The second annual "Just a Few Friends Key West" festival gets underway today, drawing fans from across the globe to celebrate the life, music, and enduring legacy of the late singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett. Launched last year in the wake of Buffett's passing, the multi-day event transforms the island into a tropical paradise of live performances, parades, and island-inspired revelry, running through Labor Day Monday on September 1. With activities spanning music tributes, bar crawls, and charitable fundraisers, the festival honors the man whose laid-back anthems turned Key West into a symbol of escapism and good times. Organized by a dedicated team including local chef and distiller Paul Menta, event producers Jill and Sean from Daily Plan-it, and marketing specialist Jordan Upchurch, the gathering stems from a spontaneous second-line parade held just hours after Buffett's death in 2023.
A Son of Key West: Buffett's Deep Ties to the Island Jimmy Buffett, born on December 25, 1946, in Pascagoula, Mississippi, first arrived in Key West in November 1971, introduced to the island by fellow musician Jerry Jeff Walker and his partner, a former Florida Keys resident. What was meant to be a short visit turned into a lifelong love affair with the subtropical outpost, where Buffett settled and drew inspiration from its quirky, outlaw vibe, colorful characters, and laid-back lifestyle.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Key West became his home base, even as he toured extensively, shaping his signature "trop rock" sound that blended country, folk, and Caribbean influences.The island's essence permeates many of Buffett's most iconic songs. He penned references to local landmarks like Fausto’s Food Palace and the Chart Room Bar, immortalized figures such as Captain Tony Tarracino in "Last Mango in Paris" and shrimper Phil Clark in "A Pirate Looks at 40," and captured everyday Key West scenes—from the Nautical Wheelers square dance club to the Old Seven Mile Bridge.
Notably, Buffett debuted his breakout hit "Margaritaville" in Key West, a tune that not only topped charts but spawned a global brand empire, including restaurants, resorts, and merchandise. In the mid-1980s, he opened the original Margaritaville Store in Key West's Lands End Village, later relocating it beside his Duval Street café, and established Shrimp Boat Sound, a recording studio overlooking the historic shrimp docks. Buffett's impact extended beyond music; he helped solidify Key West's reputation as a haven for dreamers and free spirits, attracting legions of fans known as "Parrotheads" who embraced the "Margaritaville mystique." His philanthropy supported environmental causes, particularly ocean conservation, aligning with the festival's charitable focus. Buffett passed away on September 1, 2023, at the age of 76, after a four-year battle with Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer.
Even in his final years, he continued performing, with his last show occurring just months before his death. Festival Highlights: Music, Parades, and Island Vibes This year's "Just a Few Friends" spans August 29 to September 1, with a packed schedule of events across Key West's iconic venues.
Kicking off on Friday, August 29, the festival features a proclamation ceremony at the Historic Waterfront, followed by live music, a Margarita Stroll bar crawl, and sunset sails. Saturday brings more performances, including Roger Bartlett and The Nautical Wheelers: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett at Sunset Pier, alongside brunches, happy hours, and tiki cruise.
Attendees can purchase festival badges for access to exclusive events, with proceeds benefiting the charities via the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys.
Legacy and Community ImpactAs Key West marks the second anniversary of Buffett's death, the festival underscores his profound influence on the island's culture and economy. Tourism officials note that his music has drawn millions to the Florida Keys, boosting local businesses and fostering a sense of community among fans.
"So goodbye Jimmy. Thanks for your friendship and the songs I will carry in my heart forever. Sail On Sailor," Kenny Chesney reflected in a tribute quoted on the festival's site, capturing the sentiment shared by many.
