A popular Louisville LGBT event is putting roots down in a new venue and is starting this year off with a bang.
Hard Candy, Louisville’s longest running monthly LGBT event, is set to take off again on Feb. 26 at Play Louisville bringing tons of entertainment, guests and fun to everyone.
For the past five years Hard Candy has been an entertainment-based party that brings people together in the sake of good times and great entertainment, said Hard Candy event promoter, Daniel Cole.
“I’m very excited that Play Louisville is the new host venue for Hard Candy,” Cole said. “I’ve had a great relationship with Play and its owners in Nashville for years. I was so excited when they confirmed a Louisville location last year. It’s a such a fantastic venue for the type of events I do.”
Hard Candy has also taken place at Hotel Nightclub, before it closed, and most recently Prime Lounge.
In years past, Hard Candy took place on Thursday nights, but Cole said he moved it to Wednesday because Play hosts its popular ladies night on Thursdays, and he doesn’t want to interfere with its growth. “When it comes to Play, there is no venue in Louisville that is comparable when you see their theater and dance club.”
“Last year especially, the venue was starting to become an issue because lack of space,” he said. “I think the exciting thing about Play is there is no venue in Louisville that is comparable.”
When Hard Candy began five years ago, it catered to the LGBT community when there weren’t many social event options in Louisville for the community.
“I’ve never been shy marketing it toward that audience,” Cole said. “Every effort was made to let it be known that it’s an LGBT event. I bring in acts for that targeted audience and a lot of the entertainment I do has crossed over to a straight audience, which is great.”
This month’s guests are carrying on the tradition of catering to an LGBT crowd with Milk and Laganja Estranja from season six of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
“For sometime I’ve featured a lot of entertainers from RuPauls Drag Race,” Cole said. “It’s very exciting to see people come to an LGBT event for LGBT entertainment.”
He added that the show has a crossover appeal and more people are embracing LGBT culture.
The new season premiers on Monday so viewers will have a chance to check out the show and then see the two performers live a few days later, Cole said.
Cover charges for Hard Candy are $10 for general admission and $15 for a meet and greet with Milk and Laganja starting at 9 p.m.
There will be an earlier show time of 9:30 p.m. to accommodate people who have to work Thursday morning, but there will also be an 11:30 p.m. show.
“It’s been a long but very rewarding journey doing this event,” Cole said. “I’m very grateful for Play and I think it will take the event to the next level. It’s great to be a part of something that has span this long. It’s been consistent over the years and I look forward to doing it for many years to come.”
For more information and ticket sales go to: Hard Candy's Facebook
