Gerry Kelly Returns
Gerry Kelly. It’s a name synonymous with Miami nightlife.
He was there when Madonna and Sly Stallone ran this town. Before hip-hop reigned and shows like Jersey Shore became the main attraction. Chances are you’ve partied at one of his hotspots. Kelly’s resume includes stints at former nightclubs Bash, Shadow Lounge, Level, The Fifth, Karu & Y and most recently, MI-V1, which closed in June.
His most recent endeavor brings Kelly back to South Beach where he will be running the show at Club Lux. Kelly’s no stranger to Lux – it’s the old Liquid, a popular nightspot he ran with Chris Paciello. On Saturday, Sept. 25 Kelly and his friends will throw a bash to celebrate his arrival. We chatted with the party king who told us what it’s like being back on the beach and what really went down at MI-VI.
What are your plans with Lux?
Lux, which has two levels, is getting a facelift. The downstairs [slated to open in late October] will become an exclusive lounge that revolutionizes technology. The sounds and lighting are going to be cutting edge, and we will have the latest in 3D and LED software. The upstairs has been completely renovated. It’s very elegant now. We’ve added new pine floors and beautiful artwork. Upstairs there are four bars, three VIP rooms, a performance stage and a very exclusive side bar. That’s where the who’s-who will go to party.
What kind of parties can we expect?
We have a wide variety of parties coming up. On Wednesdays, we’re throwing a party called Sweet. Fridays will continue with the 400 Club, an urban elite scene. Saturdays will be different themed parties and in mid-October I’m working with Edison Farrow to promote a gay night on Sundays. Coming up, America’s Top Model Anchal Joseph will host a party Oct. 2. I’m also hosting my annual Studio 54 party and Theatre of the Vampires Halloween bash Oct. 30. Lux will also be a multi-use facility that can host private and corporate parties including weddings, Bar Mitzvahs’ and video shoots.
Do you ever get tired of the party scene?
Nightlife for me is a passion. It’s something that drives me daily. I love being creative. As a former fashion designer, [working in the clubs] gives me a chance to produce over the top events. I’ve been known over the years to host wild and extravagant parties. It’s that combination of the desire to design and entertainment that keeps me working. It’s like eating, now it’s become a daily routine for me. Anyway, I can’t be idle, I’m way too compulsive.
What happened at MI-VI?
The bottom line is the new owners of Gulfstream illegally evicted us in a chaotic fashion, without any notice. MI-V1 Corporation and [Kelly] have filed a lawsuit citing illegal evicition and damages.
So are you worried about the future?
My history of nightlife has been pretty consistent. A lot of nightclubs in South Florida have investors that only come in for two to three years. I worked at Bash and Shadow Lounge until they were sold. Level was one of my longest [1999-2003] until we sold it. There are very few nightclubs that stay open long, let alone 10 years. In this business, you have to constantly change and reinvent yourself so you can move on to the next project. Lots of clubs come and go, the key is to know what you’re doing regardless of location.
What are your secrets to success?
As I look back on my career, I feel proud of what I achieved. I’ve done it all. What I’ve noticed in South Beach is that people want variety, but they also like to go where they are treated well. People have hundreds of choices where they can go. As an operational officer, I have an obligation to the people that come to my club. I’m honored when they choose me and I show that gratitude. It’s one of the reasons that 19 years later, I still have a loyal following.
This story was originally published September 22, 2010 at 2:09 AM.