Frankie Goes To The Pines
After a few delays, Frankie Sharp brings Westgay to the Pines.
August 14, 2013
Jake Shears and Frankie Sharp at Westgay
When Frankie Sharp announced this spring that he was bringing his über-popular Tuesday night party, Westgay, to Fire Island on a monthly basis this summer, it was big news. Something different in the Pines; some new blood pumping through the new Pavilion Nightclub. But then the predictable construction issues delayed this season’s opening of the Pavilion—newly re-built from the ground up after 2011’s devastating fire—derailing plans for Westgay events in the Pines. But with the legendary venue open for business since early July and no official word about the party, it was beginning to look like maybe Westgay wouldn’t make it to Fire Island this year.
The delay, Sharp explains, was due in part to his efforts to not just replicate his weekly party’s vibe in a new location, but to produce a truly unique event, the likes of which has never been seen in the Pines. “I wanted to be able to book some fantastic muscle and performers for Westgay Fire Island,” he says. “It was important we did it right.”
The wait will pay off on August 23, when Sharp and his crew finally invade the Pines. It’s the first of two parties he’ll throw at the Pavilion this summer, with the second coming up September 20.
Along with Westgay regulars like Xander Gaines, William Francis, Amy Cakes, The Meatballs and Juliana Huxtable, Sharp is bringing out resident DJs Nita Aviance and Jonjon Battles as well as special guest Michael Magnan. As for the live performances by underground acts that have put the party on the map, queer rappers House of Ladosha are set to play the August 23 event, while disco punk band Ssion is booked for September.
“I love Frankie’s style. I love what he does at his parties,” says Tony Fornabaio, the Pavilion’s director of promotions. “I love that there’s no attitude, but yet the party has plenty of attitude—in a good way.”
Of course, Westgay’s wild underground perspective may not exactly be the kind of party Pines boys have come to associate with the Pavilion. In the past, the venue was known more for its circuit party scene, with international house DJs fueling the dance floor. But this year Fornabaio has been tweaking the formula slightly, importing events like London’s Horse Meat Disco and New York’s Spank. “I think Fire Island needs a little kick in the butt with a little underground New York nightlife,” he says. And Westgay is part of that effort to shake up the party scene in the Pines.
“There’s just a shift in the scope of nightlife and events in [New York] and the people that travel to the island in general,” Sharp explains. The Westgay party philosophy boils down to a fairly simple sentiment: “We just don’t give a fuck.” And, according to Sharp, Fire Island is the perfect place to truly not give a fuck. “Fire Island is a total fantasy. It has that incredible feeling that anything can happen. You just want to let it all hang out. Sometimes quite literally.”
Westgay at Pavilion Nightclub, 37 Fire Island Blvd (@ Harbor Pk), August 23 at 11pm; $10 before midnight/$15 general admission. Visit pavilionfireisland.com for more info.
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