Kentucky Derby Party At Shade Hotel Redondo Beach Review

South Bay Promoter Berry Bly Throws A Lively & Fun Rooftop Bash

By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com South Bay Lifestyle & Nightlife Blogger

The girls arrived in their stylish dresses and big hats. The guys wore odd-looking checkered suits topped with hats, both of which they would dare only wear once a year for a special occasion.

And at the peak of it, both were dancing to the DJ and getting down faster than the sun was setting over the harbor.

This was the scene at Berry Bly Productions’ 2018 Kentucky Derby party, held at Shade Hotel in Redondo Beach, CA. Churchill Downs it was not but most people would have preferred to be here anyway. While the rain poured at the Derby, it was warm and sunny at Shade and its rooftop deck was a party that would make the Derby proud.

The event was close to if not right at its capacity of 600, and two levels of the hotel’s event space were taken for the party. By far the liveliest place was the top floor with views over King Harbor Marina, tho most of the best views were at the party itself.

After all, the girls looked outstanding in their high-fashion dresses and high-style hats. And high heels. The gents, for a change (the South Bay men are not usually known for their wardrobe) stepped up to the starting gate, too.

People started arriving by 2 yet it wasn’t until the actual Derby – shown on portable large-screen TVs – started at 3:30 did things get crazy. Afterward, it was like as big celebration. It was so much fun it almost seemed as if it was a victory party for Derby winner Justify.

And except for a couple who showed up in a Mexican dress and a mariachi band member, the fact it was also Cinco de Mayo barely registered on anyone’s party meter. And that’s saying something in the South Bay.