Barefoot dancing and a taste of Margaritaville: Jimmy Buffett lives on at the Redlands Bowl
Thousands packed the lawn and benches of the historic amphitheater for Adventures in ParrotDise
REDLANDS, Calif. —There were no passports, plane tickets, or sandy beaches required — just a warm summer night, a sea of Hawaiian shirts, and the unmistakable echo of steel drums. On Friday, June 27, the Redlands Bowl became a slice of Margaritaville.
It was more than a concert. It was a tropical state of mind.
Thousands packed the lawn and benches of the historic amphitheater for Adventures in ParrotDise, a vibrant Jimmy Buffett tribute led by longtime performer Barrie Cunningham. Beach balls bounced, conga lines formed, and flip-flops tapped in time to island beats as fans — young and old — sang every word of “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “Fins,” and “Volcano.”
The evening’s surprise highlight came with guest artist Will Kimbrough, a close friend and collaborator of Buffett’s, who joined Cunningham onstage for a stirring rendition of “Bubbles Up.” Co-written by Kimbrough and released posthumously, the song landed softly but powerfully — a reminder that Buffett’s music still has plenty to say, even after his passing in 2023.
From the first chord, it was clear: this wasn’t just a cover show. It was a celebration.
Cunningham, no stranger to tribute stages, brought decades of experience to the Bowl. His performance included not only Buffett’s biggest hits — “Come Monday,” “Margaritaville,” “Changes in Latitudes” — but also tunes that Buffett famously made his own, like Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” and the CSN favorite “Southern Cross.” Even Buffett’s playful duets, like “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere” with Alan Jackson and “Knee Deep” with Zac Brown, found their way into the setlist.
Cunningham’s credentials run deep. With over 3,000 shows worldwide and the rare distinction of being the only Buffett tribute artist to headline a Las Vegas casino residency, he’s earned his spot as a leading voice in keeping the Parrot Head dream alive. Past collaborators include members of Buffett’s own Coral Reefer Band — a stamp of authenticity that few tribute acts can claim.
But the real magic? It was in the crowd. Barefoot kids danced in front of the stage. Couples swayed under the stars. Strangers shared snacks and stories of their first Buffett concerts. In that moment, the music was more than nostalgia — it was connection.
Buffett may be gone, but on nights like this, it’s clear he’s not forgotten. Or, as the man himself once said, “If life gives you limes, make margaritas.”
The Redlands Bowl continues its free summer concert series every Tuesday and Friday at 8 p.m. at 25 Grant Street. The 101st season is entirely funded by community donations, with a freewill offering collected during intermission. For a complete schedule, visit www.redlandsbowl.
