If you've ever picked up an old-fashioned shaving brush, there's a good chance you already knew about Mark Herro, aka Mantic59, by the time OnMilwaukee.com introduced you to the Oconomowoc native back in January.
Herro, who now lives in Texas, is the grooming guru who has self-produced dozens of YouTube videos on the art of wetshaving, from how to use a badger hair brush to how to operate a double-edged safety razor to how to build a great lather.
Sometimes, partnerships are struck up from the least expected places, and since this summer, OnMilwaukee.com and Herro have worked together to launch Mantic59's brand new Web site, Sharpologist.com.
To celebrate, on Saturday, Nov. 12, we're bringing Mantic to Milwaukee for a very special event at Stag Barbershop, 3064 S. Delaware Ave. From 3 to 5 p.m., Herro will lead an informal seminar about blade angles, proper lathering technique and more.
Think of it as a chance to get together with 50 guys and learn "what your father didn't teach you about shaving," as Herro tags his videos. From basic to advance techniques to a question and answers segment, Herro will even do a live shave.
Just like watching the YouTube videos that have schooled thousands ... but in person.
For $20 (and seats are very limited), you get a loaded bag of high-end goodies, entry for great raffle prizes, free beer from Old Milwaukee and happy hour food and beverages from Hector's Mexican restaurant. On top of that, an award-winning bootblack (yes, really) will be offering $6 shoe shines during the event.
It's pretty much a sure thing that you'll leave happy.
"I'm excited to be speaking at Stag Barbershop," said Herro. "This is a chance for me to combine talking about my shaving passion with a homecoming of sorts, as it has been a few years since I have visited the state I was born and raised in."
"And we're excited to show off the shop to Milwaukee's wetshaving community," said Jess Stern, the owner of Stag. "Plus, we love a good party."
Sponsored by The Brass Rooster, PBR and Old Milwaukee, Hector's and Baxter of California, and with support from The Pfister Hotel, the swag and snacks alone justify the price of admission – not to mention the opportunity to mix and mingle with a YouTube legend.
Again, space is very limited, so call (414) 489-7824 to reserve your spot. We'll see you there!
Andy is the president, publisher and founder of OnMilwaukee. He returned to Milwaukee in 1996 after living on the East Coast for nine years, where he wrote for The Dallas Morning News Washington Bureau and worked in the White House Office of Communications. He was also Associate Editor of The GW Hatchet, his college newspaper at The George Washington University.
Before launching OnMilwaukee.com in 1998 at age 23, he worked in public relations for two Milwaukee firms, most of the time daydreaming about starting his own publication.
Hobbies include running when he finds the time, fixing the rust on his '75 MGB, mowing the lawn at his cottage in the Northwoods, and making an annual pilgrimage to Phoenix for Brewers Spring Training.
