Jimmy Buffett
Ashley Furniture HomeStore Pavilion
October 20, 2011
It was, as Jimmy said, paradise in the desert last night.
You can sum up the Buffett's fans intentions with one simple word: party. Parrot Heads are known for relaxing and enjoying a cold one together, and the audience felt like one big family. Beach balls bounced as people decked in Hawaiian shirts, leis, straw hats and shark fins packed the Pavilion. And if you had asked any of them what time it is, they would have said, "It's still summertime!" Fin Land. Full-freaking-swing.
Guitarist Mac McAnally shared his theory of drinkativity, which everyone appreciated: put some beer in a bowl, throw in your watch, and drink it up because it's five o'clock somewhere. Amen.
Jimmy sported his "fins up" guitar strap, bare feet, an island vibe, and a long-lasting smile. There was, quite literally, a sea of fins when he played "Fins." You've got to love any artist whose fans have a dance that accompanies a special song. The tropical stage regalia set the mood perfectly.
From "Come Monday" to "Margaritaville," Buffett played all of his classics. He incorporated an impressive reference to Kim Kardashian's badonkadonk in "Off to See the Lizard" and even censored "Why Don't We Get Drunk" by temporarily changing the lyrics to "why don't we get lunch in school" to keep it clean for the Parakeets. (You know, younger Buffett fans, who aren't mature enough to grasp the alcoholic undertones of "Margaritaville.")
Buffett managed to make the show feel personal and maintain an intimate feeling, despite the massive venue. He even came out to introduce the opening band before the Coral Reefers took to the stage, which says a lot about the guy considering most artists never do that.
It seemed like nobody wanted the show to end. Make fun of Buffett all you want, but he's a showman, and his fans are dedicated. The guy has figured out an amazing business model, and you can bet that his Parrot Head fans will show up again in full force next time he returns to the Valley. I know I will.
Critic's Notebook:
Personal Bias: Ever since my stepdad started playing the album Fruitcakes at home all the time when I was 11, I've been into Jimmy's music.
The Crowd: Mostly high-spirited older folks who really know how to party and came very well-dressed for the occasion.
Overheard: "Thank you for raising and having children to this music!" - Jimmy Buffett
Random notebook dump: Tailgating was crazy, as were the outfits that people wore to the show. Kudos to the guy who was riding around the parking lot in a motorized lazy-boy adorned with a hula skirt. I loved the dedication of all the Parrot Heads that came out to the show last night.
Set list:
The Wino and I Know
Brown Eyed Girl
Off to See the Lizard
Pencil Thin Mustache
It's Five O'Clock Somewhere
Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes
Come Monday
Great Filling Station Holdup
Son of a Son of a Sailor
Why Don't We Get Drunk
Volcano
Cheeseburger in Paradise
One Particular Harbor
Use Me (Bill Withers cover sung by backup singer Nadirah Shakoor)
Migration
Jolly Mon Sing
School Boy Heart
Bama Breeze
Margaritaville
A Pirate Looks at Forty
Southern Cross (Crosby, Stills & Nash cover)
Fins
Encore:
Knee Deep
Last Man Standing
He Went to Paris
