By next spring, local Parrotheads won’t have to wait for Jimmy Buffett’s annual appearance to live in Margaritaville — they will be able to reach that mythical place via the Boardwalk.
Last month, Buffett announced plans to team up with Resorts Casino Hotel for a $35.5 million Margaritaville complex featuring a casino, restaurant, Five O’Clock Somewhere Bar, LandShark Bar and Grill, a year-round beach bar, stores and a coffee shop that is slated to open in May.
“It is certainly no surprise to me that a huge flock of Parrotheads reside on the Jersey Shore,” Buffett says.
In the meantime, Buffett will bring a taste of the Margaritavilla vibe-to-come when he performs Saturday, Aug. 4, at Boardwalk Hall, as part of his Lounging at the Lagoon Tour.
The two-hour-plus performance by Buffett and his 10 musicians and backup singers largely will be an exercise in the familiar, with renditions of signature tunes such as “Margaritaville,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “Volcano” and “Fins,” as well as a range of covers by Van Morrison, Sam Cooke and Alan Jackson. Suffice to say, all tracks will allow for the audience to easily sway to the beat.
“Buffett isn’t about blowing you away with his on-stage energy like Bruce Springsteen or challenging you like Radiohead,” notes Adam Graham of The Detroit News, who reviewed last Saturday’s show at Comerica Park in the Motor City. “He’s about creating a lighthearted, easygoing environment, an escape from everyday troubles.”
Of course, the show on stage is only one part of the experience of seeing Jimmy Buffett. The most devoted Parrotheads use the occasion to wear bras fashioned from coconuts, grass skirts, giant flamingo hats and other over-the-top tropical gear — and that’s just the male attendees.
The party atmosphere will be further fueled by margaritas, beer and other substances being consumed in Margaritaville, with the shouts of “Awooo” likely to grow in volume by the finale.
When the lights come back on, devotees can bring home a taste of Margaritaville.
This year’s A.C. appearance by Buffett will offer plenty of new products, including a live CD-DVD from last October’s concert in Las Vegas, and online-only goodies, such as Buffett’s first digital album, “Volcano — Live 2011,” and Margaritaville, the game.
The brand also extends to everything from clothing, shoes and sunglasses, through drinks of alcoholic and nonalcoholic variety (Margarita, anyone?), through chips, dips and other food items, to outdoor furniture and sunblock.
Hopefully, a little shopping will spell Parrotheads until the next show — or the opening of Buffett’s home-away-from-home for them on the Boardwalk.
