Jimmy Parrish: From Choir Boy to Opening for Kenny Chesney

Back in 2000 - in the days before the internet, Craig's List, and Facebook - if you wanted to buy or sell an item, the best way to get the word out was to post fliers in appropriate spots around town. Had a car to sell? Hang a picture and description in the auto parts store. Looking to get rid of some old golf clubs? A sporting goods shop would probably be the best place. But what if you were looking to start a band?  For Trop Rocker Jimmy Parrish, the answer was found at a local music store in his home town of Jacksonville, Florida. He walked in and told the guys behind the counter he was interested in putting a band together. But, not just any band, one that played "Boat Rock", as he called it - Jimmy Buffett, and songs that spoke to the lifestyle on and around the North Florida waterways where he had grown up. Of fishing, sailing, and the beach. As luck would have it, Jimmy and the two clerks turned out to have similar musical tastes. They played him some of their favorite songs - including "Under The Boardwalk" by The Drifters. The Ocean Waves Band was born. But, getting to that point took almost twenty years.



Where was the first place you ever played?

"I taught myself how to play guitar around age 12, had been singing in church choir. I liked singing, thought I had a talent and wanted to showcase it, but really just for me. The first place I played in front of people was in 1981. I entered a talent show at South Georgia College, where I was going to school. Me and two other guys played 'Long Haired Country Boy' by Charlie Daniels. When people clapped, I thought it was the coolest thing I'd ever done!"


Did that inspire you to start playing out more?

Yes. I started playing wherever I could get booked, first around the college and, later, back home around Jacksonville and Amelia Island, Florida. 


Were you playing Buffet and Trop Rock then?

No, more country covers - Willie and Waylon. But then I started hearing this guy Jimmy Buffett and really liked it. Nobody told me, 'you need to play more Buffett!' And I never thought that it would work, that I'd get more gigs because of it. In fact, there weren't really any 'Trop Rock' venues around. I just discovered him on my own."  


When did you decide you wanted to form a band to play Trop rock?

It was 2000. I had spent the last five years playing guitar in a classic rock band called Cool Deluxe. It was a good band, but they wouldn't play any Buffett or Van Morrison, which I wanted to do. Plus, I also wanted to write my own material. So, I started interviewing musicians in the Jacksonville area. But, I couldn't find anyone who knew more than 'Margaritaville' or, maybe, some Bob Marley." That is, until I walked in to put the flier up in the music store." 


You named the band the "Ocean Waves Band" - after the sunglass company. How did that come about?

"I had been taking part in fishing competitions, Kingfish tournaments, for years. One of the sponsors of those tournaments was Ocean Waves sunglasses. I knew the owner, Kevin, pretty well. So, once I found my guys, I went to him and asked if he'd like to partner up with us - and he said not just yes but 'hell yes! We've been together eleven years now."


You have three cds out..

"The first was in 2003, called 'For The Buffett Fans'. It's all Buffett covers. In 2007 we put out 'Let's Go Fishing', our first cd of original material. Then, late last year, we released 'Act Of Piracy'."


Let's Go Fishing has a great song called "Where's the Tequila?", that is full of references to that particular liquor. When I saw you guys play here in Atlanta, for an Atlanta Parrot Head Club party, there were lots of folk saying "Here's the tequila!" and buying you shots. Parrot Heads being Parrot Heads, is that ever a problem - the audience wanting to drink with you while you're trying to work?

"Hah. That was a fun night. We love it. The audience is just showing their appreciation - it's a kind gesture, you can't turn it down. But, I also want to be professional and do our job, do a great show. So, it's a fine line you have to walk. Luckily, I don't have an addictive personality so I can usually maintain. But, it's tough some times. Somebody's got to remember the lyrics!"


Let's go back to the new album...

"We recorded it at a studio in Jacksonville Beach with A1A Productions, the same team that did 'Let's Go Fishin''. Each song on the cd has a different theme, rhythm, or story. One has an Eagles type feel, another has some hot sauce on it. There's hillbilly country, Southern Rock, a ballad and, of course, Trop Rock. I wanted to take the listener on a journey. Plus, I figured having some different sounds upped the chances of something good happening - country people might hear something they like, Jimmy Buffett's people."


