Grand Opening at The Fifth

Gerry Kelly

Renowned nightlife impresario Gerry Kelly has signed on as marketing partner with the new Fifth South Beach club, and will plan a lavish Grand Opening celebration on June 17th 2006.

Kelly, a South Beach legend with celebrities and those who want to party like them, will officially launch The Fifth with a party celebrating his birthday. Kelly's infamous birthday parties are anticipated by those in the know each year, and this year Kelly plans to out-do himself.

"I can't divulge my plans for the event yet, but I can promise it will be glamorous and decadent," Kelly said. "The Fifth is not only a gorgeous and classy club, but it's the only one in the district with its own on-site parking. Those who are tired of the circus along Washington Avenue will find this a breath of fresh air. I'm thrilled to work with owner Oliver Geddes, a man I admire greatly for his savvy and professionalism."

Located on 5th Street and Lenox Ave, just off the Macarthur Causeway, The Fifth is housed in a luxurious bi-level Art Deco space with warm, eclectic décor. The club retains a level of intimacy that makes one feel as though they were playing in a private NYC loft. Acclaimed Torontonian and nightclub owner Oliver Geddes built The Fifth with a penchant for delivering unparalleled service without attitude.

Having established himself as an international nightclub entrepreneur at the helm of the famed PACHA Empire, Gerry Kelly was the face behind legendary over-the-top parties in Europe. In 1993, commissioned to America by the lead singer of the famed Simply Red group, Mick Hucknel, Kelly headed Bash in South Beach, a nightclub opened with partner Sean Penn. Kelly's European influence at Bash was noticeable as he debuted an exclusive VIP room complete with bottle service, super models, celebrities and a velvet rope that rivaled the former Studio 54. After much success with the European concept, Kelly left Bash (1997) and began work on a new space, Shadow Lounge. The Lounge was at the forefront of music and fashion, and during Kelly's leadership Details Magazine named the lounge "Best Club in America."

Gerry Kelly with Tara Gilani at a previous Birthday Bash

In 1998 Kelly worked alongside Miami nightlife legend Chris Pacellio. Offering his talents, Kelly ran the multi-million dollar BarRoom and aided with Pacellio's conglomerations of the trendy restaurant, Joia and hotspot Liquid. Gerry was placed at the lead, accommodating celebrities like Madonna, Naomi Campbell, N'sync, Donatella Versace and Puff Daddy as regular patrons. In 1999 Kelly made a decision to bid on one of the largest nightclub's in Florida. In 1999 the bid was accepted, jump-starting Kelly's millennium with his new concept, Level. Part of a joint venture, complimented by four other partners, Kelly was the powerhouse behind 40,000 square feet of pristine Art Deco theatre, six different levels, nine exclusive VIP rooms and the most coveted DJ's in the world. The twenty-five internationally recognized awards, including best club, best sound and best lighting hardly compared to the magic of America's elite including benefits hosted by President Bill Clinton.

After celebrating four years with one of Miami's finest nightclubs and having been awarded "Best Club of the Year" by Miami New Times, Gerry Kelly sold Level to partner with Cecile Barker to bring State to South Beach. Lavishly decorated with couture gowns designed by Kelly himself, this hip night spot became favorite to music talents Jay-Z, Lil' Kim, Beyonce, P. Diddy Combs, Busta Rhymes, Jada Kiss and Cierra. Shortly after, on November 11th, 2005 Gerry opened Shine at The Shelborne. Kelly's partnership with well-known former DJ talent Jon Cowan made Shine an outstanding success.