Jimmy Buffett

Island Fever
By Chris Carney

It’s a good thing Jimmy Buffett is a likable guy. If not, his success at, well just about everything, might engender serious bouts of jealousy. He has sold millions of albums, is one of seven authors to hit #1 on both the fiction and nonfiction charts and owns some of the top grossing restaurants in the country.

His fans, dubbed Parrotheads, continue to flock to his shows, making his tours consistent crashers of the big money party. At 60 his energy is infectious and is a hallmark of someone whose mantra “I love my job,” rings true.

“He lives the life we all want to live,” said one longtime Parrothead. “For a few hours I can get away from my dumb job, my crappy car and hang with Jimmy in the tropics.”

I hear you, the MGM Grand is pretty snazzy, but the tropics it is not. Well Mr. Naysayer, clearly you haven’t been to the Grand Garden Arena when Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band is in town. You’ll sip margaritas, join the largest karaoke troupe in the world and for a few short hours change your attitude, if not your latitude. Grab your brightly colored shirts, grass skirts and substance inspired headgear and join the party.

Published in Las Vegas Magazine 10-14-07