The Vital Voice

This weekend, with the premiere sponsorship of Recon, Bad Dog Bar & Grill played host to the Mr. Midwest Leather contest, a contest covering thirteen states.  The contest was produced by Charlie Shoenherr, who held the title in both 2008 and 2009 and who also received the prestigious Pantheon of Leather Award earlier this year for his great service to the leather community.

 

Schoenherr assembled an elite judging panel including Terry Laupp (Mr. Missouri Leather 2010), Mike Pagano (Mr. Iowa Leather 2011), Philip Hitchock (Mr. Midwest Leather 2010), and perhaps two of the best-loved women in the leather community: Karen Crecelius (former International Mr. Leather MC) and “Mama” Sandy Reinhardt, who welcomed several new members into “Mama’s Family.”  Tally Master Mark Bozif and judge runner Pup Tron kept the judges scores in order, while Den Daddy O. John Groebl and Bootblack Sparkie made certain the contestants performed at their best.

 

Masters of Ceremony Christopher Tyger Roth and DJ Kaiser (Mr. Missouri Leather 2011) introduced the three contestants, who strutted their leather on stage in three categories: bar wear, physique wear, and formal leather.  Their scores for these rounds were added to their interview scores from earlier in the day at Van Goghz.  Philip Hitchcock gave his “step aside” speech thanking those who helped him with all of his fundraising efforts (especially for the Tom of Finland Foundation) and his preparations for International Mr. Leather (where he was a finalist and placed 15^th out of 53 contestants).

 

After an evening of entertainment including a hot pole dance from Ricky Phoenix and a fire flogging emo from Bo, the winners were announced.  St. Louis locals Rick Hulvey and Aaron Laxton took second runner up and first runner up, respectively.  Mike Prater, of Evansville, Indiana, was named Mr. Midwest Leather 2011.  Judges noted Prater’s experience, knowledge of leather, and extensive fundraising efforts.  Along with the title Prater, is the recipient of a $500 cash prize, title sash, medallion, and sponsorship to compete at International Mr. Leather in May of 2012.  The evening ended with a leather ball the same evening with the competition concluding Sunday afternoon for a victory brunch also held at Bad Dog Bar & Grill.

 

BY: DJ KAISER