How did Parrish Heads in Paradise, your annual trip to Abacos, get started?

"My connection goes back to when I'd play on cruise ships and would go back and forth to the Bahamas. Then, in 2007, I had an offer to play at a club in the Abacos, at Marsh Harbor. I was living there, staying on a friend's boat. I'd fish and dive during the day, then a taxi would come pick me and my PA up and I'd play at night. It was great. I fell in love with the place. In 2009 I thought, 'Wouldn't it be great if I could take some people - maybe who were familiar with places like the Conch House in St. Augustine or the Nav-A-Gator (in Arcadia, Florida - Fred), but had never been to the 'real' Bahamas - down there?' So, I put together this cruise. It's for people who love Trop Rock and the lifestyle and they get to see the Abacos like a local. I have lots of connections with restaurants, hotels - we do excursions. I'm really excited to share it with people."


The Ocean Waves band opened for Kenny Chesney one night. How did you land that gig?

"Yeah, we were rock stars for a night! Kenny ran this contest called 'Next Big Star' for his 2008 tour. At each stop a 'local' band would get to open the show. We won the Jacksonville contest and got to play in front of 15,000 people."


Any other big acts you have opened for?

"Well, we were playing at the Margaritaville Cafe the night Jimmy did the Gulf Shores concert. They asked us to stop playing at one point so they could televise the concert. So, we like to say we 'opened' for Jimmy! Seriously, though, the Kenny Chesney experience was a great one. We'd love to open for another band some time."


Big shows or little, you guys play out alot. Any events you're looking forward to?

"We're very lucky to be on the road alot, do about 200 shows a year. This weekend we're going down to Tampa, Florida to play a Pre-Buffett show party for the Tampa Bay Parrot Head Club. We're also playing 'The Yard' (a bi-weekly house concert in the Tampa area - Fred). We're going to Lake Charles. Louisiana in June for the Pelican Coast Daze show, then on July 2nd we'll be in Naples, Florida for the 'Red, White & Tunes' event, benefiting the troops. On August 12 we're flying the whole band up to Branson, Missouri for 'Phlock at the Rock'. We're definitely looking forward to that."


You were saying you wish you had started playing Meeting Of The Minds (the annual Parrot Head gathering in Key West) earlier?

"I didn't grasp Meeting Of The Minds for years, the importance of it. I was late getting to the party. My calendar kept filling up around the Jacksonville area, just could never get away. Then, finally, in 2008 I went down with my guitar - no gigs booked - and had a great time. It was the best thing I ever did. Now I have a regular house gig at Willie T's. I encourage any musician who plays Trop Rock to go down there during MOTM (November 3-November 6 this year - Fred). Bring your guitar, soak it in - good things will happen."


Got any favorite local spots you want to share with people?

"In Jax Beach our favorite place is Billy's Boathouse (http://billysboathousegrill.com/). This will be the fifth year we'll be doing 'Flip Flops Sundays' the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month. And a new place named Nippers is getting ready to open soon that's going to be great (http://www.nippersbeachgrille.com/). It's modeled after a place in the Abacos. Also, Hurricane Patty's down the road in St. Augustine (http://hurricanepattys.net/)."

http://jimmyparrishonline.com/

http://www.oceanwaves.com/

http://conch-house.com/

http://www.nav-a-gator.com

http://williets.com/

http://pages.suddenlink.net/pelicancoastdaze/index.html

http://redwhiteandtunes.com/

http://www.omphclub.com/Phlock_at_the_Rock.html

http://www.phip.com/MOTM.asp

http://www.go-abacos.com/theabs/marsh.html

See Key West Like a Local

Key West. Cayo Hueso, the Southernmost Point. Closer to Cuba than mainland Florida and Mecca for the Parrot Head nation. This little island is home to about 30,000 residents but hosts millions of visitors a year. If you haven't been, you need to add it to your bucket list. If you have, then chances are you already have your favorite places to go and things to do. Charter a fishing boat for some Yellowtail, then take your catch to the Half Shell Oyster Bar and let them cook it up for you. Turtle races at Turtle Kraal's. A tour of Hemingway's House to see the five toed cats. Strolling down Duval or quenching your thirst at one of the many famous (and infamous) watering holes and restaurants: Sloppy Joe's, Captain Tony's, Blue Heaven, The Bull, Hogs Breath, Margaritaville. And, of course, closing the day at Mallory Square, watching the Cat Man and the other performers as the sun sinks into the ocean.

