Ascension To The Next Level

ABOVE: When Loves Takes Ascension - Kelly Rowland performs at the beach party in 2009. BELOW: Geroge shot exclusively for Next Magazine by Wilsonmodels.
 
The sun was blazing, the music was blaring and Kelly Rowland—with the gay anthem of the summer in tow—was ready to make a surprise appearance. This formula was perfect at last year’s Ascension beach party. But how can Eric von Kuersteiner and his Fund in the Sun team follow that act this weekend? With renewed focus on the party after selling his Pines properties and a successful Bay Dance on his heels, von Kuersteiner  and his producers are ready to blow expectations out of the water with a bigger and badder party, headlined by the Freemasons. Event producer Sean Patrick Ryan shone some light on this year’s festivities.


Rumour has it that Ascension started as a marketing tool—
August was traditionally a very slow month for the Pines and Eric [von Kuersteiner] wanted to increase the flow of [traffic.] Ascension was created [in 2006] to do just that.
 
But it is much more than that now.
It has gotten bigger and better each year, with over 4,000 guests last year and an expected crowd of over 5,000 this year! The DJ and talent roster has improved. This year is the very best it’s ever been.
 
There are plenty of beach parties on Fire Island, though. So what makes Ascension special?
[It] is an amazing daytime event. We noticed when we started working out in the Pines that tea dances and earlier events were becoming a new trend. So we tried to offer an event that would suit this new time slot. Ascension has become very well known for a clean and minimalist design. We try to feature different elements each year that you wouldn’t normally see on a beach. Some of the elements that [we’ve] used in the past have included wading water pools, grassy terrains and large custom installations designed to raise a brow or two.
 
So how are you going to top last year’s party?
We have an amazing talent lineup and are featuring some very special performers like Leslie Jordan and The Countess [LuAnn deLesseps]. Not to mention, we have the hottest DJ duo in the world [The Freemasons] booked for the beach party. I don’t think anyone has any idea of just how amazing Ascension 2010 is going to be!


Why did you choose the Freemasons to DJ?
After listening to guests of Ascensions past we learned that everyone really likes fun vocal daytime beats. The Freemasons not only play just that, but they produce so many mixes and remixes of the nation’s most popular tracks.
 
Kelly Rowland really turned it out last year. Who can guests expect this year?
We are in talks with a couple different artists. If we are to have a performer at the beach party [he or she] will be huge! However, we do have Erika Jayne performing her hit song “Pretty Mess” at the Ascension Tea Dance.


Can’t wait. What are some of the other weekend highlights?
The Countess LuAnn deLesseps will be the VIP Launch Party and will treat us to a live performance of her single “Money Can’t Buy You Class.” Leslie Jordan is performing in his one-man-show From Whence I Came at the Brandon Fradd Theater in Whyte Hall and a soon-to-be-announced performer will be singing at the Float Pool Party!


There were some who argued last year’s setup blocked the ocean, the best part of being on the beach; will that change this year?
Last year was one of the coldest seasons to date. We tried to build the site so that no one would get chilly. Unbelievably, the Ascension Beach Party was the hottest day of the summer! This year, we have designed the site to be longer in order to offer more of an “ocean view”. Fortunately this summer has been record-breaking warm, so we don’t expect [the weather] to change anytime soon!


Does one have to come for the whole weekend to enjoy Ascension?
Absolutely not! Anyone can come to any one, two or all events. We’ve made sure to offer a variety of events and entertainment to attract a universal audience. From a live theater show to dancing out on the beach, there is an event sure to please! There are special party passes that allow entry to multiple events to help [you] save your hard-earned money!


Any suggestions for staying healthy while dancing on the beach in the hot sun?
Stay hydrated! Drink Red Bull to stay energized and remember to wear your sunscreen!


The event is a charity fundraiser. Who will benefit from the funds raised?
All of the net proceeds go to charity. Hal Rubenstein, Fashion Director of InStyle Magazine, helps spread the love to so many worthwhile charities, such as Friends in Deed, One Heartland, Standing Tall, Live Out Loud and our main beneficiary, The National Gay & Lesbian Task Force.    N
 
Ascension weekend runs August 13–15 in the Fire Island Pines. Visit AscensionParty.com for more info.