Parrothead Invasion

November 8, 2009

Peter Mayer



Howard Livingston

Parrothead Invasion

Bill Wharton

The weekend after Fantasy Fest in Key West is reserved each year for an influx of Parrotheads who hold their annual Jimmy Buffett fan convention, The Meeting of the Minds on the island. Literally thousands of mostly middle-aged, often pudgy and somewhat pasty people arrive from the north, in search of the mythical tropical island lifestyle that is espoused in Jimmy Buffett songs.



Peter & Jim Mayer



They are a friendly bunch and they certainly enjoy a libation or two, easily standing out in their funny hats, Hawaiian shirts and their convention credentials draped around their necks. Many locals seem to despise them for some reason, I can’t figure out the origins of the many negative comments that I hear from friends because they are a harmless lot. In fact they not only add needed dollars to the bottom line of our local economy, they also donate a tremendous amount of funds to local charities.



It is through their charity work that I first started attending the convention about 12 years ago, as Reef Relief was one of the charities they supported. While I no longer work for Reef Relief, I have kept signing up as an attendee, even though I am not a parrothead in the truest sense. The reason is that they bring a fantastic array of music to the island for the week and they know how to throw a great party. In addition to occasional appearances by Jimmy Buffett himself (he was a no-show this year), they bring in all sorts of great trop rock bands, members of the Coral Reefer band and more, putting on concerts and performances at many venues around town.

Peter Mayer



The first night featured a stunning good show at The Studios of Key West by Peter Mayer, who is a member of Jimmy’s Coral Reefer Band. Peter & his brother Jim recently released an entire CD of Beatles songs that they reworked and rearranged and the show featured them performing these songs in the sold-out (two shows) at the Armory.





The intimate setting and familiarity of the crowd with the Beatles tunes as well as the rabid parrothead following that came to the show, made for a spectacular performance. We were thrilled to have been able to see the incredible show. For those in Key West, Mayer will be returning to TSKW for an encore show in January and I would suggest rushing out and getting tickets.

Club Trini



Shannon & Carla

The next night was at the beautiful beach stage at the Casa Marina and we saw performances by the Boat Drunks and Club Trini, which is basically the Coral Reefer band sans Jimmy. While the Boat Drunks were decent, Club Trini was sadly terrible and we actually left early.





Friday afternoon, was the Parrothead street party on Duval, headlined by Howard Livingston & the MM24 band. Howard lives just up the Keys and has been getting increasingly popular as his light, fun beach inspired music catches on. Watching his performance from the perfect vantage point of the Spottswood Law offices, it is easy to see why Howard is enjoying so much success. He was fantastic, easily one of the highlights of the weekend.

Teri & Jerry



Gae

Mike



After Howard’s show it was over to the Green Parrot, where The Sauce Boss- Bill Wharton was whipping up some blues music and his traditional Gumbo for the packed soundcheck audience, performing from the stage, atop the bar and even heading out into the street outside the bar.



Bill Wharton

Peter Mayer website

Howard Livingston website