My wife, Georgia, and I never get tired of visiting Key West - would probably live there if we could, and we have our own favorite spots, too (Like the Afterdeck at Louie's Backyard http://www.louiesbackyard.com/). But, as I mentioned in an earlier post, whenever possible I want to offer an "insiders view" to the beaches and bars I cover. So, I asked a local where he goes.


Chris Rehm is a singer/songwriter who has lived in Key West for three years. His debut cd, "Shanghai'd & Marooned in Key West (Things Could Be Worse)", a collection of songs about life in and around the Conch Republic, is in final production and expected to be released just in time for the Key West Songwriters' Convention at the end of April. I called Chris one afternoon and asked him to give me the 411 on some of his favorite places to go on the island.  https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/ChrisRehm09.

"Lately, I've been spending alot of time on Stock Island, which is about five miles from Key West. That's where I've been working on my cd. There's a place right on the docks there called The Hogfish Bar and Grille. A little out of the way but worth the trip." http://hogfishbar.com/  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2y-2eenMEs&feature=player_embedded


Another place I like, just a short drive from Key West, at Mile Marker 10, is Geiger Key. They have a small campground and marina with a tiki bar. Definitely 'old school Keys.'" http://www.geigerkeymarina.com/   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0IjvPuSDcM&feature=player_embedded


Back in Key West, I definitely have some favorite spots. If you're on Duvall, check out Bogart's. It's an Irish pub and alot of fun".  http://keywest.citysearch.com/profile/33373233/key_west_fl/bogarts_key_west.html


"The Porch, on the corner of Duval and Caroline Street - right across from the Bull - specializes in Craft Beers, which I love. It's an old house with, as the name implies, a huge porch that overlooks the street." http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-porch-key-west


"The Green Parrot alot of people know about, but it's also one of my hang outs. It's a bar only. They have some great bartenders there - Beaver, Chicken, Ken, and Jeff. One of the reasons I like it is that's it's only four blocks from my house. An easy walk - or crawl - home!" http://greenparrot.com/


Schooner Wharf is another place that people who have visited Key West will know about, but it's always a great stop. Michael McCloud plays most days and they have some good Microbrews. If I'm there, I'll be sitting at the bar, talking to bartenders Vicky or Debbie." http://www.schoonerwharf.com/


"At the end of the night, you want to head to Finnegan's Wake on Grinnell Street. It's also an Irish pub, with a phenomenal selection of beers. But, the main reason people end up there is because they keep the latest kitchen hours in Key West - until 1am. That's where all the service industry people go when they get off work." http://www.bestonkeywest.com/restaurants/finnegan's-wake.html


"One suggestion I have if you've never been to Key West: Ditch your car. Plan to walk or grab a bike at any of the rental spots, like The Bike Shop on Truman, near White Street." http://www.thebikeshopkeywest.com/


I also had a chance to speak to another Key West resident, Scott Kirby, recently (his interview was also posted this week) and he mentioned a couple of his favorite spots to
eat: "If I go out for lunch, I love the fish sandwich at Pepe's Cafe on Caroline Street."  http://pepescafe.net/  "La Creperie is an authentic French Bistro, run by a couple of sisters". http://lacreperiekeywest.com/  "I don't go out much after gigs, but when I do it's usually to the Afterdeck at Louie's"....


That's it for this "insider's look" at Key West. Of course, as I said, anybody who has been has their own favorite spots - to eat, drink, or just sight see - on Cayo Hueso. Feel free to add yours as a comment. And, if you've never been to Key West, waddya waitin' for??!!

Scott Kirby: From fishing for votes to gathering grapes.

