The Sandspur

Issue date: 2/26/07 Section: Arts & Entertainment

As I pulled into the Amway Arena parking lot at 5pm on February 8th blaring "It's 5 o'clock Somewhere" it was obvious that I was a little late to the tailgating party. Parrotheads from all over Florida and all over the East coast were decked out in their
grass skirts and coconut bras singing "Wasting Away Again in Margaritaville." The party starts early with this group and continues long after the concert is over. Orlando has always been a favorite stop for Buffett and with this
crowd it is obvious why. During the concert Buffett says "I always liked coming here, I know what I'm gonna get."

With Buffett's 60th birthday past parrotheads know that his concert days are numbered and that you better get to every concert possible, I know this is my train of
thought as I am constantly checking www.margari?? aville.com to get the latest concert schedule. This stop in Orlando was a total surprise; he did a spur of the moment
mini tour of Florida.

After a couple hours partying with other parrotheads in the tropical themed parking lot it was time to head into the Amway Arena.
Although a totally different
feel than seeing him perform at an outside amphitheater the Buffett feel was still there. With beach balls flying over head Jimmy Buffett appears on stage in his usual
relaxed beach style: barefeet, yellow shorts, and a bright t-shirt.

Like usual this sold out concert was filled with everyone from 80 year old grandma's to 6 year old little girls on their dads shoulders, all singing in unison to the usuals like "Come Monday," "Changes in
Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes," and "Cheeseburger in Paradise." Buffett and his 13-member Coral Reefer Band certainly
did not disappoint the audience on this
Thursday night. Buffett remains one of the most reliable singers in the business and
although his songs remain the same, for the
most part, that is fine by his fans. Jimmy and the Coral Reefers were accompanied by a few guests. Guitarist Sonny Landreth and Little Feat keyboardist Bill Payne were on stage with to add a little spice to the usual routine. They mixed up the regular song
list with a new version of "Dixie Chicken" and did some other less known favorites such as "Grapefruit-Juicy Fruit" and "Desperation
Samba." Another nice twist was Buffett and Mac McAnally's duet version of "A Pirate Looks at Forty."

Whether you are a big fan of Buffett or not you cannot possibly go to one of his concerts and not be in a great mood afterrwards. He has the power to put all of people in the audience in an island state
of mind which is sure to last for days after the concert. Going to a Buffett concert is a lot like going to an amazing beach party that
you don't want to end until the sun comes up.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools