The good, the bad, the beautiful—2009 had it all
by John Colombo
Happy Holidays to all of our readers! It’s hard to
believe another year has come and gone so quickly, and what
Before I give you the run down on the year that was let’s take a quick look at the last few events of 2009.
Leather Central celebrated its 14 year anniversary and threw itself a party—which did double duty as a fund raiser to send Leatherman Ky Eaton to compete in the International Leather SIR /Leatherboy contest held in San Francisco. The celebration included a boots to balls 50/50 raffle, Jell-o shots complete with scantily dressed server and prizes given out throughout the evening.
Boi Mikey was on hand boot blacking and Master Mike, owner of Leather Central, was behind the bar all night serving drinks along side Manger Thom. Seen that night: Mike Masciantonio, Keith Green, Dan Mercer, Keith Herriot and Doug Sphar. Oh and Charlie... thanks for the drink (wink).
Thursday Night Live recently gathered at the 1902 Tavern in Market Square for their monthly get together. TNL, which has been going strong for close to 20 years, is currently presided over by Ron Smutny of PATF.
This small, intimate group is always accepting new members, and anyone is welcome to stop at an outing to decide if the group is for them. Their mission: to eat, drink and socialize—think G2H2 without the disco ball. Join TNL Dec. 4 at Spin as they partner up with Dinning Out Pittsburgh.
Seen at 1902: Jeff Panos, Brent Miller, Jon Sealy, Dean Hastings, John Maitland, Jim Thompson and newcomer Paul Henry. Thursday Night Live on the web: tnlpgh.org
The annual (it’s a mouthful) Mr. Pittsburgh Eagle Leather Contest 2010 was held at—where else—the Pittsburgh Eagle. The contest was organized this year by Mike Natale (executive director and Mr. Pittsburgh Eagle Leather 2004) and emceed by Dan Noel (Mr. Mid. Atlantic Leather 1989) The leather-clad men stood shoulder to shoulder to watch this year’s hopefuls strut their stuff down the runway.
The pageant featured three contestants, Jim Bologna, Keith Green and Ed McDonough, who were put through four rounds of categories: Informal Leather Bar Wear, the mandatory Jock Strap round, Dress-Leather-Uniform-Fetish Wear and the hardest round of all, Question and Answer.
A bit nervous, Jim stumbled through the answer to his question: “What would you like to be remembered for during your reign as Mr. Eagle Leather?”
Keith was asked, “Who do you blame when things go wrong during an event you’re hosting as a the title holder?” In a calm, deep and reassuring voice, he repeated the question word for word and then snswered, “Blame no one, suck it up, make the best of it.”
Ed got a question I’ve heard asked at other leather events, and I always look forward to how the contestant will answer: “What is your opinion of feminine men in the leather community?” Ed’s answer: “It doesn’t matter; it’s what’s in your heart.”
All the guys did a wonderful job in the other categories, and in-between the rounds the audience was treated to the beautiful voice of local jazz singer Patrick Arena performing live on stage and to the flag twirling of Steve Saling.
David Dean (Mr. Pittsburgh Eagle Leather 2009), assistant producer of the event, thanked everyone who was instrumental to his time with the leather-studded sash and handed out black magic roses as he called his associates up one by one to the stage. A tearful goodbye.
Tally master Dan Dutcher handede in the scores. Then (drum roll) the new Mr. Pittsburgh Eagle Leather—get an acronym please?—2010: Ed McDonough. Congratulations Ed, we wish you well on your new journey.
Other people instrumental to the show: Tony Ruiz, Chris Gionta, Nick Daemous, David Grinnell and Scott Noxon. In the crowd: Don Harris, Brian Lincoln, Mike McCoy, Ron Koski, Jay Molluso and Bill Volbrecht.
Pittsburgh is going Red. The city is gearing up for World AIDS day Dec. 1, a big reminder to all that HIV/AIDS is still with us, and the infection rate is on the up rise. The Smithfield Street Bridge will be lit, Highmark- Spire will go red for one week starting Monday, Nov. 30, through Friday, Dec. 4. There is a press conference planned with the mayor and banners and reminders will be everywhere.
Project Red is an initiative begun by U2 frontman Bono and Bobby Shriver of DATA to raise money for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
Now for the year that was, 2009: Pittsburgh celebrated the biggest and best gay pride ever with Jennifer Holiday. We went to numerous parties on Mount Washington including my favorite “Splash” with hot tub and hot men. G2H2 took the guys to places we would never go alone and got us to explore our city. Lez Liquor Happy Hour got the women out of the house and to museums and mixers—thanks to Victoria Bradley.
Cattivo opened a new bar for men in the basement called Cattivo Soto ( bad boy) where the Boys of Lawrenceville resurfaced after vanishing who knows how long ago. Donny’s Place is rebranded as 1226 on Herron, featuring a new themed bar upstairs called Dance Central. Donny himself has been in and out of town and mending after some surgery. Scott Noxon closed and reopened the Eagle, and now is closing Pegasus on Dec. 6. (There is a rumored new gay dance club opening in the West End.) The Blue Moon remodeled. 5801 constantly remodeled and got better with each new feature—still love the new windows.
Sam Badger (aka Bunny Bixler) resigned from drag. Then came back bigger than ever—Cher much. Jeffery Kash (aka Eda Bagel) left town with BF for Colorado. Marsha finally mellowed and put on her best game face.
Blow Pop, one of the hottest parties in town, vanished—along with promoter Ry-n Skyy. Billy Hileman, once seen everywhere, vanished, and then resurfaced—but I won’t say where in case he’s hiding.
To everyone I photographed, to everyone I wrote about and especially the people I constantly have to re-ask their names—got you down now Jon and Dean—I wish you a wonderful holiday and a very prosperous new year.
Email invites, social events and rumors, or just say hi: john@outonline.com.