SHINE ON YOU CRAZY BOOTBLACK

Shine On Detroit Logo

Come on you stranger, you legend, you bootblack, and shine!

Want to brush up on your leather care skills? Love the feel of able hands working the leather that encases your body? Want to meet others who love to lick boots?

Shine On Detroit is a no-pressure meet-up for bootblacks and leather lovers of all skill levels and orientations in the Motor City.

We meet quarterly at the Dovetail in Warren and reserve the back area from 6-9 p.m. Please dress appropriately for the venue. No outside food or drink is allowed, and and we ask that you patronize the cafe that we meet in.

Join us in January, April, July, and October, no matter your skill level, orientation, or experience. Or catch our talented bootblacks at leather events around town.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

Bring your openness to learn and connect, for sure. We hope that everyone will walk away from these events having learned something new or made a new connection.

If you have bootblacking supplies or leather of any flavor, bring that.

If not, we will have practice boots and community supplies, as well as attendees who may want their gear tended to.

If you want to pick up some bootblacking supplies of your own or want direction, click here for a list of what might go in a beginner’s kit.

HOW CAN I SUPPORT BOOTBLACKS?

There are a couple ways to encourage the promulgation of bootblacking in metro Detroit:

1. Support our meet-up venue!

2. Tip your bootblack! (tips on tipping)

3. Support Shadow’s efforts to get bootblacking supplies into as many hands as possible by donating here.

4. Connect with bootblacks for stand time at your events

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

April 17 – Shine On meetup
The Dovetail, Warren

April 19-20 – Ms. Liberty Contest
Liberty Bar, Pontiac
Bootblacks Shadow, Trollop, and Oz working the stands.

July 24 – Shine On meetup and bootblacking class
(Instructor and Topic TBD)
The Dovetail, Warren

October 23 – Shine On meetup
The Dovetail, Warren

UPCOMING EVENTS

Shine On Detroit is the result of a desire to sit with other folks who care for leather, swapping stories and skills toward building connection. It is a meet-up and skill share for folks to explore the art of bootblacking, as well as a way to connect bootblacks with event organizers.

April 2024 Bootblack Lab

A no-pressure meet-up for bootblacks and leather lovers of all skill levels and orientations. This meet-up will be all bootblack time, a chance to sit with other folks who love to love on leather.

July 2024 Bootblack Lab + Learn

Elevate your leather care routine with insights and inspiration from Chris, the current Michigan Community Bootblack. He will present a fun and flirty 101+ class. Lab and social time will follow.

October 2024 Bootblack Lab

Polish your skills and connect with fellow leather lovers of all skill levels and orientations. Shine On Detroit is a supportive and inclusive environment where every shine tells a story.