It has happened to all of us. You're listening to the radio and suddenly a song comes on you've never heard before that stops you dead in your tracks. Something about it - the lyrics, the music, the singer's style - hits you like a brick. Such was the case several years ago, one afternoon listening to Radio Margaritaville (then internet-only, now on Sirius/XM). I had it on in the background and heard, in the middle of a set of familiar Buffett tunes, a vaguely irish sea chanty. Lilting, melancholy - sparsely produced, mostly acoustic guitar with some background vocals and a short electric guitar solo. The tune was immediately catchy, but it was what the singer was saying that made me turn the speakers up. The verses were colorful, and the chorus "If you're living to love by the ocean, and loving to live by the sea...and lucky enough to live on blue water...you're lucky enough by me" made me want to get in my car and drive to the beach right then and there. But, it was eighteen defiant words in the final verse - 3 minutes and 20 seconds into the song - that really got me: "I'll raise my glass, you can kiss my old ass, I'll die with my feet in the sand."

The song, as many Parrot Heads and Radio Margaritaville fans will recognize, was "Lucky Enough" by Scott Kirby (http://www.scottkirby.com/), one of ten tracks off his 2003 cd, "4 Good Dogs". I was an immediate fan. All three of his cds (with 2007's live "A Night On The Beach" and 2009's "Row Me Home") now spend alot of time being played around my house and "Lucky Enough" remains one of my favorite Trop Rock tracks of all time. I had a chance to catch up with Scott at his home in the Old Towne section of Key West to talk about that song, as well as how he got to where he is today, what's ahead and more....


You're a busy man, thanks for taking the time to talk...

"No problem. I was actually just out walking my dog"

One of the "4 Good Dogs"?

"Well, I did write that song after walking one of my dogs here in Key West"

We'll talk more about some of your songs later. Let's start with "Scott Kirby: The Early Years".

"I started playing drums, actually, when I was about ten, got my first guitar at twelve. I taught myself to play listening to Beatles and James Taylor records."


You were actually very involved in politics at one time, weren't you?

"I was! I grew up around politics in New Hampshire. My mother and grandmother were very involved. Around 1980, I was selling real estate at the time, and a guy named Howard Baker was running for President. I started working on his campaign in the local office. He didn't win, obviously, but it was a new experience, and there were alot of fun, interesting people. I went from there to working for some other state campaigns - the State Legislature, Governor, a Congressman. Then I got into media consulting - writing and producing tv and radio spots for political races. I did that for about eight years."


How did that experience help you down the road?

"Funny you should ask that. I was just thinking about that this morning. When you write scripts for tv or radio, you have only a certain amount of time to get your message across - you have to tell your story with a minimum of words. I guess I wound up using that experience when I started writing songs. Also, as an independent artist, you have to do alot of your own marketing and promotion. So, that experience came in handy, too."

Not to mention that both careers - music and politics - require a pretty thick skin.

"That's true."


From Politics in New Hampshire to playing guitar in Key West seems like a world apart.

"It was the late 80's, and I was going through a challenging time. Working for mostly Democrats during the Reagan years had been frustrating. I was single and the long, cold New England winters were really starting to wear on me. I had put my guitar away the whole time I was working in politics, had gotten so busy I didn't really have time for it. But, then I found myself starting to play again, had gotten a few gigs at some local ski areas. I decided it was time to make a life style change. I got a legal pad and wrote down how much I would need to make to survive. I was working for the Democratic Leader in the New Hampshire House of Representatives and went in and gave her my notice, told her I wanted to play music for a living. She was a musician herself, so she understood and gave me her blessing. A short time later, I was at the Democratic National Convention in Atlanta. I had my car packed and just kept going, all the way to Key West."


Why Key West?

I had visited Key West before, had a couple contacts - including a bartender at the Pier House Chart Room. I auditioned for the Food & Beverage Manager and next thing I knew, I was playing seven nights a week there, making more money than I ever had in politics! I've been here ever since." 


I've heard your music described as "Beach Folk"

"That came from a music critic in Pennsylvania about 10 or 15 years ago. I can't remember if he was reviewing a cd or a show, but I thought it was pretty accurate. I think Trop Rock is a good descriptive term, but I'm not really 'rock'. I've always been more of an acoustic player, don't have steel drums on my records".


I told you earlier how I, like many people, first heard you on Radio Margaritaville. "Lucky Enough" was one of the few "non-Buffett" tunes they played. How did that come about?

"I had submitted some songs to Radio Margaritaville - back before Sirius/XM, they were more open to accepting and playing music from independent artists. At the same time, Sirius had a show - I think it was called 'Vacation Station' - and they were also playing a couple of my songs. Because I already had a relationship, I was fortunate enough that my songs made the transition when Sirius took over RM. Radio Margaritaville continues to be great to me. Without them and the airplay, I would not be able to tour some of the places I do."


