Paul Downey Wins Title of Mr. Healdsburg 2013

What trumps a ribbon twirling sexy fireman, a grilling chef, a singing Jack Benny, an African tribal dancer, and two talented musicians, to win the Mr. Healdsburg contest? Why a 74-year-old Mr. Basso Profundo, aka Paul Downey, singing an aria to a standing ovation, of course.

The winner was chosen by a combination of judging, votes and audience dollars in five competition segments: talent, beachwear, formalwear, interview and audience vote.

The contestants were:

The winner, Paul Downey, Mr. Basso Profundo is a retired banker. He has a wonderful, wide-ranging singing voice with great temperance. He excelled in the interview and showed off his very lean legs in the bathing suit contest.

Daniel Gene Bishop III, Mr. Sambino was the “License to Grill” chef. He is the chef at Ravenous.

Ronald Du Preez, Mr. Afrikaans was the African tribal dancer. By day, he is the general manager and winemaker at Draxton Winery.

Brandon Hassur, Mr. Crazy Famous played guitar and his grandparents did a wonderful series of dance steps to his music. He is a professional musician with the band Crazy Famous.

Mark McKenzie, Mr Mulligan did a rousing Jack Benny singing “September Song” and then brought out his kilt for both dress and bathing suit competitions. McKenzie is an entertaining waiter a Bistro Ralph’s when not on stage.

Chris Rovetti, Mr. Hotlicks a talented and varied musician played a number of songs on various instruments throughout the evening. He is the founder and lead singer of the Rovetti and Meatball band and proprietor of Land and Lawn landscaping and maintenance business.

Eric Smith, Mr. Hot Stuff was a ribbon twirling dancer. He is a sexy firefighter and Santa Rosa Junior College student in the Fire Technology program.

Judges were: Anne Mackenzie, Megan Baccitich, Faya Ashton, Pamela Deas, and Melanie Gentry. “The talent was outrageous,” said Gentry after the show. It seemed everyone enjoyed the show and was encouraged to nominate next year’s contestants.

Many previous Mr. Healdsburgs were present in the audience as Chris Herrod, Mr. Healdsburg 2012, gave up his beloved title to the new Mr. Healdsburg.

Producer Carol Noack thanked sponsors Wilson Artisan Wineries and Bear Republic, and did a wonderful serenade of “You’re the Healdsburg Rose” to contestants. Emcee for the evening was the effervescent Ms. Samantha Vega.

Mr. Downey will reign as Mr. Healdsburg throughout the year, leading parades and kissing babies. Congratulations.