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Buffett hits all the high notes and creates a mythical, magical night in Charlottesville Date published: 11/19/2009 By Rob Hedelt CHARLOTTESVILLE --Musician Jimmy Buffett jokes about being a kid who refuses to grow up, an entertainer grooving on an endless summer where life is one big party on stage and off.But here at John Paul Jones Arena Tuesday night, if you looked beyond the palm trees, the hula-dancing singers and the beach video on a backdrop screen, you found one of the hardest working men in show business. Sure, strumming a six-string and singing tunes like "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere," "One Particular Harbour" and "Fins" isn't exactly digging ditches. But taking the stage the minute the show was supposed to start, launching a 150-minute set that included 27 songs and two encores, the fit, tanned, beach-attired Buffett was all business. Sure, he joked about boat drinks, getting lucky, howling at the moon and keeping the fun of summer going until Thanksgiving. But he also fronted one of the most talented and cohesive bands in all of music, never missing a beat in the music and patter of his Polynesian paradise persona. And he performed with the vigor and easily accessible tunes that have made "Jimmy Buffett" and "Parrotheads" household words. "Sorry it took us 20 years to get back here after the last show," said Buffett of his last visit to C'ville. "As I recall, it was on Safe Sex Day. From the number of young people in the audience, I'm guessing that didn't really work out all that well." I've always thought that Buffett, the musician, gets a bad rap from those who don't really know his music. Yes, he's the guy who wrote "Why Don't We Get Drunk and " well, you know--as well as the fellow who croons about "wasting away in Margaritaville." And yes, a small percentage of his followers enjoy mind-altering substances. But he's also one of the more solid, ever-touring musicians around, and the author of "Come Monday," "A Pirate Looks at 40" and "Son of a Son of a Sailor," all more introspective tunes that speak to love and respecting others for their unique ways of life. As I realized, watching his high-energy, precisely-staged and presented show, Buffett is also as "dumb" as a fox.
Rob, Your summary of those professionals in the crowd neglected to mention newspaper writers, who have some of the tightest deadlines in business.
Thanks for making the "sacrifice" of covering this story.
For anyone who doesn't understand Buffett, it only takes one concert to become a Parrothead. He is probably the ONLY performer who's "pre-concert tailgate party" last longer than the concert, and is sanctioned by the venue.
Wish I was there.
signed: A Parrothead
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