Let's talk about your most recent cd, "Row Me Home". You have some pretty impressive people on it; Russ Kunkel has played with EVERYBODY; Jackson Browne, Crosby Stills & Nash, Bob Dylan, James Taylor and, of course, he's done several albums with Jimmy Buffett. Dean Parks has played guitar with some of the biggest names in the business - Steely Dan, Michael Jackson, Elton John, Billy Joel... and Leland Sklar is one of the top bass playing sidemen of all time. Some pretty heavy names. How did you hook up with them?

"That's all thanks to (Coral Reefer) Peter Mayer. I've known Peter for over 20 years. One day he called to let me know he was on the way down to Key West to work on some songs with Russ and wanted to introduce me. I knew who Russ was, of course, he had played on some of my favorite records, but I had never met him. We had dinner at Blue Heaven and hit it off. We found we had alot of things in common, including politics. Over the two months they were here recording, Russ and I spent many late nights at Louie's Backyard planning ways to fix the world's problems.."

Some "Grand Bar Schemes?"

"Exactly. I don't think we ever actually fixed any of them, but we did come up with a few songs. "Bank Of Bad Habits", which Russ wrote and Jimmy recorded, came from one of those conversations - I got credited for 'inspiration'. Russ and I kept in touch over the years, and one day he told me 'When you do another cd, come out to LA. I'd like to produce it!'


How did Lee Sklar and Dean Parks end up on it?

"Russ knows all those guys, has played with them. He's very organized - had everything all planned out before I ever got there. Some of the background singers had been in rehearsal for the Michael Jackson tour - the last one, when he died. They would rehearse with Michael, then come over to our studio. I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to work with all of them".


What is your songwriting process?

"I keep a journal with phrases and pieces of things. When it comes time to write, I have to set aside time to do it, somewhere very quiet. I'll pull the journal out and turn them into songs. I consider myself a storyteller. It's a form of self expression for me. If you're a Nashville songwriter, trying to write commercial hits, the process may be a little different."


In "4 Good Dogs" you say you're a pessimist. But, alot of your songs are about moving on -looking forward, not back.

"That's an interesting observation. I've never looked at it like that. I guess that's my dark sense of humor from being part Irish. Bad things happen all the time but you get past it. One thing that shaped my life alot happened when I was about 15. I lost an uncle. He was a great guy, only in his 40's. One day, he went to the hospital for some minor thing, caught an infection and died. I realized how short your time is, that you have to live it. One day you're playing golf, the next you're dead. That has affected the way I've lived my life since. Recently, I told my grandmother that story, that it had a big influence on me. She said, 'I was afraid that it had!'"


Do you spend alot of time on the road?

"Last year we put over 30,000 miles on our van. And that doesn't count, trains, planes and other automobiles! I still play at the Pier House and Margaritaville in Key West, but the rest of the time I'm on the road. In a perfect world, all I would do is tour eight months a year, then take the Winter off. But, I have to play every month to keep my hands limber. There's a certain rhythm to the road, if a tour is set up properly. James Taylor talked about it. Travel time, the hotel, dinner, the gig. It keeps other distractions aside. And we're lucky enough to have a fan base that comes to see us. Plus, we get to play some great venues - like Ram's Head in Annapolis, Md. I love places like that, small venues with great sound."


You've played shows with Jimmy Buffett and Carol King. Any body else you'd like to play with?

"I love playing with Peter Mayer. He's amazing. Not just a great player, but a great person. And, I figure, I just finished making a cd with Russ Kunkel, Lee and Dan. Where do I go from there?!"



Let's talk about some of your songs...
Spoiler Alert! Those of you who hope to see Scott at a House Concert this year and want to wait to hear his stories there, you may want to skip this part of the interview.


4 Good Dogs
"I was in a rut about 8-9 years ago, in a cynical mood, had a case of island fever. I was out walking my dog, it was a beautiful day in Key West. I remember thinking 'If all you have is a few good dogs in your life, things aren't so bad'."

