GULF SHORES — Die-hard Jimmy Buffet fans, known as parrotheads, united in Gulf Shores for this week's 2023 Meeting of the Minds. Events from the Flora-Bama to Lucy Buffett’s Lulu’s had Parrot Heads flocking to the coast to enjoy and remember the legendary songwriter and entertainer.
Fans from around the nation gathered Thursday night at Lulu’s to hear Sunny Jim & Friends play tropical-style tunes in honor of the “Cheeseburger in Paradise” singer.
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David and Penni Mooney came from Baton Rouge, La. Penni bought tickets for David as a birthday gift because he has been a Jimmy Buffett fan since the 70s.
“One line I heard in a song back then was, ‘I got my hushpuppies on. I guess I never was meant for glitter rock ‘n’ roll,” David Mooney said. “This was the hippie generation, and I kind of was not fitting with that, and the acid rock that came and that song caught my attention, and I’ve been a fan ever since.”
The Mooney’s said it is sad that Jimmy Buffett had died, but fans will always have a little piece of him.
“Jimmy left a whole lot behind that we can always hold onto and go back to and never end,” Penni Mooney said. “We can play with it for all of eternity.”
Those celebrating this week said they knew Buffett would want them to “keep having fun.”
Meeting of the Minds continues through Sunday. Other venues include Flora-Bama Yacht Club, The Hangout, Tin Top, The Gulf, Live Bait, Gulf Place, Zeke’s Picnic Beach, Burro Azul and more. The full schedule is available online.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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