By Jeremy Carroll
C & G Staff Writer

ROYAL OAK — Noir Leather, a specialty shop known for its fetish leather goods and occasional controversies, will have street performances in front of the store on Tuesday nights throughout September and October, after city officials approved the store’s bid for a special events permit.

The special events will begin Sept. 2, and they will run from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. weekly.

Owner Keith Howarth said he wants to bring a New York-style street performance to Royal Oak.

“It will be something to catch the attention while people pass by,” he said.

The special permit passed 5-2 at the Aug. 18 City Commission meeting, with commissioners Chuck Semchena and Stephen Miller voting no on the request, both citing past problems with the location.

Semchena said he recalled a Christmas gift-wrapping exhibit that featured a simulated sex act between a Santa Claus character and a female elf.

“There are other incidents that have occurred that shows this individual (Howarth) has not earned the privilege of receiving a special events permit from the city of Royal Oak,” he said.

Mayor Jim Ellison said the business has been in Royal Oak for 25 years, and came before many others were in the city.

“(Howarth) brings a type of business to Royal Oak that isn’t for everybody, but it is for somebody, because he’s been very successful,” he said. “He has run on the edge, but that’s the nature of the business.”

Commissioner Mike Andrzejak said he’s learned over the years to expect the unexpected from Noir Leather.

“I hope nothing happens where you push our tolerance,” he said to Howarth, who was in the audience. “I wish you luck if this goes forward.”

After the meeting, Howarth’s wife, Kathleen Fegley, said they expected some pushback from the commission.

“Over the years Keith has done some pretty racy things, so we anticipated that,” she said.

Despite their past, she said they don’t intend on doing anything controversial.

“We don’t want to ruffle any feathers,” Fegley said. “We want to keep it fun.”

Among the acts scheduled are a three-piece band, Masters of Astrocuda and Battery; some baton twirlers; Creepy Clyde, who will do nursery rhymes for Halloween; and another Halloween-type act.

The performances will coincide with the store’s celebration of its 25th anniversary. The store plans a party at the Crowfoot in Pontiac on Sept. 20.

Noir Leather is located at 124 W. Fourth St. in Royal Oak. You can visit them online at www.noirleather.com.

You can reach Staff Writer Jeremy Carroll at jcarroll@candgnews.com or at (586) 279-1110.