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Fire Island Pines People- Alexandra Akira
Alexandra Akira arrived on Fire Island at fourteen years old, she would soon call this magical wonderland her second home. A love affair with Fire Island that she carries to this day. The journey began while traveling out to Long Island from her home in Connecticut as a groupie for the rock band Twisted Sister as love of music is part of her story…
Creating The Fire Island Dance Festival
Since the first performance in 1995, the annual Fire Island Dance Festival has become one of the most anticipated events in Fire Island Pines.
The Ultimate Oz Party 1995
The 1990’s brought the Benefit to Fire Island Pines. With the advent of AIDS it became clear that the community needed to join the fight. God’s Love We Deliver was just one of the many organizations that reached out to the Pines for support.
Hollywood Shore Leave Party 1985-1994
Like many parties/ benefits throughout the 80’s they created a tradition that lasted through the years. Hollywood Shore Leave is one…
Once upon a time…Almost Summer: Donna Summer in the Pines…
Once upon a time there was a singer who helped to create a sound that defined an era. Her name was Donna Summer, and here is her story of how she almost played in the Pines…
Pines/ Cherry Grove People- Rose (Bob) Levine
Arriving in Cherry Grove in 1955 Bob Levine found home. A home for not only himself, but for Rose Levine the drag alter ego he created. Cherry Grove became his stage at the Arts Projects Community theater. He decided to cross the Meat Rack to the Pines and make a name for himself there also, and did…
From the Pines with Love 1990
After the success of the first “From the Pines with Love” benefit in 1985 it was decided to have another. Beginning with a dinner at the home of Annette and Herbert Katzin. Chaired again by John Whyte with huge community support. Benefitting CRI Community Research Initiative.
Art history-Rodger Duncan
Many artists of every creative field made their way to the Pines. It’s natural setting was a haven that inspired creativity. It was only natural that they would give back to the community using their art, and so is the case with fashion illustrator Rodger Duncan. In 1989 he created the “Fashion of the Pines” poster art for the show.
From the Pines with Love 1985
With the advent of the AIDS crisis Pines business owner John Whyte felt the need for a community response. With co-chair Ron English, and using his sign off on his popular weekly column in Fire Island News “From the Pines with Love” was created.
The Parties of the Pines 1990’s
The theme parties, a tradition of Fire Island continues throughout the 1990’s.
The Pines Care Center Est. 1984
With being isolated on a island there was a need for medical aid in case of a accident or emergency. FIPPOA answered this call with the establishment of Pines Care Center in 1984.
The Parties of the Pines 1980’s
As the 1980’s era arrived the themed house party was in full force in the Pines where the access to creative was only a sequin away. The parties got bigger and so did the themes…
The Parties of the Pines 1970’s
Parties have always been a Fire Island trademark. Getting their start in Cherry Grove, theme parties were a weekly happening. There was something about the freedom of Fire Island that allowed everyone let their hair down.
The Biennial Art Show
Art has always been part of the Pines community. The beauty of the beach has inspired many. In the 70’s it became a melting pot for the creative as designers, artists, architects, and theater people found their way to the Pines.
Pinesfest 2016. The party/ benefit that almost wasn’t…
Pinesfest was the brainchild of Pines resident Greg Dyer. A New Beach Festival. September 3-5, 2016. Pinesfest was born out of the desire to carry on the incredible legacy of Fire Island Pines. Due to an impending hurricane the party never saw its true potential…
The “Ripped” Party 1990-91
Parties in the Pines have always been very detailed and planned affairs. The creative in the community would lend their talents making them almost professional as invitations were designed by graphic design artists as well as decor. The best DJs of the eras would play and record them for posterity. The Ripped Party of the 90’s was just one.
The GMHC Morning Party 1995-1997
Created in 1983 as a community answer to the growing AIDS crisis the GMHC Morning Party grew throughout the 1990’s.
Boardwalk Talk : The DJ Discussion & Souvenirs 2017
The Boardwalk Talk was inspired by a program run by then owner Andrew Kirtzman in 2011. Our topic would be a DJ discussion with the many DJs of Fire Island.
World AIDS Day…we remember.
1987. As we celebrate World AIDS Day we remember the rose ceremony that was a tradition began in the Pines as more and more from the community were lost to AIDS. Many brought a rose as a symbol of love. These were then thrown into the ocean at the close of the service…