Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Jimmy Buffett
The Tiki bar is now open; boat drinks are now being served.
Mr. Buffett,
My name is Steven Humphrey and I can’t tell you how excited I am to see you “Live” this year in Fort Lauderdale. A few friends of mine were planning on going to Orlando last November but it was cancelled. This up-coming show will be my 13th time I have seen you and the Coral Refer Band. I thought I might tell you a story about myself and how you and your music have personally affected me.
I was born and raised in Cincinnati Ohio. So you know it’s in my blood. I can recall many years ago my brother and a few friends asked me to go to Kings Island amusement park. It sounded like a great idea, getting to ride all the rides and hang out with some friends. Little did I know I was also going to be treated to one hell of a concert.
Walking into the venue was an un-believable sight. It is so clear in my head. The loud speakers were playing some good tunes. The seats are bleachers, something like you would see on the sidelines of a high school football field. They were all angled toward the stage. Little did I know, setting up the perfect angle to see you in concert.
You should have seen these crazy people. What am I saying; you were there! These people were wearing very colorful and Hawaiian looking shirts. The shirts really didn’t look like what we have now and what we are use to wearing to your concerts. They looked good, but different. I hear stories that this was the concert were you guys coined the phrase “Parrot Heads”. If it truly was, I am honored to have been there.
Beach balls are flying around everywhere at the concert and I was no where near the beach. How could this be? We are in the Great Sate of Ohio and this person on stage is going to transport me to the ocean. When you think about it Mr. Buffett; that right there is an incredible accomplishment. You can take someone in the artic or even in the space station and make their mind believe they are sitting on a beach with sand between their toes.
I remember one time actually calling the radio station. Remember those days? The DJ would actually pick up the phone. I asked the man; what was the name of the song by Jimmy Buffett that goes like “Dance to the left, Dance to the right”. He said kid, that’s “Fins to the left, Fins to the right”. I told him I loved that song and would he play it for me. He did, about 20 minutes later.
When you were playing in Cincinnati, you use to play 3 shows in a row. I never had enough money to go see all of them. But I somehow would make it to one of the shows. As time went on, we were all trying to understand what we created out in the parking lots and out on the Ohio River. Maybe that’s why you put all the craziness on the big screen as you are jamming to Fruitcakes.
Can you believe this will be my 13th show? Some people may think that is un-lucky number; I tell them that’s crazy. Anytime I get to see you “live” is a blessing. Some of my friends say why do you need to go to the concert when all you have is Buffett in your car? Seeing you and the band play is an uplifting experience for me. I was recently in the car and my friend asked me what I was playing, I told her Buffett, she said that doesn’t sound like him. I said that’s because it’s “Norman Paperman”. It’s all about the water don’t you know…
I moved to Fort Lauderdale Florida in 2005. I got to experience two hurricanes, Katrina and Wilma. I also found myself in a very different place. I was a little home sick. I did not know anyone down here. I would go to the beach and stare out at the water and some hot ladies hanging out on the beach. The beach definitely has a different look than hanging out on the shore of the Ohio River. I must be in heaven.
I was at the beach one night with my newly purchased Sirius Satellite Radio boom box. This was a big night for me. I had my beach chair and a 6 pack of Budweiser; I was ready to listen to you play in Cincinnati. I think back at that time and it really helped me get past me being away from family and friends. Changes in latitudes changes in attitudes took me to another place I had ever been. I actually got it. It finally clicked in my head and everything was so clear. I was meant to live in Florida and live the “Salt Life”.
Why is it that your music has clicked with me? Something I have thought about many times. I love all kinds of music, but yours takes me to other places. Don’t get me wrong, I still like singing to Lady GaGa jamming to “Bad Romance”. Why do some people like hard rock? Why do some people like rap? I think music searches out our soul and helps us find what we are looking for in life.
If a camera was on me from the time I walked out of my condo; this is what they would get. It’s February 4th and I get into my “Duck Mobile”; the first thing I do is turn the AC on. For I wear a suit and tie. Next thing; you guessed it, the CD goes in; Shazam! Live at Fenway is playing right now. I will be able to listen to Fruitcakes, Volcano and Boat Drinks. The volume gets turned up and all four windows go down. The AC gets turned on high for I do not want to sweat going to work. This is the day I will be turning right on 17th street in Lauderdale and driving past the beach. When I get to the top of the bridge I see the ocean and the glare of the sun coming off of her. I make my way around and I get blasted with the ocean breeze. To smell the salt air, to live the Salt Life is my destiny. Holy cow, I am passing the Elbo Room. God do I love that place.
