Archives
Pines Profile - Guy Smith (b. 1970)
Major dance parties have long held profound social, emotional, and cultural significance within the gay community. In many ways, they are rituals of freedom, resistance, and belonging, that are deeply woven into the fabric of LGBTQ+ culture. Over time, this spirit has given rise to some of the most spectacular and imaginative celebrations in the world. For more than three decades Guy Smith has been at the center of this, bringing his unique blend of technical mastery, psychological insight, and creative vision, to craft immersive experiences that evoke joy, liberation, and connection.
Fire Island Celebrity history- RuPaul
Drag Queen superstar, television personality, actor, singer, and producer RuPaul sashays to Cherry Grove to perform in 2005.
DJ Chris Camuso
As a resident DJ in Fire Island Pines for over 20 years DJ Chris Camuso brings an encyclopedia of knowledge of dance music to the floor weekly during season. In addition he creates our Halloween decor for the annual end of season Halloween party.
I will Survive by Gloria Gaynor- The history…
On January 20, 1979 Gloria Gaynor’s recording of "I Will Survive" was released and started its way up the music charts. “I Will Survive” became one of the quintessential anthems for Gay Pride that year and has held strong as a favorite of gay men everywhere.
The Wedding Gary/Owen 1983
Before the idea of gay marriage crossed any politicians desk there was the symbolic ceremonies that took place. Maybe not legal, yet affairs to remember. One such affair happened in the Pines and former Pines resident Owen Frager remembers it and the soundtrack to history by DJ Shaun Buchanan…
“Beach” Fire Island’s 1st beach party- the party that started it all. 40th Anniversary 1979-2019
In 1979 the Pines community came together to raise funds for a new fire truck. The event was called “Beach.” It was a party that was a first of it’s kind, and changed the Pines forever. In 2019 we came together to celebrate the 40th anniversary…
Fire Island DJ Don Fendley
Don Fendley’s DJ career began in New York during the late-1960s at a Fire Island Pines club called The Blue Whale at the Botel. Fendley had become frustrated with the starting-and-stopping of the Blue Whale jukebox, so he suggested to the owner that he could bring along some of his own 45s and a couple turntables.
Fire Island DJ Steven Oliveri
DJ Steven Oliveri started his DJ career when he turned 23 playing all of the clubs on Long Island. His residency on Fire Island has a long history beginning in Cherry Grove at The Ice Palace and The Monster…
Fire Island DJ Mike Borowski
We like to think of DJ Mike Borowski as SuperDJ. Mike runs from NYC to the Pines in a 24 hour period, and does not miss a beat. Literally! From his infectious smile and attitude, to the love he spreads through his music DJ Mike Borowski has become a fixture in the Pines.
Fire Island Music history- Mel Cheren
Mel Cheren was an entrepreneur, record company founder and nightclub boss who funded his lovers dream of the nightclub called “Paradise Garage.”
DJ Steve Sidewalk
He might have started as that boy from New Jersey, but today DJ Steve Sidewalk is flying high as he jets from Palm Springs to Miami, then New York City in a weekend. Come Summer he finds his way to our shores on Fire Island…
Fire Island Music History- “Hold on to my Love.”
There are many anthems that bring you back to the time you first heard them, or the person or feeling you had at that moment. '“Hold on to my love” is one.
DJ Max Rodriguez
DJ Max Rodriquez began his carreer in New Orleans. After going as far as he could in the big easy he moved to New York to study audio engineering. Spinning at Private Eyes ( later to become the Sound Factory) in the early 90’s gave him the springboard he needed to propel him into playing legendary clubs like Palladium, Limelight and the Roxy.
The Pavilion Est.1980-2004
It was the end of the golden age of the Pines. At the end of the 1979 season the beloved Sandpiper was being replaced by a new club called the Pavilion. It was an end of an era, and many in the community were not happy…
Fire Island DJ Howard Merritt
There were many DJs who added working on Fire Island to their resumes. It definitely added prestige. DJ Howard Merritt was one. Howard was a frequent visitor to the Pines as he had friends there, and would play at many house parties.
DJ Tom Savarese
The early days of disco brought many young DJs to Fire Island to test the waters. DJ Tom Savarese was one.
DJ John Ceglia
Throughout the 1980’s and 90’s a group of talented DJs made their mark in the Pines as it was as noteworthy on your resume as a New York club. DJ John Ceglia joins our rank in Pines history.
DJ Warren Gluck
DJ Warren Gluck was a creative perfectionist in life and art. His music was always well planned out with thoughtful decisions. He rose to the top of his profession leaving his mark on all that were lucky enough to experience his magic.
Music history-Tom Moulton
Tom Moulton is a record producer whose name is synonymous with the Disco music. He invented the 12-inch disco single and mix. It all happened one day on Fire Island, and changed the way dance music was played in clubs forever…