Pines 70th Anniversary (1953-2023)
In 2023, the Pines celebrated its 70th anniversary with a series of events to reflect on the rich cultural heritage of the community. The capstone was a FIPPOA-sponsored beach celebration featuring a live band, fashion show, and sunset performance by DJ Lina Bradford.
Photos by Krys Fox
The party was a joyous homecoming for DJ Lina, her first time back to the island in 9 years after being a beloved fixture in Pines nightlife for almost 10 years in the 2000s with the now-iconic Lina Tea and Lina’s Lounge.
The event was emotional for both Lina and her fans – at one point the crowd was cheering her name so loudly she had to stop playing music as she choked back tears. At the end of the night she thanked the Pines for their support and encouraged everyone to “put down your phones and talk to each other, love one another.”
DJ Lina chose the perfect track to close out the evening, France Joli’s “Come to Me,” a song which holds significance to the Pines since Joli performed it live at the very first Beach party in 1979 (when she was just 16 years old), returning to the island again 36 years later for a performance in 2015.
The event was held August 19th on the beach near Fisherman’s Path. The party kicked off at 4pm with live music by The Band Method and food catered by the Cull House. Joey with the Mustache DJ’d a fashion show produced by Den•i•zen which featured looks from a diverse set of community members.
Photos by Jeff Eason
DJ Lina took the stage just after 7pm and played until after sunset, at one point illuminated only by smartphone flashlights from those dancing closest to her as she played Cher’s “Take me Home” and sang along to the lyrics “music and candlelight, stars up above…” (watch video below).
The event was free and open to all, with the option to purchase a table or blanket seating to enjoy the open bar and food. Picnic tables were set up on the area closest to the dunes while the other half was reserved for blankets, creating an open layout with no ticketed fencing, a a large rainbow kite flew above.
Photos by Jeff Eason
The party was a joyous homecoming for DJ Lina, her first time back to the island in 9 years after being a beloved fixture in Pines nightlife for almost 10 years in the 2000s with the now-iconic Lina Tea and Lina’s Lounge.
The event was emotional for both Lina and her fans – at one point the crowd was cheering her name so loudly she had to stop playing music as she choked back tears. At the end of the night she thanked the Pines for their support and encouraged everyone to “put down your phones and talk to each other, love one another.”
DJ Lina chose the perfect track to close out the special evening, France Joli’s “Come to Me,” a song which holds significance to the Pines since Joli performed it live at the very first Beach party in 1979 (when she was just 16 years old), returning to the island again 36 years later for a performance in 2015.
Photos by Krys Fox
If a party’s success can be measured based on the number of smiling faces, then the party’s organizers certainly succeeded on their mission. The event was equally enjoyed by long-standing members of the community and first-time visitors to the island who were curious enough to walk to the east end.
The Pines 70th Host Committee members were Steven Alan Black, Scott Bromley & Tony Impavido, John Dempsey, Harry Hayes, Vinnie Petrarca, Nate Pinsley & Peter Kriss, Nick Politis, Annabelle Rinehart, and Crayton Robey with production by Bobby List, Guy Smith, and Adam “Papa Bear” Klesh.
Pines 70th Poster
Braulio Amado was brought on as creative director, designing the logo and illustrations for towels, t-shirts, banners, and an iconic poster collage featuring DJ Lina and figures from the Pines’s past and present.
Keepsake book
Ticketholders received a limited-edition keepsake book celebrating 70 years of fire island through a visual kaleidoscope—each spread representing a decade of Pines history, combining images from well-known artists and community members with content from the Pines Archives. Banners created from the book’s spreads served as a visual backdrop for the tents that flanked the party’s entrance.
Pictured above right is Scott Bromley, organizer of the first Beach party, standing in front of his photo on the cover of the keepsake book. Photo by John Dempsey.
Photos by Jeff Eason
Pines 70th Anniversary event calendar
The Pines 70th anniversary season featured a full line-up of events reflecting on the Pines’s rich cultural heritage:
Memorial Day and Labor Day
A Walk through History: The Shaw / Shore Walk, sponsored by Pines Historical Society
Saturday, June 3
A conversation with Jack Parlett, author of “Fire Island: A Century in the Life of an American Paradise” sponsored by The Naughty Pine
Friday, June 23
When Ocean Meets Sky - 20th Anniversary movie night and panel talk, sponsored by BOFFO
July 7-9 weekend
Souvenirs: Three Decades of Tea Dance at the Blue Whale (Est 1966), special guest DJs at Low Tea, sponsored by Pines Historical Society
Saturday, August 5
19th Biennial Art Show - Whyte Hall, sponsored by FIPAP
Saturday, September 16
A House is not a Disco sneak peek presentation with the creative team from the upcoming Pines documentary
