International Mr. Leather Opens in Chicago; Celebrates 30th Anniversary
Fri. May 23, 2008 12:00 AM by Kevin Wayne
international mr. leather 2007 mikel gerle
photo credit // bullmax
Chicago, IL -
International Mr. Leather welcomes the leather and fetish world to Chicago this Memorial Day Weekend.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, IML opened at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Dr., today. The world's hottest leathermen have arrived to compete for the title of International Mr. Leather 2008 Sunday night in the Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt. Andy Bell, one half of Erasure fame, will perform at the competition.
In 2007, Bell and Clarke released their ‘dance oriented' album "Light at the End of the World," which led to a world tour that same year. Once they have a chance to settle a bit after this world tour, they plan to start work on their next album and Clarke has hinted it may be a "concept album of nursery rhymes they have been working on for some time."
What has grown to be an annual tradition for thousands in the leather community, IML began in 1979 when about 400 gay leathermen gathered in Chicago.
A diverse crowd - from the experienced to the curious – will visit the popular Leather Market, open to the public from today through Monday at the Hyatt. There is a $4.00 suggested donation with all proceeds going to the Leather Archives and Museum.
This year, an added attraction, GearBlast will take place tonight in the Regency Ballroom-West Tower of the Hyatt from 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Part of the annual IML celebration is the Sunday night post-contest Victory Party, hosted once again by the House of Blues. Making his first ever appearance at IML is world-renowned Grammy nominated DJ/Producer, Tony Moran.
Chicago's Matthew Harvat will once again serve as DJ and Producer for the legendary Monday night Black and Blue Ball at Excalibur. This year we celebrate Matthew's 5th year "hosting" this award winning "sweat disco."
For more information on the 30th Anniversary of International Mr. Leather, visit www.imrl.com.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, IML opened at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Dr., today. The world's hottest leathermen have arrived to compete for the title of International Mr. Leather 2008 Sunday night in the Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt. Andy Bell, one half of Erasure fame, will perform at the competition.
In 2007, Bell and Clarke released their ‘dance oriented' album "Light at the End of the World," which led to a world tour that same year. Once they have a chance to settle a bit after this world tour, they plan to start work on their next album and Clarke has hinted it may be a "concept album of nursery rhymes they have been working on for some time."
What has grown to be an annual tradition for thousands in the leather community, IML began in 1979 when about 400 gay leathermen gathered in Chicago.
A diverse crowd - from the experienced to the curious – will visit the popular Leather Market, open to the public from today through Monday at the Hyatt. There is a $4.00 suggested donation with all proceeds going to the Leather Archives and Museum.
This year, an added attraction, GearBlast will take place tonight in the Regency Ballroom-West Tower of the Hyatt from 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Part of the annual IML celebration is the Sunday night post-contest Victory Party, hosted once again by the House of Blues. Making his first ever appearance at IML is world-renowned Grammy nominated DJ/Producer, Tony Moran.
Chicago's Matthew Harvat will once again serve as DJ and Producer for the legendary Monday night Black and Blue Ball at Excalibur. This year we celebrate Matthew's 5th year "hosting" this award winning "sweat disco."
For more information on the 30th Anniversary of International Mr. Leather, visit www.imrl.com.