(Published in Lavender Magazine, Issue #72, February 27, 1998)
Black Guard holds Black Frost 21
The Black Guard’s recent Black Frost run, their 21st, attracted out-of-towners (about 60 people were staying at the host hotel) and locals for midwinter leather-flavored fun and games. Saturday night’s banquet, held in the back room of Tropix, was as tasteful as the classical-piano-and-string-quartet chamber music which accompanied it. A wide variety of food, well-prepared and attractively presented, was served buffet-style.
After dinner the crowd moved to the front room, where the show was presented in-the-round. Directed by Black Guard member Carl Gscheidmeier, the show was fast-paced and entertaining throughout. It’s no surprise that Gscheidmeier knows how to put on a great show—he has had a long and illustrious career as female impersonator Allison Brooks, who appeared in several segments of the show and was as stunning as ever. Also stunning was Black Guard member Ursus Torrente, who dazzled the crowd with some breathtaking high-energy dance moves.
Unfortunately, the show ran long and at 9 pm reality intruded on the fun—the front part of Tropix had to be vacated. The last two numbers of the show had to be cut, and the crowd moved to the back room again for the finale (and one of the Black Guard’s oldest traditions): the singing of ABBA’s “The Way Old Friends Do.”
After a Sunday afternoon wind-down gathering at the Brass Rail came the Sunday night Post-Wind-Down party at the Club Metro Underground in St. Paul. That evening, emcee Colin Spriestersbach announced from the stage that because of the generosity of run participants, the community and many behind-the-scenes sponsors, The Black Guard (in the last calendar year) had raised over $12,500 for local charities, including Every Penny Counts, Agape Home, Minnesota AIDS Project, Open Arms, and others.
Meanwhile, in New Orleans . . .
The same weekend that Black Frost 21 was held (February 13-15) was also the weekend of Pantheon of Leather and the Mr./Ms. Olympus Leather Contest finals in New Orleans. Minnesota had quite a presence there. The Atons were nominated for both Club of the Year and Event of the Year (for last autumn’s twenty-fifth-anniversary run). And for the first time, Minnesota sent contestants (B.D. Chambers and Renee Indehar) to the Olympus Leather Contest. Kay Hallanger, who was recently in the Twin Cities to emcee the Mr./Ms. Minnesota Olympus of Leather Contest, was there and sent me the following e-mail about the event:
“Contest was held on Sunday at Le Petite Theatre in the French Quarter. Three female and four male contestants. Female winner was Katherine, Ms. Georgia Olympus Leather; Renee was first runner up. Male winner was Charles Garrett, Mr. Florida Olympus Leather; first runner up was Paul Edenfield, Mr. Georgia Olympus Leather. Renee and B.D. did very well in answering their on-stage questions. Renee's question asked who was her leather role model and she gave kudos to Heartless. The competition was the strongest that I have seen of any of the Olympus contests. The Minnesota contestants were very well received throughout the weekend. Your community had great representation. Alan made a very generous contribution to the Pantheon cause, which was deeply appreciated by Dave Rhodes [contest/event sponsor and publisher of The Leather Journal] and the audience.” Thanks, Kay, I couldn’t have said it better myself.
New Club Officers Announced
Black Guard, installed at Black Frost 21: President, Michael Delorme; Vice President, Steve Katz; Secretary, Scott McKenzie; Treasurer, Carl Gscheidmeier.
Atons, to be installed at Installation Banquet March 15 (see event listing): President, B.D. Chambers; Vice President, Darren Holt; Secretary, Archer Madsen; Treasurer, Brian Spence.
Leather Community to Lead This Summer’s Pride Parade
Minnesota Leather Productions, producers of the Mr. Minnesota Leather and Mr. Minnesota Drummer contests, has signed on as sponsor for this year’s Twin Cities GLBT Pride Parade. They therefore receive the privilege of having the first marching spot, and they invite all leather organizations in Minnesota to join them in leading the parade. Plans also include a twenty-foot-tall float as well as the largest leather pride flag known to be constructed anywhere. Stay tuned—more details will be forthcoming.
Upcoming Leather Events
Atons present Ace In The Hole
Sunday, March 1, 6-10 pm, The Saloon
An event to spark interest in the Atons’ next run, billed as “Gopher Broke, Lucky XIII” and happening July 17-19. Free food 6-8 pm, 75-cent beer and sodas, other drink specials. $5 at the door.
Atons Installation Banquet
Sunday, March 15, 6-10 pm, Twin City Grill at Mall of America
Cocktails at 6, dinner at 7. The new officers mentioned above will be formally installed. Admission is $35 and advance reservations are required. For further information: e-mail to atonsmpls@aol.com; or visit the website at www.starbase21.com/ATONS/. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Mark Your Calendar . . .
Sunday, March 29: The Tank at The Saloon is holding a “One Year of Hard Times” Anniversary Party. Twin Cities leather clubs will be represented and Falcon Studios leather stud Steve Pierce will make an appearance. Event happens 6-10 pm in the disco, Tank doors open at 9. Free food, $5.00 optional cover for beer bust. If you enjoyed the recent Big Red Party, you’ll want to be there.
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