New Orleans and Jimmy Buffett have always been intertwined, with the city shaping his music and spirit. At Jazz Fest 2024, fans gathered for a lively tribute led by the Coral Reefer Band and special guests, celebrating Buffett’s enduring legacy with music, memories, and a touch of Margaritaville magic. The city’s influence on his life and music is undeniable, with references appearing in his songs long before he achieved fame.
New Orleans has long been a special place in the story of Jimmy Buffett. The city, its music, and its culture have been referenced in his songs for decades. On May 5, 2024, Jazz Fest paid tribute to the beloved artist with a joyous celebration led by the Coral Reefer Band and friends.
Mac McAnally has said that New Orleans was the place Jimmy learned to be Jimmy Buffett. It’s a place referenced in his songs, going back before he hit success. There’s Nothing Soft About Hard Times is one such song, where he mentioned Jackson Square.
A day of legends: Irma Thomas sets the stage
Sunday at Jazz Fest, Cinco de Mayo 2024, would be a joyous celebration of Jimmy Buffett, courtesy of the Coral Reefer Band and friends. Many arrived for the artist in the slot directly before the Buffett celebration—Irma Thomas, the soul queen of New Orleans. As a lover of the music of New Orleans, I was just as excited to see her. Now that is a band—with a horn section—and they rocked with two drummers. They did not disappoint.
In a spread of songs going back to the ’60s, I couldn’t stop myself from swaying. Highlights included Time Is on My Side, which she recorded 60 years ago and inspired the Rolling Stones to take on the song as well. And in a wonderful nod, Irma Thomas sang the song with the Rolling Stones just a few days ago.
The afternoon included other gems, like It’s Raining, written by New Orleans legend Allen Toussaint—another great now gone and a friend of Buffett’s. Makes me think of the Jimmy Buffett song Saxophones, where he mentions sweet Irma Thomas, Clarence “Frogman” Henry, Benny Spellman, and Dr. John—all of them gone with the exception of Irma Thomas.
Irma Thomas also sang Sing It, a crowd favorite, and the closing song, Simply the Best, which, as Irma mentioned, put her over the allotted time—not that anyone minded.
Irma Thomas closed her set with Sing It and Simply the Best, the latter running over time—not that anyone minded. Jazz Fest producer Quint Davis then took the stage, dubbing Irma “Simply the Best” and announcing that the Jimmy Buffett celebration was about to begin. In true New Orleans fashion, even the passing of a beloved icon like Buffett was a cause for celebration.
A tribute begins: The Coral Reefer Band takes over
At 3:30 p.m., the familiar strains of Hot, Hot, Hot by Buster Poindexter signaled the party was underway.
Just like old times: The setlist
Somehow, it felt just like old times. I’ll tell you all the songs played:
It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere
Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes
Son of a Son of a Sailor
I Will Play for Gumbo—which Irma Thomas sang, with Sonny Landreth on slide guitar, no less.
Volcano
Come Monday
USS Zydecoldsmobile—which Sonny Landreth sang
One Particular Harbour
Cheeseburger in Paradise
University of Bourbon Street—featuring the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. So cool.
Then, ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro came out and did an instrumental medley of We Will Rock You and While My Guitar Gently Weeps.
Piece of Work
The Grateful Dead song Scarlet Begonias
Southern Cross
Brown-Eyed Girl
Pencil-Thin Mustache—with Trombone Shorty sitting in
A Pirate Looks at Forty
Then, Jimmy’s daughter, Savannah Jane Buffett, took the stage to chat and introduce Fins.
The finale was Margaritaville, with Jimmy’s family and the family of the Coral Reefer Band all taking the stage along with Quint Davis.
A heartfelt goodbye
Before leaving the stage, Mac McAnally said, “God bless Jimmy Buffett. God bless Jazz Fest.”
Quint Davis said a few words about Jimmy Buffett. He talked about his history and significance to Jazz Fest and exclaimed, “This is the great Coral Reefer Band!”
Trombone Shorty would then take the festival stage to close out the last night of Jazz Fest 2024.
With my body growing weary, I knew some more fine food was on the horizon. The Oyster Po’ Boy felt like manna from heaven. But I needed only to visit the gospel tent on our way out. The Nineveh Baptist Church choir allowed me some moments to ponder before my trek back to my hotel.
I thought of how lucky one is to congregate. If there’s a message, it’s this: go to the show. Not necessarily the Coral Reefer Band, but whatever your heart desires. Maybe it is the Coral Reefers, if that’s your style. Get out there.
The tribal rhythm of the drum has caused us to gather for centuries— even longer. It’s as good a reason as you need.
The music never ends
Will there be more? The performance of the Grateful Dead’s Scarlet Begonias, of course, makes me think of the Grateful Dead. Jerry Garcia has been gone almost 29 years, yet the musicians associated with him continue to this day.
Lowell George has been gone 45 years, yet Little Feat continues, with a new album coming out.
Where it all ends? Well, you know the rest of the lyric.
That’s where we are now—beyond the end.