Magnet will be showcasing the textile works of Alan Kelchner during the month of May. Mr. Kelchner received his Bachelors degree in painting from SUNY Potsdam in New York in 1994. A mixed media fiber artist, vintage quilt historian/restorer, and teacher, his work has been displayed across the United States. Mr. Kelchner has also been featured in several publications for his quilting expertise. For more information on Alan and his work you can visit his website at http://www.alanrkelchner.com or read his blog at http://alanrkelchnerfiber.blogspot.com. To see his work in person join us for the opening reception on Friday, May 2nd from 8-10 pm.

Want to volunteer at Magnet? There's a monthly orientation for new volunteers held on alternating Tuesday evenings or Saturday mornings. We'll tell you a little about Magnet and our volunteer needs, and you can see where you fit best. For more information call 415.581.1600 or email info@magnetsf.org

Community Promise, three doors down from the old Pendulum bar, is the potluck and social event in the Castro for Black Gay and Same Gender Loving Men. Whether on the plate or on the arm, try that dish out here. Sponsored by Magnet and the Black Coalition on AIDS, Community Promise happens on the second Saturday of the month. For more information email Perry at PRhodes@BCOA.org or call Kevin at 415.581.1605.

Find out at this fun and informative meeting about the Seismic Challenge (October 18th & 19th 2008), the two-day, two-hundred mile cycling event produced by and benefiting the San Francisco AIDS Foundation (Magnet's parent organization). Get answers to all your questions about training, fundraising and what to expect on SFAF's newest endurance event. You'll also meet some of the other cyclists who will begin training with you in June for California's most beautiful bicycle event. For more information about the Seismic Challenge, you can visit www.seismicchallenge.org or call 415-487-3053.

Smack Dab, an open mic hosted by Kirk Read and Larry-Bob Roberts, making the Castro safe for performance again! Bring five minutes of words, music, comedy, or miscellany; bring your charm and magic and cheerful can-do attitude, or just come and watch and cheer folks on. This is one of the hottest free tickets in town. All ages and genders will be welcomed and adored!

Featured performer for May is writer and musician Nomy Lamm.

Future Smack Dabs all happen on the third Wednesdays at Magnet, sign-up at 7:30, show at 8pm. For more information contact Kirk Read at kirkread@earthlink.net.

SKYY Vodka presents an advanced screening of New Line Cinema's Sex and the City, before it opens to the public! 50% of the proceeds benefit the San Francisco AIDS Foundation (Magnet's parent organization) and 50% to the StopAIDS Project. Be the first one on your block to see Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, Miranda, and their friends on the big screen. You'll also catch a discussion with Willie Garson, Sex and the City's Stanford Blatch and KRON-TV's Jan Wahl. Sundance Kabuki, 1881 Post Street. Ticket prices: VIP $80, general $40. Available at www.skyy.com/sexandthecity starting Monday, May 5th.

Start your Pride season off with a bang!!! The Gay Artists & Writers Kollective will be back at Magnet, bringing our stretch of 18th Street alive with music. You'll catch punk band Hogfather, Parae, and Violent Vickie - hosted by Jon Sugar. For more information email gawksf@yahoo.com or call 415.581.1605.