‘Just a Few Friends Key West’ Celebration to Honor Jimmy Buffett

The late singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett is to be honored with a celebration set for Aug. 30 through Sept. 2 in Key West, the place where he developed the signature “tropical rock” style and laid-back persona that helped make him a world-renowned musical icon.

“Just a Few Friends Key West” is to commemorate the island city’s favorite son with events including a “second line” memorial walking parade, concerts by Buffett’s musical friends and tribute bands, beach parties, walking and biking tours of the entertainer’s favorite spots, sailing excursions and other activities that recall the Key West lifestyle he chronicled in his music.

Buffett, who passed away Sept. 1, 2023, discovered the island in the early 1970s and its influence is widely credited with inspiring many of his most enduring songs, including the classic hit “Margaritaville.” He called Key West home during some of his most productive years and frequently referenced its characters, landmarks and freewheeling vibe in his lyrics.

“Just a Few Friends” is to begin Friday, Aug. 30, with highlights including the 11 a.m. reading of a Florida State Legislature proclamation designating Jimmy Buffett Day. Civic leaders, regional celebrities and Buffett fans are to gather for the waterfront reading and welcome ceremony outside his Shrimp Boat Sound recording studio in the Key West Historic Seaport.

Friday’s schedule also features a welcome party on the beach with live music by a tribute band.

The schedule Saturday, Aug. 31, recalls some of the entertainer’s classic songs with activities including a margarita bar crawl and “Blue Heaven Rendezvous” trop-rock jam.   

Events Sunday, Sept. 1, are highlighted by the Second Line Memorial Walking Parade, a procession for fans of Buffett’s music and the island lifestyle it promotes. Beginning at 5 p.m. in the 100 block of Key West’s famed Duval Street, the march is to be characterized by strolling musicians, participants wearing tropical attire and an easy camaraderie reminiscent of Buffett’s concerts. 

While taking part in the procession is free, souvenir parade passes can be purchased to benefit local nonprofit organizations.

Marchers are to proceed up Duval Street past the singer/songwriter’s original Margaritaville Store and Margaritaville Café, turn right onto Southard Street and end at Truman Waterfront Park for the exuberant Party in the Park celebration.

Set for 6-11 p.m. Sunday, the free-admission gathering features nonstop live music by talents including Will Kimbrough, co-writer of Buffett’s posthumous hit “Bubbles Up.” Attendees also can sample offerings from local food trucks and vendors, browse wares crafted by local artisans, share Buffett tales and enjoy a Key West sunset from the park.

The festival concludes on Labor Day — Monday, Sept. 2 — with a packed schedule that includes a “pencil thin mustache” contest inspired by Buffett’s song of the same name. The two final events also reference his song titles: a 5-8 p.m. “Come Monday” seafood boil and a “Nautical Wheelers” sunset tribute concert starring Roger Bartlett, the original guitarist for Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band.

Festival information, schedule and ticketing: justafewfriendskeywest.com

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