(if Elvis ever went to see Buffet, he'd dress like this)I went to my 2nd Jimmy Buffet concert ever this week. The last time I went was August of 1990, Lakewoood Ampitheatre, Atlanta GA. That concert was a part of his live album, Feeding Frenzy. I don't remember much (no, not because I was drunk/high), except having a pretty good time. And the motions to the song "Fins."
So, here I was this week, 20 years later, at Jones Beach for my 2nd concert. The crowd was older. There were lots of Hawaiian shirts and leis. I don't recall that from the last time. I remember more string bikini tops and cut off jeans from 1990. Maybe it's the toll of 20 years on those same fans? A Hawaiian shirt is far more forgiving.
But these fans were DETERMINED to have a good time. The tailgating looked like it had been going on all day. There was lots of awkward white-people-dancing. Lots of swaying.
Jimmy looked like your cool, tan uncle. He was in board shorts and barefoot.
I forgot that when you get past "Margaritaville," I still actually like some of his songs, and know a lot more than I realized. I only have "Margaritaville" on my iPod, but I really acutally like "One Particular Harbor" and a few others I had forgotten about.
I don't think I'm really Jimmy's demographic (a little too young, too dare I say "with it"), but I actually have a lot more respect coming out of the concert than I did going in. This guy's been at this for 40 years. He can sell out shows. People obviously take of days of work to see him. That's gotta say something.
He takes them to that place they imagine of frozen drinks, beaches, and no worries. I'd rather get on a plane and actually go, but maybe for some, the dream is better than the reality.
