A Night on the Town: LDG Productions brings the hype

Laura Daniel Gale longs for the days when a night out was preceded by days of anticipation, wardrobe planning and eager daydreaming. It shouldn't be a surprise, coming from the founder, producer and matriarch of Black Diamond Burlesque — tantalization runs in her blood.

This Sunday, Daniel Gale launches her newest venture, LDG Productions, with "A Night in Cuba." Through this and other upcoming events, she hopes to incorporate more of that excitement into Sarasota's events.

"Part of a great night out begins with the buildup," she says. "If my event makes you think about what you're going to wear or who you're going to go with, the actual night becomes this crescendo of your own creativity. There's no pomp and circumstance behind things anymore, and I think people are hungry for that."

Daniel Gale says LDG Productions was born out of her desire to expand on the success she's found with the Black Diamond Burlesque Troupe.

"It's really on fire right now," she says. "But there are so many other things I want to do that don't fall into that category. There's a lot of talent here in Sarasota, and I like the idea of curating a night — creating the whole happening."

Her first event, "A Night in Cuba," will transform The Gator Club into a snapshot of the lively party culture and mystique of the Caribbean island nation, featuring Cuban tres guitarist Renesito Avich, live cigar rolling by La Faraona Cigars and ceviche and Caribbean street food from Chef Darwin Santa Maria. 

She hopes to curate unique monthly events that showcase Sarasota's most talented artists, entertainers, chefs and other creatives. Plans are already underway for a singer/songwriter showcase, and she plans to work with Drag Queen Bingo when their Players Theatre contract expires this summer.

As she embarks on her new venture, a quick nod to her business card's tagline says it all:

"Everything you've ever loved but never experienced before."

IF YOU GO:

+ A Night in Cuba — takes place at 8 p.m. at the Gator Club, 1490 Main St. $10.

LDG Productions and The Gator Club present A Night in Cuba, featuring live music by Renesito Avich, tres guitarist from Cuba, with percussion accompaniment.

Event will feature live cigar rolling by Odelma Matos, owner of La Faraona Cigars as well as ceviche and Caribbean street food provided by Chef Darwin Santa Maria.

featured image by Matthew Holler