Morabito on Community, Connection, and Four Decades Behind the Decks
Morabito
Few DJs can speak about dance floors with the perspective of someone who has spent more than four decades behind the decks. Since beginning her career in 1982, Morabito has become a beloved fixture of queer nightlife, with appearances everywhere from legendary New York institutions to Fire Island's most celebrated gatherings. Yet what comes through most clearly in conversation is her enduring belief in the power of music to bring people together in the present moment.
As UltraMaroon prepares for its Pride celebration, Sainte Francis caught up with the veteran DJ to reflect on some of the standout moments from the past year, the communities that have shaped her career, and the friendships, dance floors, and musical discoveries that continue to inspire her 44 years after she first started playing records.
Sainte Francis
Such a pleasure to talk to you! And very excited to have you for UltraMaroon Pride. What have been some of the highlights of 2026 so far?
Morabito
The biggest highlight of the year was playing at Stereo in Montreal.
I've wanted to play there since it opened. Stereo is the Carnegie Hall of clubs. The sound system is flawless, the flow of the room is excellent, and there are no cell phones. That changes everything. People are so much more connected to each other and connected to the music.
It was my first time playing there, and I played from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. The whole night was a highlight for me. This is still the best sound system I've ever played on.
It’s like asking a singer where they want to perform most, and they say Carnegie Hall because of the acoustics. You’re hearing music the way it’s meant to be heard.
Sainte Francis
That’s incredible, especially given your résumé—you’ve played everywhere from Twilo and Tunnel to Sound Factory, Limelight, Palladium, and so many other iconic rooms. For folk that may not know you, could you share a bit about your journey as a DJ and how it all began?
Morabito
I've been playing for 44 years. I started in 1982 and moved to New York in 1987.
There have been a lot of highlights over the years. Playing Twilo was a highlight. Playing the Palladium was a highlight. Playing Saint At Large parties were highlights. Pavilion nights were highlights. The two Pines Parties I played were also huge highlights for me.
Sainte Francis
Right, you’ve had a front-row seat to dance music culture evolving over decades. What stands out to you the most when you think about how things have changed?
Morabito
Back then, better sound system were more common and there were no cell phones.
I know that sounds simple, but it’s true. To me, music is the most important thing in a club, but the sound system is what makes you actually feel it the way it’s supposed to be heard.
And phones are a distraction. For the people using them, and for everyone around them.
The best dance floors are the ones where people are present—connected to the music, connected to each other, and in the moment.
Sainte Francis
You’ve also had a long history within queer nightlife and community spaces, particularly during the AIDS crisis. What stands out when you think back to that time?
Morabito
The whole circuit started as fundraisers for AIDS benefits. The boys were dying, and all of these parties started happening across the country. Most of them were benefits, and the money went to organizations helping people living with AIDS. The Morning Party was a big Fire Island fundraiser. When that ended, the Pines Party became another major one. Community was really at the center of everything.
Sainte Francis
That early Fire Island ecosystem really feels foundational to all of this.
Morabito
It was. That was really the beginning of it all.
Sainte Francis
And Pines Party specifically—you’ve mentioned it as one of the big highlights in your career.
Morabito
My first Pines Party was in 2014, and it was a really important moment for me.
Sainte Francis
Who were you playing with that year?
Morabito
It was me, and Chus & Ceballos.
It was also the first year they got rid of the canvas covering over the dance floor.
Sainte Francis
Oh wow—so fully open air?
Morabito
Yes. And it was beautiful. There was mist coming off the ocean, everyone was dressed in white, and the whole atmosphere felt magical.
The theme was South Pacific.
I had just gone through my rebranding from Susan Morabito to Morabito around that time, so it was a really meaningful moment for me personally too.
Sainte Francis
That sounds like a big turning point.
Morabito
It was. It was the first time I really felt fully integrated into that space in that way.
Then I came back two years later and closed the party.
Sainte Francis
And when you came back that second time, did it feel different?
Morabito
It felt very community-driven both times.
The Pines Party has a really strong feeling to it. The whole weekend is uplifting, warm, and welcoming. You’re surrounded by a lot of people you know and love.
It’s also one of the best-produced events I’ve ever played. The lighting, the space, being outside under the sky—it’s all part of it.
And Fire Island, in general, is like that. There’s a rhythm to it. When you cross over on the ferry, for many people, their cares begin to drift away and reality is left behind. The pressures of work and the responsibilities of city life seem to disappear, replaced by a sense of freedom and escape. Time takes on a different quality out there; days blend together, schedules become less important, and, aside from tending to the responsibilities of maintaining a house, it can feel like being on a continuous vacation.
The island is especially conducive to forming strong connections because of its unique social culture: Tea, nightlife, pool parties, after-parties, dinner and cocktail parties, and, for many of the boys, playful shenanigans. The social fabric of the island encourages people to see one another repeatedly throughout the day, night, and across the season. Those shared experiences and frequent interactions foster a sense of familiarity, trust, and connection that can be difficult to achieve amid the pace and distractions of everyday life.
Sainte Francis
That sense of continuity and community really feels like it carries into UltraMaroon as well.
Morabito
It absolutely is.
UltraMaroon feels like an extension of Fire Island. When I go, I know I’m going to see a lot of the same people. I love that people show up with intention. They dress how they want, whether it’s simple or elaborate. It feels expressive.
The hosts are great: creative, welcoming, friendly. The crowd reflects that energy.
It’s diverse too, which I appreciate. Sometimes the queer scene can feel very homogenous, but UltraMaroon feels like a mix of people. It feels open.
Sainte Francis
What’s keeping you inspired right now?
Morabito
I still love my job after 44 years.
Music is always changing. That’s what keeps it exciting.
I’m also lucky. I have great friends, really amazing friends. People I trust. People who keep me in check. Many of those relationships go back a long time.
And I’m working on a music project I’ve wanted to do for a while. I don’t want to say too much yet, but it’s a remake of something I’ve been thinking about for years. Hopefully I’ll finish it by the end of the summer.
Sainte Francis
You’ve got a packed summer ahead. What are you most looking forward to?
Morabito
I’m at the Pavilion on Saturday, July 4th. Then I’ll be back for my two traditional events: Pines Party Sunday, which will be my 9th year, and Labor Day Sunday, which will mark my 25th year doing that event.
I’ve also got a private Fire Island house party, some dates in Provincetown, and a trip to Seattle.
It’s a full summer, but I’m grateful for it.
I’m playing places I want to play, for crowds that are receptive. That’s really all you can ask for.
Sainte Francis
You’re no stranger to UltraMaroon, certainly, but for someone who might be experiencing you behind the decks for the first time this Pride, what’s something you’d want them to know about you or your approach as a DJ?
Morabito
I never know exactly what I’ll do, DJing it’s an interactive spontaneous art form, but considering it’s an Ultramaroon Party, and for Gay Pride, the music I will pull for the event will be on the lighter, uplifting celebratory side.
Catch Morabito with Michael Cignarale at UltraMaroon Pride on Friday, May 25 at Eden NYC.
