Winter doesn’t end for a few more weeks, but you can already smell a little spring in the air. I can’t wait for the sun to finally break through all these clouds and start to warm things up. I’ve already got my trips to Hillside and Sandy Hook all planned out!
The Philly Tattoo Convention rocked
My husband Mike and I went to the tattoo convention last month with our friends Tony and Damon and we had a blast! It was everything we expected and more.
The convention just keeps getting bigger. We went on Saturday night around dinnertime. The crowd was decent when we arrived, but the longer we stayed, the more packed it got. Hotel security even had to close off the third floor for a while because it was filled to capacity.
Since all the tattoo artists were set up on the third floor, you can imagine how the people on the second floor reacted when they blocked off the escalators. The organizers really need to find a bigger venue next year. But I have to admit, I didn’t mind being stuck in the middle of that crowd of hot, sweaty, tattooed guys one bit.
My only problem was I kept forgetting that I wasn’t at IML or MAL. I think I fell in love with about 200 men and 50 women in the first half-hour alone. There were so many drop-dead gorgeous men and women there, and everyone was showing off their body art. Throw in the beards and the piercings and it was almost too much to handle!
Liberty Bears — gone fishing
I am very sad to report that the Liberty Bears have gone on an indefinite hiatus.
Despite the success of Bears on Liberty Weekend last October, the club has been struggling with some issues related to turnout and logistical support. President Thom Caggiano said the club is not going away forever, but he cannot say exactly when they’ll return.
This marks the first time in over 20 years that there has not been an active bear club in Philadelphia.
The Liberty Bears’ website, Facebook page and Yahoo group will all remain online and will be used to disseminate information about other regional bear events. Watch these sources for information about when the Liberty Bears may be ready to host activities once again.
Here’s wishing that day comes very soon. I sincerely hope this break is a short one and that the Liberty Bears come roaring back to life better than ever. Blue Collar Boot Lust
On Feb. 19, the Keystone boys of Leather will present Blue Collar Boot Lust, their signature party, at The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St. The ice and snow has finally receded, so haul out your boots and stomp on down to The Pit Stop. The boys will give them the attention they need and get them shined right back up.
They’ll also have specials and other surprises, so get your gear on and come out to party with Philly’s favorite boys! Check out their Facebook page for more information.
Congratulations, PGN!
I want to take a moment to congratulate PGN on its 35th anniversary issue. In 1976, I was in second grade at Foulk Road Elementary School in Wilmington, Del., and that summer I remember taking my first trip into Philadelphia.
It took me until the early ’80s to find and pick up my first copy of PGN. I never would have dreamed that I’d get the chance to write for them one day. PGN was a beacon of hope for me back then, and I hope they continue being one for future generations for many years to come!
LOCAL CLUBS & EVENTS — KEYSTONE BOYS OF LEATHER: Meetings every third Thursday at The Bike Stop, 7:30 p.m. Next meeting: March 17. www.keystoneboysofleather.org — PHILADELPHIANS MC: Meetings every first and third Monday at The Bike Stop, 7:30 p.m. Next meetings: Feb. 21, March 7 and 21. www.philadelphiansmc.org — WOOF! PHILLY: Every Sunday at 5 p.m. at The Gold Club, 1416 Chancellor St. www.woofphilly.com
Questions? Comments? Contact Jim at [email protected].