Parrothead
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Parrot Head or Parrothead is a commonly used nickname for fans of Jimmy Buffett. "Parakeets" is the term used for younger fans of Jimmy, or children of Parrotheads.
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[edit] Origin
The term "Parrot Head" began in 1985 at a Jimmy Buffett concert at the Timberwolf Amphitheater at King's Island amusement park outside of Cincinnati OH. Buffett has said numerous times that he attributes much of his fame to this area. This term essentially meant that one was a fan. At the show, Gwen commented about everyone wearing Hawaiian shirts and parrot hats and how they kept coming back to see his shows, just like Deadheads. Timothy B. Schmit, then a member of the Coral Reefer Band (now with Eagles), coined the term "Parrot Head" to describe each of those fans.[1]
[edit] Description
The common stereotype is of a person wearing a Hawaiian shirt, flip-flops and board shorts, or a grass skirt and a coconut bra while drinking a margarita. Many fans are members of Parrot head clubs. The general theme of being a Parrothead is one of relaxation, even while working. Some prefer the spelling "Parrotthead," reflecting the double "t" in Buffett.
The more "professional" aspect is to wear high-end tropical vacation clothing, though this is likely seen by many as a departure from the "true tenets" of being a Parrot head as it references a more expensive lifestyle than is commonly associated with being a tropical beach bum.
[edit] Activities
Parrot Head Clubs "party with a purpose," and hold fundraiser events for many different causes. Events range from single act concerts or happy hours to the annual Meeting of the Minds in Key West, Florida, which attracts approximately 3,500 Parrotheads each year. The several day event, sponsored by the Parrot Heads in Paradise includes live music, but also a Toys for Tots drive, a blood drive, raffles and other events to raise money for charities. Some regional groups will focus on one or two key charities, while others may switch between several. Environmental causes, cancer research, Alzheimer's research and the March of Dimes all have received large donations from Parrothead organizations. In 2005, 2.2 million dollars were raised by these organizations, along with toys, blood, canned goods and many hours of manpower to support various charities in the US and beyond. Tribute Cruises [1] organizes Jimmy Buffett Tribute Cruises sponsored by the Coast of Carolina Parrothead Club [2] to raise money for different charities.
[edit] In Pop Culture
Dr. Cox from Scrubs claims to be a Parrothead. Las Vegas performer Barrie Cunningham performs the lead vocals for Adventures in Parrotdise a Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show featuring several Jimmy Buffett Coral Reefer Band members and alumni [3].
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- http://www.tributecruises.com/
- http://www.bcentertainment.net
- http://www.jimmybuffettcruise.com
- http://www.phip.com/
- http://www.phip.com/Chapters.asp
- http://www.meetthephlockers.com
- http://www.parrotheadconnection.com
- http://www.examiner.com/x-18204-Jimmy-Buffett-Examiner