I have to tell you a story about my 40th birthday. My friends took me out after work to a nice restaurant and then we decided to go the Elbo Room. We are watching this guy playing his guitar in the corner of the bar. Little did I know, my friends went up to him and asked him to play a song for me. Hell, it was my birthday. We all did a shot, and did a toast, and the guy starts jamming to Volcano. I was the happiest guy in that bar. My friends knew I would want to hear some Buffett. See; you were with me when I turned 40 and you did not even know it.
My Margaritaville Concoction Mixer sits proudly on my counter. I have to tell you the story about how I bought it. I was flying from Fort Lauderdale back to Cincinnati for a weekend with some friends. I was looking through the Sky Mall magazine. The magazine we all look at and wonder if there will be anything cool and reasonable priced. Well I turned the page and “Shazam!”. There it was; my new mixer that was going to help me hang on. I ripped the page out of the magazine and looked around so no one would see me. I stuck in my pocket. I ordered it right when I got back to Fort Lauderdale. She has been with me ever since. She has brought great pleasure to me and my friends.
I have Margaritaville shoes. In fact I have three pairs. I have the flip flops which are only worn to the beach and two other pairs which have maps on the bottom of them. I love those because I can always find my way to Islamorada and Key West. Some people may find that a little odd, however they will eventually ask me for directions.
I listen to your music and hear the words you are saying. I wonder why people interpret many different things to your songs other than what you originally had in mind? I wonder if you ever say ‘That’s not what the song is about”. Or are you happy that some people take your songs and somehow apply to their life experiences? I wonder where the happy medium is for you? Maybe, you just wrote down your thoughts and turned into a song. Could it be that simple?
Maybe you and I are not so different in regards to words. Your words are embedded into your music and to your books. My words are put down in my blog. My words have never been incorporated with music. It could have happened, but the accordion I was playing was just too dam heavy. For I was only 9 years old.
On Saturday February 27, 2010 you will be jamming in Fort Lauderdale. I will be in the stands watching and having a time of my life. Thank you for allowing me into your world.
That is all....
Steven
Mr. Buffett,
My name is Steven Humphrey and I can’t tell you how excited I am to see you “Live” this year in Fort Lauderdale. A few friends of mine were planning on going to Orlando last November but it was cancelled. This up-coming show will be my 13th time I have seen you and the Coral Refer Band. I thought I might tell you a story about myself and how you and your music have personally affected me.
I was born and raised in Cincinnati Ohio. So you know it’s in my blood. I can recall many years ago my brother and a few friends asked me to go to Kings Island amusement park. It sounded like a great idea, getting to ride all the rides and hang out with some friends. Little did I know I was also going to be treated to one hell of a concert.
Walking into the venue was an un-believable sight. It is so clear in my head. The loud speakers were playing some good tunes. The seats are bleachers, something like you would see on the sidelines of a high school football field. They were all angled toward the stage. Little did I know, setting up the perfect angle to see you in concert.
You should have seen these crazy people. What am I saying; you were there! These people were wearing very colorful and Hawaiian looking shirts. The shirts really didn’t look like what we have now and what we are use to wearing to your concerts. They looked good, but different. I hear stories that this was the concert were you guys coined the phrase “Parrot Heads”. If it truly was, I am honored to have been there.
Beach balls are flying around everywhere at the concert and I was no where near the beach. How could this be? We are in the Great Sate of Ohio and this person on stage is going to transport me to the ocean. When you think about it Mr. Buffett; that right there is an incredible accomplishment. You can take someone in the artic or even in the space station and make their mind believe they are sitting on a beach with sand between their toes.
I remember one time actually calling the radio station. Remember those days? The DJ would actually pick up the phone. I asked the man; what was the name of the song by Jimmy Buffett that goes like “Dance to the left, Dance to the right”. He said kid, that’s “Fins to the left, Fins to the right”. I told him I loved that song and would he play it for me. He did, about 20 minutes later.
When you were playing in Cincinnati, you use to play 3 shows in a row. I never had enough money to go see all of them. But I somehow would make it to one of the shows. As time went on, we were all trying to understand what we created out in the parking lots and out on the Ohio River. Maybe that’s why you put all the craziness on the big screen as you are jamming to Fruitcakes.
