Archives
Season 2021… Post Covid?
With Covid-19 in the rear view mirror we moved into Season 2021 with caution, but hopeful of things returning to some normalcy.
Celebrity history- Debbie Reynolds
2015. Actress Debbie Reynolds arrives in Cherry Grove to perform at the Community House Theater.
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.
Interview with New York’s original leather daddies: Frank Olson and Don Morrison
Frank Olson and Don Morrison were among the most important founding members of the leather scene in New York City. They were famous for hosting legendary S&M-themed parties in Fire Island and their home in Manhattan. In 1970, they opened The Eagle’s Nest, New York’s premier leather bar.
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…
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.
Fire Island Celebrity history- Kay Ballard
There were many celebrities like actress Kay Ballard who were familiar with the Pines. They were part of the inner circle of closeted stars who found the haven of Fire Island a place to be themselves.
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.
Fire Island Celebrity history- Carol Channing
As a good friend to Broadway composer Jerry Herman actress Carol Channing had special access to Fire Island. From her early visits in the 1960’s to her last to Cherry Grove in 2013 she made herself at home here.
A Very Natural Thing- 1974
An important film in the history of American gay filmmaking, "A Very Natural Thing" is considered the first feature film on the gay experience made by an out gay man to receive commercial distribution. Many scenes were filmed in the Pines.
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.
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.
Art history- Jack Brusca
Many artists have found their way to the Pines. Some for fun, sex, inspiration, or all of that combined. Artist Jack Brusca was just one.
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.
Drum magazine and the Fire Island issue 1965.
Started in 1964, Drum Magazine was one of the first gay magazines to combine news and erotica. The founder and editor Clark Polak saw himself as a kind of gay Hugh Hefner. The Nov 1965 issue features Fire Island.
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.
The Copa Cherry Grove Est.1980-81
Like a shooting star The Copa nightclub arrived in Cherry Grove and lit up the night. Night life that is. Like the Pavilion in the Pines that was built on the site of the Sandpiper, it was built on the site of the former Sea Shack.