart of Benicia. It’s more than just a music event – it’s a community experience.”

For tickets, event updates, and information on Porchfest Benicia and Porchfest Nights, visit: www.porchfest-benicia.com