Can you believe this will be my 13th show? Some people may think that is un-lucky number; I tell them that’s crazy. Anytime I get to see you “live” is a blessing. Some of my friends say why do you need to go to the concert when all you have is Buffett in your car? Seeing you and the band play is an uplifting experience for me. I was recently in the car and my friend asked me what I was playing, I told her Buffett, she said that doesn’t sound like him. I said that’s because it’s “Norman Paperman”. It’s all about the water don’t you know…
I moved to Fort Lauderdale Florida in 2005. I got to experience two hurricanes, Katrina and Wilma. I also found myself in a very different place. I was a little home sick. I did not know anyone down here. I would go to the beach and stare out at the water and some hot ladies hanging out on the beach. The beach definitely has a different look than hanging out on the shore of the Ohio River. I must be in heaven.
I was at the beach one night with my newly purchased Sirius Satellite Radio boom box. This was a big night for me. I had my beach chair and a 6 pack of Budweiser; I was ready to listen to you play in Cincinnati. I think back at that time and it really helped me get past me being away from family and friends. Changes in latitudes changes in attitudes took me to another place I had ever been. I actually got it. It finally clicked in my head and everything was so clear. I was meant to live in Florida and live the “Salt Life”.
Why is it that your music has clicked with me? Something I have thought about many times. I love all kinds of music, but yours takes me to other places. Don’t get me wrong, I still like singing to Lady GaGa jamming to “Bad Romance”. Why do some people like hard rock? Why do some people like rap? I think music searches out our soul and helps us find what we are looking for in life.
If a camera was on me from the time I walked out of my condo; this is what they would get. It’s February 4th and I get into my “Duck Mobile”; the first thing I do is turn the AC on. For I wear a suit and tie. Next thing; you guessed it, the CD goes in; Shazam! Live at Fenway is playing right now. I will be able to listen to Fruitcakes, Volcano and Boat Drinks. The volume gets turned up and all four windows go down. The AC gets turned on high for I do not want to sweat going to work. This is the day I will be turning right on 17th street in Lauderdale and driving past the beach. When I get to the top of the bridge I see the ocean and the glare of the sun coming off of her. I make my way around and I get blasted with the ocean breeze. To smell the salt air, to live the Salt Life is my destiny. Holy cow, I am passing the Elbo Room. God do I love that place.
I have to tell you a story about my 40th birthday. My friends took me out after work to a nice restaurant and then we decided to go the Elbo Room. We are watching this guy playing his guitar in the corner of the bar. Little did I know, my friends went up to him and asked him to play a song for me. Hell, it was my birthday. We all did a shot, and did a toast, and the guy starts jamming to Volcano. I was the happiest guy in that bar. My friends knew I would want to hear some Buffett. See; you were with me when I turned 40 and you did not even know it.
My Margaritaville Concoction Mixer sits proudly on my counter. I have to tell you the story about how I bought it. I was flying from Fort Lauderdale back to Cincinnati for a weekend with some friends. I was looking through the Sky Mall magazine. The magazine we all look at and wonder if there will be anything cool and reasonable priced. Well I turned the page and “Shazam!”. There it was; my new mixer that was going to help me hang on. I ripped the page out of the magazine and looked around so no one would see me. I stuck in my pocket. I ordered it right when I got back to Fort Lauderdale. She has been with me ever since. She has brought great pleasure to me and my friends.
I have Margaritaville shoes. In fact I have three pairs. I have the flip flops which are only worn to the beach and two other pairs which have maps on the bottom of them. I love those because I can always find my way to Islamorada and Key West. Some people may find that a little odd, however they will eventually ask me for directions.
I listen to your music and hear the words you are saying. I wonder why people interpret many different things to your songs other than what you originally had in mind? I wonder if you ever say ‘That’s not what the song is about”. Or are you happy that some people take your songs and somehow apply to their life experiences? I wonder where the happy medium is for you? Maybe, you just wrote down your thoughts and turned into a song. Could it be that simple?
Maybe you and I are not so different in regards to words. Your words are embedded into your music and to your books. My words are put down in my blog. My words have never been incorporated with music. It could have happened, but the accordion I was playing was just too dam heavy. For I was only 9 years old.
On Saturday February 27, 2010 you will be jamming in Fort Lauderdale. I will be in the stands watching and having a time of my life. Thank you for allowing me into your world.
That is all....
Steven
