Fans of Jimmy Buffet might find their lost shaker of salt in Depot Park on July 14 as the Concerts in the Park series continues with ‘Air Margaritaville.?
Michael Fedorka and J.D. Jones have been fans of Jimmy Buffett for many years.
‘I can remember seeing him at Florida State University when I was a student there,? says Jones. ‘Being from Florida has always made me feel a part of his music.?
Fedorka agrees, ‘His songs tell such great stories. The sea, the sun, the fun. It’s the lifestyle a lot of us would lead if we had the chance or the stamina.?
Dressed in tropical shirts, Bermuda shorts, island hats and other beach togs, fans from 16 to 60 transform into Parrotheads during Buffett’s concerts and escape to Margaritaville. The music, with influence from New Orleans, Key West and the Caribbean, conjures images of a laid-back island lifestyle of friends, frozen drinks and beach parties.
There is nothing quite like experiencing a Jimmy Buffett concert. That is, if you’re lucky enough to get tickets. Buffett has cut his tour dates to a minimum and this year’s concerts sell out in minutes.
What’s a Parrothead to do? In 1992, Fedorka (vocals and guitar) and Jones (guitar and vocals) formed Air Margaritaville: a musical tribute to Jimmy’s style of Caribbean soul. Since then, their act has struck a chord with Parrotheads throughout the Midwest.
From songs known by heart like ‘Cheeseburger in Paradise,? ‘Fins? and ‘Volcano? to Buffett’s classic covers of ‘Brown Eyed Girl? and ‘Jamaica Farewell,? Air Margaritaville plays the whole gammet of Buffet’s hits.
This year’s tour includes Charlie Salaz (bass), Marty Kane (drums), Mel Diaz (percussion), Tom McCovern (harmonica) and Brad Norman (keyboards.) They appeared on the Mitch Albom radio show and released their first CD, ‘Catch and Release’Live,? last June.
‘Air Margaritaville? hits the stage at 7 p.m. The Concerts in the Park series is a free series of summer concerts presented by the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce.