September 26, 2021

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On a cool, crisp fall evening, Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band brought a little bit of summer back to Blossom Music Center. 

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Cleveland area Parrot Heads did not let the cool weather stop them from wearing their Hawaiian shirts, leis, grass skirts and of course, parrot head hats to the show.

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Buffett and company were in fine form and led the crowd in songs that they knew by heart.  "Fins," "Grapefruit- Juicy Fruit" and "Son Of A Sailor" all found their way early in the set list.

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The genuine smile across Buffett's face let the audience know that he was having a great time on stage.  He told the crowd that Ohio has a special place in his heart and this is the state the started the Parrot Head tradition.

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He also mentioned that Blossom Music Center is also a special venue to him.  He recalled seeing a girl standing on the side of the road, holding a sign stating that she needed tickets to the show.  He was confused because they were nowhere close to a place that could sell her tickets.  Upon arrival to Blossom, that's when he was told that they sold 25,000 tickets to the show and it was completely sold-out. 

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More hits like "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere" and "Come Monday" were played as well as some deeper cuts like "The Slow Lane" and "Cowboy In the Jungle."

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Buffett said that they have been trying to play the New Orleans Jazz Fest for some time but it keeps getting postponed.  So they decided to bring a three song mini Jazz Fest set to Blossom which included "Pencil Thin Mustache."

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Guitarist Mac McAnally got the chance to take center stage to show off his guitar skills on The Allman Brothers tune "Little Martha."  

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Later in the set, the band played the McAnally penned song "Back Where I Come From" that was made famous by Kenny Chesney.  During the song, many images of Cleveland, Cleveland sports teams, buildings and even Blossom were shown on the large screen behind the band.

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A nice cover of "Southern Cross" was played before the obligatory "Margaritaville."

 

It may have been a crisp, fall night but Jimmy Buffett brought a little warmth and sunshine to Northeast Ohio.

 

 

Photos and review by Greg Drugan 

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