A lusty crowd of almost 300 people of the leather persuasion gathered Saturday afternoon, April 5, to support and celebrate the 30th edition of one of the longest running competitions in the country. Mark Welsh and his faithful committee gussied up the Mighty hall on Utah Street in San Francisco for the presentation, which saw people from Chicago, Washington, D.C., the Russian River, Boston, Seattle, Toronto, Los Angeles, and San Diego in attendance. Two of the IML 2008 judges (Frank Nowicki and Vick Germany) were there and so was Varla Jean Merman, who entertained during one of the breaks in the contest.
Lenny Broberg and Donna Sachet emceed the event with slightly acerbic barbs aimed at each other; the audience was relieved that none of them were targeted.
Four men (Ron Balos, Desmond Perrotto, Paul Sacccone, and Michael Steele) faced judges who included the first-ever IML David Kloss, Joan Norry, Steve Ward, Demetri Moshoyannis, Aaron Lenburg, and myself. Outgoing Mr. SF Leather Travis Creston was the head judge.
The big shocker of the evening was that Supervisor Bevan Dufty attended – his first appearance at the Mr. SF Leather contest since 2004, when he was actually "after" one of the contestants. The second shocker was that Assemblyman Mark Leno was not there but did send his faithful Anna to present a commendation to outgoing Mr. SF Leather Creston.
IML '92 Lenny Broberg MC'd the Mr. SF Leather contest with former Empress Donna Sachet. Their barbs were directed at each other instead of at persons in the audience. Delightful!
The Mighty venue is a great place for a contest of this kind. Mark Paladini put his all into the production. The sound was great and the lighting, too – no glitches there, but the DJ booth must have had trouble adjusting the sound – outrageously too loud! After all, this was a leather contest, not a cha-cha ball!
During the proceedings, the Unsung Hero Award was given to David Morgan, he of Men in Gear and co-owner of Chaps II at 1225 Folsom Street. The choice for this award, although worthy, caused a bit of consternation by veteran volunteers in our community; people who give of themselves with no expectation of reward of any sort. Still, Morgan has "proven" himself with his leathery attitude and support for our people.
After all the scoring categories were tallied and the five percent input of votes from the audience, the moment of truth arrived. But before that, that dynamite entertainer, Varla Jean Merman had the crowd on its feet with applause after her stint of campy renditions.
Creston delivered an 11-minute step aside speech, emphasizing the mentoring and support he received as a "younger leather man" from "seasoned" mentors – i.e., older men with ties to the old guard and the current generation of leather. It was well received with a couple of flower bouquets to boot. His months with the title were quite possibly the longest stint any Mr. SF Leather has had. Creston proved to be worthy of the title with his local and national involvement in various organizations. Bravo!
The first runner-up (another young leather man) was Steele, certainly a handsome eyeful with a mature approach to his leather journey. Steele was sponsored by Truck, the somewhat leather-oriented bar at 15th and Folsom. His welcoming demeanor and his tall stature only add to his desire to learn more about his new chosen lifestyle. Creston "medaled" him to tumultuous applause.
Mr. SF Leather contestants line up for the judges in their jock attire (L to R): Desmond Perrotto, Mike Steele, Ron Balos and Paul Sacccone.
The title patch and the winning gold medal were poised to be presented to the 2008 Mr. San Francisco Leather – the 30th man to receive the coveted honor. There was a hush in the audience as Broberg tore open the envelope announcing the Mr. Powerhouse entry, Balos, to be the city's representative at IML 2008 in Chicago in May. Photographers rushed to the stage, well-wishers released whoops of joy, and so it was embedded in the history books of San Francisco's most coveted title.
With Balos's victory, it did not go unnoticed that at least three of California's IML contestants are foreign born; Mr. Los Angeles Leather Ross Wood is from New Zealand; Mr. Palm Springs Leather Gary Ibiza is from Venezuela, and Balos is from Israel. It certainly lends an international touch to the IML 2008 roster.
On Sunday, there was a victory brunch at Don Ramon's on 11th Street, a splendiferous outlay of fresh fruit and at least a half-dozen fabulous dishes. It was a fitting end to a weekend that will not be forgotten.
New kid in town
On Friday night, April 4, a new leather bar opened on the site of what was once the Ramrod bar and later, My Place. Now named Chaps II, the whole place has been done over and has a pristine ambiance with a dazzling stone bar and ambient lighting that does lend to a cruising image. There are no microphones (as promised) so hearing announcements at the Mr. SF Leather meet and greet the same night was somewhat difficult. The bar was wall-to-wall with invited guests, curious onlookers, exploratory types, and women, too. From all the talk I heard or that was addressed to me, it looks like Chaps II is well on its way to a success that hopefully will stretch into future decades. After all, it is the first new leather bar to be launched in the South of Market area in a decade. Check it out.
Meanwhile, in St. Louis
I was invited to judge the Mr. Midwest Leather 2008 contest in St. Louis this past weekend, but can you imagine the dish and criticism I would have endured had I not been here in San Francisco for our contest? So I had to decline the invitation, and few details were furnished at my deadline. I only know that the winner of the Mr. Midwest Leather 2008 title is Charles Schoenherr. The first runner-up is Terry Laupp and the second runner-up is Rick Burgess. Schoenherr advances to compete for the IML 2008 title.
Icons at the podium
I've been asked to remind readers that they can hear leather icons pontificate at the Leather Leadership Conference XII taking place this weekend at the Holiday Inn on Van Ness Avenue. On Friday, April 11, it's Guy Baldwin at 1900; Saturday morning at 0800 it's "Thorn" and on Sunday at noon, it's Patrick Califia. Not to be missed. See you there!
And Sunday, April 13 is the last day you can vote in the Golden Dildeaux Awards (taking place Saturday, April 19 at the Eagle). Vote at www.frantix.net.
Have a great weekend. Be kind to LLC XII visitors and stay dry!
Eventures in Leather April 11 – 27, 2008
April 11-13
Leather Leadership Conference XII at the Holiday Inn (Van Ness at California). Weekend long workshops, seminars, play parties, leather celebs and experts in all BDSM areas and other leathery subjects. Prominent speakers and a gathering of leather leaders.
Mr. Midwest Leather 2008 is Charles Schoenherr (R.), here with Mr. Midwest Leather 2007 Dave Drees, at JJ's in St. Louis, MO., Sat., April 5th. Charles advances to compete at IML 2008 in Chicago next May.
Sunday. April 13
Last day to vote for the Golden Dildeaux Awards Vote early. Vote often. Go to www.frantix.net Only 1 dollar per ballot. Support this fundraiser & have fun!
Free! 10th anniversary of the Sundance Saloon at 550 Barneveld Ave. from 1700 to 2230.l Sundance has raised some $150,000 since it started.
Thursday, April 17
Final preliminary Bare Chest Calendar 2009 contest tonight at the Powerhouse around 2200. When it's over, there will be 20 men competing for the 12 spots on the 2009 calendar.
Saturday, April 19
All-day conference at the Leather Archives & Museum in Chicago by the Chicago Kennel Club. It's "So you Want to be a Contestant" - valuable tips for any and all who might consider entering a leather title contest.
Wednesday, April 21
Leather Buddies at 933 Harrison. Doors open from 2000 to 2300. Very strict dress code; no sneakers, no cologne, and no attitude. Call 777-HEAD for details.
April 24-27
Cleveland Leather Awareness Weekend (CLAW), a humongous leather charity weekend in Cleveland, Ohio. I'll finally attend to see what it's all about with recommendations from major leather people. Are you happy Dennis McMahon?