Virun Rampersad 10/29/26 Virun Rampersad 10/29/26

Pines Profile - Chris Lovito (b. 1960)

Straight, married and unmistakably Type-A, Chris Lovito hardly fits the mold of a resident of one of the world’s most renowned gay communities. Yet for fifty years Fire Island Pines has been a vital part of his life. In turn, he has played an important, sometimes unseen role in preserving and strengthening it. His is the story of a man who remained distinctly different from the community around him yet became undeniably part of it. It is a powerful reminder that belonging doesn’t require conformity.

Guest User 9/29/22 Guest User 9/29/22

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.

Guest User 4/16/22 Guest User 4/16/22

The Pavilion 2004- 2010

In 2004 longtime owner John Whyte sells the Pines properties to Eric Von Kuersteiner. Von Kuersteiner begins sweeping changes with a plan to revive the Pines and bring a new generation. With that comes a new Pavilion Nightclub changing the cornerstone of the Pines…

Guest User 12/27/21 Guest User 12/27/21

DJ Tom Savarese

The early days of disco brought many young DJs to Fire Island to test the waters. DJ Tom Savarese was one.

Guest User 8/10/21 Guest User 8/10/21

DJ Don Fendley

Don Fendley’s DJ career began in New York during the late-1960s at a Fire Island Pines club called The Pines Yacht Club. Fendley had become frustrated with the starting-and-stopping of the jukebox, so he suggested to the owner that he could bring along some of his own 45s and a couple turntables.