Buffett's Fans Revel In Safe Harbor At Amphitheatre

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TAMPA - For the faithful followers, a Jimmy Buffett concert is like a religious experience.

Most of the Parrothead nation came to worship Thursday night at the laid-back church of the barefoot, balding troubadour.

They came in their cheeseburger hats and their hula skirts to join the choir for the sing-a-longs and good times that Buffett thrives on.

The tailgating started early in the afternoon and by the time Buffett took the stage many had that special glow that only comes from lots of beer and tequila.

Outsiders (those heretics) could easily take the cynical attitude that if you've seen one Buffett concert, you've seen them all.

But for those who long for that perpetual happy hour at a mythical beach bar, well, "Margaritaville" is the national anthem.

Buffett breezed through more than two dozen of his songs at the Ford Amphitheatre on Thursday night. He was introduced by Gov. Charlie Crist.

Looking more tan than Buffett, Crist said, "God bless America. God bless Florida. And God bless Jimmy Buffett."

The son of a son of a sailor is blessed indeed. At age 60, Buffett pulled in more than $40 million this past year. He presides over an empire that includes restaurants, a line of clothing, books, toys and songs that several generations know by heart.

During his pleasant 2 1/2 -hour show, Buffett and his Coral Reefer Band played to their audience. Buffett said he was "glad to see so many familiar faces" of fans who have followed the band for years. Large contingents from Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin made the trek.

Buffett also noted that his "crazy costumed family" looked like an extension of Halloween.

Buffett has come a long way since he started in the 1960s. During the show, giant screens showed clips of him when he had long hair and fewer fans.

The audience loves him. They tolerate and listen politely when he plays lesser known songs such as "Reggabilly Hill" or "Take the Weather With You," but they jump to their feet when he does "Fins," "It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere" or "Volcano."

Buffett's "Come Monday" and "Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude" are as comfortable as an old pair of Hush Puppies.

The crowd also got into the old Van Morrison hit "Brown-Eyed Girl" and really got excited during "Cheeseburger in Paradise."

A steady breeze whipped through the amphitheater making for a mellow, pleasant evening than was predictable yet fun. Buffett does it all again on Saturday night at another sold out performance here.

He comes to Tampa after two sold-out dates at the 20,000-seat theater at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Although some of the songs are more than 40 years old and the band could be card-carrying members of the AARP, the audience seems to span all ages - from ancient Hippies to middle-aged preppies to youngsters who you think would rather be at a Hannah Montana concert.