“Idols” found at Streetcar
After 10-weeks of singing and long nights of competition, the GaYbor Karaoke Idol competition finally has its winner. Jeremiah Pagan took the first place trophy (and more importantly, the crown and sash) during the final week of singing at Streetcar Charlie’s in Ybor City. Second place went to Bear and third went to Jacqueline Larson. The contest brought in fans from throughout the Tampa Bay area to cheer on their favorites and a long list of guest judges, including our friends Mark Bias and Carrie West of the neighboring MC Film Fest.
Tribal Council holds first meeting
Mr. Gulf Coast Leather 2009 Matt Wolf wants to unify the area’s leather community. That’s why he started a local Tribal Council. (Don’t judge: it sounds better than Café Klatsch). According to Wolf, the new group will focus on mainstreaming the leather community while holding events throughout the Tampa Bay area and beyond. The first meeting of the council was held on Feb. 12 at the Reservoir Bar and members discussed a mission statement, logo and future plans.
Chmura holding his own
Tampa Bay’s newest reality star is more than holding his own. Fashion designer Ben Chmura is gaining more face time on Lifetime’s Project Runway and has started wowing the judges with his sci fi inspired dresses. On the Feb. 11 episode, the designers’ much-desired prize was to have their look worn by Heidi Klum on the cover of Marie Claire magazine. Chmura created a striking and colorful Japanese inspired dress that was praised by Klum, designer Michael Kors and Marie Claire fashion director Nina Garcia. He barely lost out to gayest-of-gay Anthony Williams, whose turquoise cocktail dress was tailor made for Klum. But five episodes into this seventh season, the low-key but very likeable Chmura appears destined to hang around for awhile. We’re predicting he’ll outlive Williams, who’s been in the bottom three more than once.