Lucky Enough
"I've spent my whole life near the water. It can be expensive to live, even to vacation, near the water. But, if you love the ocean, you have it in your heart. John Kennedy talked about it. So, this song is about that -  that interesting relationship we have with the ocean and how lucky you are if you have the chance to live on or around the water".

Heart Of A Beach Town
"I went back up to New Hampshire around 2002 to do some work in the Secretary of State's office. I was staying on the water in North Hampton. Now, Key West is a great place, but it's small and can get crazy - always something going on, people coming to visit. There isn't alot of solace, time for self-reflection there. I loved that quiet of a New Hampshire winter on the water and wrote that song."

Walking On Thin Ice
"I had a good friend, Marty, who was going through a rough time, a divorce. One night he said 'What the hell, if you're gonna walk on thin ice, you might as well dance'. I had never heard that! I asked him if he had come up with it and he told me he read it on the wall at the Green Parrot (bar in Key West)."

Blow Me Down To Cayo Hueso
"My grandfather came from Ireland and moved to the coast of Newfoundland, to a little fishing village called Blow Me Down. I finally got a chance to visit there about 7-8 years ago and started thinking about my voyage, from my family's beginnings in the town of Blow Me Down all the way to my current home in Cayo Hueso (Key West). I love lyrics that have double meanings."

Women and Grapes
"Russ and I were having dinner at a Tai Restaurant in Los Angeles. We were talking about the fact that we weren't hunters. If we had to rely on our hunting skills to eat, we'd starve. We'd be gatherers instead. And I said, yeah, I'd gather women and grapes!"


http://www.scottkirby.com/

http://russellkunkel.com/

http://www.petermayer.com/

http://www.radiomargaritaville.com/

http://www.pierhouse.com/Key_West/index.asp

http://greenparrot.com/

http://www.louiesbackyard.com/

http://www.ramsheadtavern.com/

Jimmy Buffett & The Coral Reefer Band - Welcome to Fin Land Tour 2011

4/16        Tampa, Florida            1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre

4/19        Raleigh, NC                Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion

4/21        Charlotte, NC             Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

4/23        West Palm Beach, FL     Cruzan Amphitheatre

4/30        Kansas City, MO           Sprint Center

5/3          St. Louis, MO             Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

5/5          Houston, TX               Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

5/7         New Orleans, LA          New Orleans Jazz Festival

5/21       Frisco, TX                   Pizza Hut Park

5/24       Atlanta, GA                 Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood

5/26       Virginia Beach, VA        Farm Bureau Live

5/28      Nashville, TN                Bridgestone Arena

6/18     Mansfield, MA               Comcast Center

6/21      Burgettstown, PA          First Niagara Pavilion

6/23      Camden, NJ                 Susquehanna Bank Center

6/25      East Troy, WI                Alpine Valley Music Theatre

7/16      Toronto, On, Canada       Molson Canadian Amphitheatre

7/19      Cuyahoga Falls, OH         Blossom Music Center

7/21       Clarkston, MI                DTE Energy Music Theatre -

7/23       Bridgeview, IL               Toyota Park

8/19      Wantagh, NY                 Nikon at Jones Beach Theater

8/23     Cincinnati, OH                Riverbend Music Center

8/27      Bristow, VA                   Jiffy Lube Live

9/26       Paris, France                Olympia Hall



For more info - including ticket on sale dates:  http://www.buffettnews.com/tourdates/

Two Top Tiki Bar Cocktail Recipes

With warm weather comes time to kick back on your deck, invite some friends over to bbq - maybe open up (or build) that backyard Tiki Bar. And, of course, you'll need the proper beverages to go along with your outdoor activities. Here are two drinks that are sure to make you the envy of your neighborhood, based on secret receipes "borrowed" from well known watering holes on both coasts...


Key Lime Pie Shooter
2 oz Light Rum
1 oz Licor 43 (the "Key" ingredient - very important!)
1 oz Sour Mix
1 oz Half & Half
Splash of Roses Lime Juice
Shake with ice and strain into a small rocks glass.

Note: This can also be made as Martini. Rim chilled martini glass with lime juice and crushed graham crackers...

