Buffett's new Chicago digs provide another great party for his loyal faithful.

July 27, 2008

Jimmy Buffett’s classic hit, “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes,” took on a new meaning Saturday evening at Toyota Park. Loyal Parrotheads used to roost in Tinley Park but last years shows presented a very disorganized set of gigs that resulted in parking lot problems and various fan issues. The fairly new Bridgeview soccer stadium served as a perfect host for the two-night stand. I had my doubts at 1st but when I saw Eric Clapton's Guitar Festival the year before I knew Jimmy and his faithful flock would embrace the new digs.

Seeming to sense the shift for the better, the singer-songwriter and his Coral Reefer Band delivered a energized 31 song performance which left fans standing the entire show.

Buffett’s opening rendition of "Why Don't We Get Drunk" set the tone for a night full of surprises. Longtime, and original Coral Reefer band member Greg "Fingers" Taylor was a part of the show with his 6 song appearance with the "Juke Joint duo" as well as performed 3 classic staples with Jimmy, "Fins, Son Of A Sailor & Pirate Looks At 40." Not sure if Fingers is back in the fold but it was a great treat. It was nice to see Buffett and crew add a personal Chicago based tribute to it's rich blues heritage. Doing what he always does best, Jimmy held court before a margarita-sipping throng of aspiring beach bums, the barefooted leader, in a yellow T-shirt and surfer shorts, also played up area culture, dropping names of local landmarks into lyrics and, on “Fruitcakes,” improvising verses to taunt Chicago customs. Fittingly, the perfect summer weather was also on Buffett’s side. The tropical feel of “One Particular Harbour,” the Marley' esque “Jamaica Mistaica” and the caribbean tinged “Miss You So Badly” all evoked images of far-away paradises and corresponded to Jimmy's, always entertaining global adventures.

With each passing summer I ponder how long will he keep doing this. And as every Chicago visit passes he continues to turn it up another notch. He entertained over 60,000 faithful, over 2 shows and this writer is confident he still has a good amount of gas left in the tank.

-Brian Pearson