A conversation with Brent Heinz of the Ascension Fetish Ball

The Ascension III Fetish Ball takes place tonight at The Underground in Colorado Springs and it promises to be a freaky, fetishistic, and fabulous time. I had a chance to talk to promoter Brent Heinz (pictured), Mr. Leather Colorado 2010-11,  about the event and here's what he had to say.

Drew: Who is Ascension III by, for, and about?
Brent: This event series was designed to pull together people in the kink/fetish scene regardless of gender or sexual orientation and invite those who are learning more about it or maybe just curious. All of the individuals that are providing demonstrations are educators by nature and enjoy being resources for others to ask questions and experience the sensations. Participants are invited to jump in and find out what it feels like to experience some of these sensations if they want.

How kinky will things really get?
Hmmmm.....kinky? Unfortunately due to Colorado decency laws, there are limitations with nudity and penetration, but this event is more of a celebration of sensory feelings, mindsets, and pushing limits. Hopefully participants will be so turned on that they can't help but want to leave the event and get even more down and dirty. Ecstacy is an amazing gift and should be experienced as much as possible.

What is your favorite memory/scene from the previous Ascension Balls?
There is nothing more elating for a promoter than to see hundreds of people laughing, watching, becoming excited, and connecting with each other. I love seeing gay, straight, trans, bi, men, women, and small farm animals co-existing and having a great time. The image that is most burned in my mind from previous Ascension Fetish Balls was the first time we showed a flesh-hook suspension. The guy was suspended over the stage by four hooks about three feet off the ground. He had a huge smile on his face as he was swinging and then grabbed the piercer with his legs and picked her up off the ground as well. The audience went wild ... of course some people were freaked out and went to another area. There is definitely something for everyone, but some things will be seen as too extreme. That's the brilliance of this community.

What if I'm not sure if this event is for me?
There is nothing wrong with stepping out of your comfort zone sometimes. There is a possibility that you won't find something that turns you on, but the potential exists that you will walk away with a motivation to try something new or have a heightened sense of sexual awareness. In case there is any psychological damage from the event, I'm a licensed therapist and may be able to help. Don't worry, I won't use restraints unless you ask for them!

What message do you have for readers of MileHighGayGuy.com?
I am a huge fan of cyber-distribution. Online provides us opportunities to connect with ideas and people that we might not have access to otherwise. I am also a huge advocate for not getting stuck in the online vortex. Get out and connect with someone. If an event or person looks interesting, get out and experience it. Who knows? You might like it....a lot!

Anything else you would like to say?
Our community is full of inspired, talented, and creative people trying to make our environment in Colorado more exciting and vibrant. Please make efforts to support these individuals.

An Interview with Mr. Leather Colorado’s Mike Maez

An Interview with Mr. Leather Colorado’s Mike Maez
by Drew Wilson

Mike Maez is a personal trainer, photographer, and the current executive director of Mr. Leather Colorado foundation and a former Mr. Leather Colorado himself. I was able to get together with him recently to discuss the upcoming Mr. Leather Colorado contest, local leather resources in Denver, and his first piece of leather.

How did you get involved with Mr. Leather Colorado?
I was a title-holder in 2006 and had always had some interest in helping out and when Jaris Thomas stepped aside he handed the duties over to me.


What should readers of MileHighGayGuy know about the foundation?
It’s 501c3 and the titleholder does various things throughout the year to raise funds for charity. We also raise funds for Mr. Leather Colorado to go to International Mr. Leather.

When is the contest?
Actually the contest is during Denver PrideFest weekend.

I understand you are currently looking for applicants.
Yes, anybody who would like to compete is welcome. We’re looking for someone to represent Colorado’s leather community and applications are available at The Crypt, CJ's Leather, and The Denver Eagle.


How would you describe Denver’s leather community?
Denver’s leather community is very diverse and the direction seems to be moving towards an all-inclusive fetish, gear, and leather community.


Do you remember the first time you felt a connection to leather?
I remember the first time I walked into The Crypt and bought some leather. Then I went to CJ's Leather and bought some more. I just felt like I was home.

What was the first piece you bought?
A harness was the first piece I bought. That’s pretty typical. And then once you have your harness you just want more to accessorize with it.

What resources would you recommend for people who are interested in getting involved with, or finding out more about, the local leather community?
To purchase leather, CJ's Leather for sure. Carlos is great about helping people. Something off the rack from The Crypt is great as well.

For going out, I go to The Denver Eagle or the Wrangler. I’m very comfortable in leather at both of those places.


There are also several local leather organizations including Rocky Mountain Leather Alliance, Denver Boys of Leather.


What message do you have for readers of MileHighGayGuy?
The contest is at the Oriental Theater on June 19 . Come on out and do some good for the community. It’s a great way to make friends and an opportunity for someone to serve the community. Dress in leather if you want but everyone is welcome. Come support the community, support the contestants, and enjoy a great show.

Do you have what it takes to be the next Mr. Leather Colorado?

The 30th annual Mr. Leather Colorado Contest will be held this year during Pride Weekend, June 18-19 and the Mr. Leather Colorado Foundation is now taking applications for contestants.

The next Mr. Leather Colorado should be a man who can build on 30 years of Colorado Leather History and set the stage for the next 30. If you think you are that man, or know someone who is, contact Mike Maez for more details and an application.

MileHighHottie

John, Mr. Triangle 2002, at the Wrangler for Mr. Leather Colorado 2009.

Man-Upp Cigars

So the Mr. Leather Colorado 2009 contest took place this Saturday at the Wrangler and it was a great time. Part of what made it so great was meeting the guys of Man-Upp Cigars and smoking my first-ever cigar.

Which was followed shortly thereafter by my second cigar.

And lots of drinks before, during, and after those cigars.
Man-Upp Cigars is owned by a couple of guys out of Golden, Colorado. They had a table with cigars for sale in the back room behind the dance floor. The table was manned by a bunch of big, sexy guys in leather.

Always a good sales tactic.

I couldn't resist going over and saying howdy and it didn't take long for the guys to talk me into a cigar even though I've never smoked so much as a cigarette in my life. We took ourselves out on the back patio for a smoke date. The cigars were selling like hotcakes and it didn't take long before there was a full-blown cigar party going on out back.


And maybe some guys were making out with other guys and stuff but I wouldn't know anything about all that. I try to avoid scandalous behavior myself.

Anyway, if you've got any interest in cigars or guys who smoke cigars be sure to check out their website Man-UppCigars.com. They've also got a big cigar party coming up that'll coincide with the gay rodeo (Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo) this year in July.

Sounds smoking hot.

Out and About Denver: Mr. Leather Colorado 2009 photos

Here are some more photos from the 2009 Mr. Leather Colorado contest held at The Wrangler this past weekend. There were some great contestants and the place was full of hot guys in (and out of) leather who came to show their support.

Mr. Leather Colorado 2009

The Mr. Leather Colorado 2009 contest was held this past weekend at the Wrangler and five great contestants were in the running for the title.

This year's guys were Richard Manning, Roby Frank, Dallas Norton, Rick Linkletter, and Chris Newell.

The winner was Chris Newell.

"I'm really excited, flattered and nervous," Newell told me after being announced Mr. Leather Colorado 2009. "I'm fairly new to leather so it's quite an honor to have won."

Jaris Thomas and Carlos of CJ's Leather are the co-producers of Mr. Leather Colorado 2009.

"We're elated at the turnout this year and thrilled with the caliber of all of our contestents," said Carlos.