17th Annual Parrot Heads Convention “Bar Stools and Beach Chairs” Oct 30th - Nov 2nd
When Jimmy Buffett discovered Key West in the early 1970s, he couldn’t have known that he would inspire millions of people to share his love for the easygoing subtropical island. Thursday through Sunday, Oct. 30 through Nov. 2, more than 3,000 fans of the legendary singer, songwriter and bestselling author will flock to Key West to celebrate their hero’s music and the lifestyle it promotes.
The 17th annual Parrot Heads in Paradise Meeting of the Minds Convention, titled “Bar Stools and Beach Chairs,” offers a packed schedule of live music, parties, charity events and camaraderie for the fans named “Parrot Heads” after the colorful headgear they often sport at Buffett’s concerts.
Key West, the entertainer’s home during some of his most productive years, is credited with inspiring his hit song “Margaritaville” as well as albums such as “A1A,” named for the highway leading to the island city. His lyrics are rich in references to Key West spots such as Fausto’s Food Palace, the Blue Heaven Restaurant and the Chart Room Bar. His songs memorialize Key West characters like Captain Tony Tarracino and the late Phil Clark, whose real-life exploits unfold in “A Pirate Looks at 40.”
In the mid-1980s Buffett founded the Margaritaville Store in Key West’s Lands End Village. Today located on Duval Street beside the entertainer’s Margaritaville Café, it remains one of the island’s most popular visitor destinations and a mecca for Parrot Heads.
The flock’s 2008 convention is to feature concerts by Buffett band members and musical friends as well as Parrot Head favorites. Other highlights are to include beachside performances, charity auctions, a street festival with live music and an oceanfront “Beach Bash” at the Casa Marina Resort, 1500 Reynolds St., the convention’s headquarters.
In addition, in support of Margaritaville’s mock “Buffett For President” campaign, the entertainer’s vice-presidential running mate is to be chosen during the convention. The candidate who raises the most money for the Keys’ Monroe Association for Retarded Citizens will become the VP pick.
While Buffett occasionally makes a surprise visit to Key West for the convention, members of his Coral Reefer Band are definitely scheduled to showcase their talents. Among them are keyboard master Michael Utley and steel drum wizard Robert Greenidge, headlining the band Club Trini, and multitalented guitarist Peter Mayer.
Other scheduled performers include Scott Kirby, Howard Livingston & Mile Marker 24, Tropical Soul and John Frinzi.
Most convention activities are open only to registered members of Parrot Head clubs, but the public is invited to attend the Margaritaville Street Fest, planned for 1-6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, adjacent to Margaritaville at Duval and Fleming streets.
Street Fest entertainment is to be provided by Club Trini, Tropical Soul with Scott Bryan, a former member of Sheryl Crow’s band, and the Boat Drunks. The event is sponsored by the Paradise Charitable Foundation, created to oversee Parrot Heads’ community-based social, philanthropic and humanitarian efforts.
In fact, as well as sharing an appreciation for Buffett’s music and the Caribbean atmosphere it promotes, Parrot Head club members focus on charitable, environmental, educational and humanitarian activities. Since 2002, members of the more than 200 national and international Parrot Head chapters have contributed more than $13 million and almost 2 million volunteer hours to local and national charities.
For more information about the Parrot Heads’ convention in Key West, visit the Meeting of the Minds section of the Parrot Head clubs’ official Web site at www.phip.com.
For information about lodging in Key West, call 1-800-LAST-KEY (800-527-8539) or visit the Keys Web site at www.fla-keys.com.
