Fire Island Pines

(A view of the damage to the Pavilion, C.F. LaFountaine, Sip N’ Twirl and the Pines Bistro in the Fire Island Pines)
 
Facebook exploded last night with a slew of announcements, photos and rumors surrounding a multiple-alarm fire on the dock in Fire Island Pines. As vacationers and residents scrambled for facts, gossip mills also began to swarm. While the fire has been put out, damage to iconic buildings—like the new Pavilion and Sip N’ Twirl—is extensive. After the jump, a collection of news, facts and gossip on this devastating and saddening event. continue reading »

(Martina Sorbara of Dragonette performing on the Fire Island Pines beach)


After hosting an appearance by Kelly Rowland for a performance of her Song of the Summer “When Love Takes Over” in 2009, the Ascension Beach Party had some big expectations to live up to. So when they announced Canadian electro-pop band Dragonette, with their super-fun summer single “Hello,”  would be this year’s special guests, it seemed the perfect choice. And while the band didn’t disappoint, it was lead singer Martina Sorbara’s flowing arm hair, not the performance, that the boys couldn’t stop talking about. No matter, Sorbara was so fun—she grabbed our camera and filmed the crowd for us during her song!—we kind of just love her all the more for it.

Watch it after the jump>>>

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(Drag Queen @ Invasion of the Pines 2011)

It may not have been the sunniest July 4th on record, but that didn’t stop hundreds of gay dudes and the Long Island locals who love them from gathering on Fire Island for the 35th annual Invasion of the Pines.

We started our day in the Cherry Grove, toasting the queens as they lined up at The Ice Palace to embark on the 15-minute ferry ride to The Pines. The bar’s pool deck and massive dance floor were a mad crush of glitter, feathers, rhinestones and grease paint—not to mention, like, four photographers for every queen. NYC nightlife peeps Robert Maril (a.k.a. DJ Executive Realness), Daisy Spurs Liz Riga and Brian Maci, go-go boy Richert Rockit Schnorr and Sir Sabrina Haley were all on hand to see the queens off. As we made our way to The Pines, we passed Daniel Nardicio, Go-Go Harder, Darlinda Just Darlinda, go-go boy Jay Roth and company, all decked out in wigs and glitter for the ferry.

FULL STORY AND PHOTOS AFTER THE JUMP!>>

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(The Invasion @ The Fire Island Pines Harbor)

With a boat filled with glitter, sequins, synthetic hair and wig glue, the drag queens of Cherry Grove came barging into the Pines harbor to bring the orange, yellow, green and purple hues missing from Independence Day's drab red, white and blue. This year’s Invasion featured fan-favorite gender illusionists and newbies alike, strutting down the pier in a rainbow of themes. Winning best group was 2010: A Space Goddessy which included Logan Hardcore as Judy Jetson, Chandalier as Chewbacca and Porsche as Princess Leia.

FULL STORY + PHOTOS & VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP! >>

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(Clement Kai Lee, DJ Vito Fun & Jessica Resler @ the Blue Whale)

With the opening of the revamped Fire Island Pines Pavilion and its newly integrated staircases and plein-air feeling, the boys on vacay have more reasons to drop by than just High Tea at the View Deck and low carbs at the Pantry. With the influx of people over Memorial Day weekend, a new midday Saturday pool party debuted, with DJ Vito Fun spinning and plenty of sun and fun around the Blue Whale’s pool deck. Fun, who wore a testicular tee for the occasion (see above), has been spinning on the island since 2007 and is totes in love with girlfriend Jessica Resler whose brand strategy firm, Muffin Cupcake,  now reps the Pines. The premier installment of the swim soiree included a bar-top performance by “My Menorah” diva Chevonne (see video below). “The new Pavilion is fully ready and functional for more of a party [feel] rather than an 'exclude-people' atmosphere,” said Fun from behind the booth. “Having the Pavilion open at night, and the High Tea deck and the staircase and everyone going back and forth from the parties...It reminds me a lot of the old Pavilion, which flowed a lot better,” he added.

FULL POST AND VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP! >> continue reading »

(Seth Weissman)
 
Fresh out of our inbox, this statement from the creatively titled FIP Ventures, an investment group made up of Seth Weissman, Matthew Blesso and Andrew Kirtzman is announcing that they have contacted to purchase the gay island destination, confirms previous rumors that Eric von Kuersteiner had sold his beloved properties. Read the press release below: continue reading »

 
It has been rumored for months, but several sources are reporting that Eric von Kuersteiner and his life and business partner Tony Roncalli have sold the Pines Commercial Properties a.k.a. Fire Island Pines resort on Fire Island. The complex, which includes The Pavilion nightclub, Blue Whale restaurant and the Hotel Ciel, has long been the epicenter of the gay beach destination and Von Kuersteiner had grand plans to turn the humble island community into a high-end destination. But recent economic hardship and community resistance had put strain on von Kuersteiner's plans.
 
It is rumored that 20-something entrepreneur Seth Weissman [UPDATE: See Gawker's recent profile here] has made a bid for the real estate.Nothing is known about the byers plans for the spaces. This is a breaking story and we will continue to deliver the news as we receive it.
 
We have learned that while the deal has not been closed, the deadline for withdrawal  has passed. He hear that von Kuersteiner will still own the Ascension Party, the dock and freight service.

Unconfirmed sources  are claiming Pines real estate agent Jon Wilner is brokering the deal. His office and Weissman had no comment on the situation.