Recipe from "Pete" at Hogs Breath Saloon in Key West


Dana Point Mai Tai
1 oz Light Rum
1 oz Dark Rum (Myers or Goslings Black Seal work well)
1 oz Orange Juice
1 oz Pineapple Juice
1/2 oz Creme De Noyeaux (or almond substitute like Orgeat or Amaretto)
Splash of Grenadine
Shake with ice and pour.
Float a little more Dark Rum on top

Recipe from the Wind & Sea in Dana Point, California (originally from the Kona Inn, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii)


"Mahalo" to renowned bartender and boat drink aficionado Kevin McFarlin, aka "K1A", for the insider info...K1A currently creates his masterful mixes at Seagle's Mar-Tiki Bar in St. Mary's GA.

Trop Rockin: Steven Youngblood gets Trop Rock on the air in PCB, John Friday escapes, Homemade Wine wins awards, & Robert Daniels sells some cereal.

Late 2009/early 2010 was a tumultuous time for Panama City, Florida singer/songwriter Steven Youngblood.  “Born with one foot in the water”, as he says in the title track to his “Guitars & Fishing Poles” cd, Youngblood was raised around sail boats and fishing. He picked up his first guitar at the age of eight and never looked back.  With the sand and sea of his coastal home as a back drop and musical inspiration from the likes of Jimmy Buffett and Eric Stone, Steven eventually found himself writing about subjects that were naturally near and dear to his heart - from laid back tracks like “Island Time” and “Cross On The Reef” to more upbeat tunes like “Picture Perfect Sunset” and the tongue-in-cheek “Hope My Ship Comes In”, all found on his debut disc. As he was wrapping up and getting ready to release that album in late 2009, doctors discovered a problem that would require some surgery. "I thought my voice was just getting kind of raspy from all the bar gigs I was playing." he says, "Turned out I had a lump in my throat that was pushing on my vocal cords!" The hospital stay took him off the road and it was several months before he could perform a full show again. At almost the same time, Youngblood, a radio engineer by trade, approached a floundering local AM station about the idea of putting Trop Rock on the air there. The owner agreed and Trop Rock 1290 was born (http://www.troprock1290.com/troprock%20home.html). Jimmy Buffett is a staple of the station, but most of the playlist is made up of Independent Trop Rock artists from across the country, mixed in with a variety of Island music and even North Carolina Shag tunes. The perfect accompaniment to a day at the Panama City Beaches. He continues to add new songs to the station all the time and plans to have an FM signal this Summer.  On the recording front, Steven has a new single he's working on called "Tan Lines", written by his good friend, Charlie Black, a Nashville songwriter with dozens of Number Ones to his credit. He hopes to follow that with another full cd some time next year. In the meanwhile, you can catch Steven (often with his wife Sandra on Steel Drums) playing watering holes all along the Redneck Riviera, from Joey's Oyster Bar, and Margaritaville in PCB to Fuddpuckers in Destin.  He's also a regular fixture at events for both the Panama City and Emerald City Parrot Head Clubs. www.stevenyoungblood.com or more info and upcoming dates (artists can also submit songs for Trop Rock 1290 there)

John Friday is a self–described "Tropical Balladeer and Displaced Pirate" who originally hails from Maryland.  The singer/songwriter's eclectic background includes a stint as a crabber on the Chesapeake Bay, as well as assorted attempts at college, studying subjects from biology to business.  After an injury ended his thirteen year Army career, Friday settled in the Naples area of Florida and started writing songs and performing in the local bars.  In 2009, he released his first full length cd, "Coastal Dreamin'", which included the rollicking ditties “Ain’t Missing a Thing” and “Rita’s Going Wild”, as well as a cover of the Little Feat classic, “Willin’”… "The last two to three years have been kind of a blur", says Friday - referring to all the increased activity in his busy schedule. In 2010, he was part of the talent line up for the "Puerto Los Somewhere" cruise to Cozumel - one of the first of what is now a plethora of Trop Rock cruises, and played a number of Parrot Head friendly festivals - including the Six String Music Songwriters Invitational in New Orleans (http://sixstringmusicnola.com/) and the patriotic Red, White & Tunes Festival in Southwest Florida (http://redwhiteandtunes.com/). He also made a trip to Hawaii to play for the Pau Hana Parrot Head Club and finished fourth (out of over 400) in the Landshark Lager Battle of the Bands in Nashville. Friday finished the year by releasing another full length cd, "Tropicalized".  In addition to the title track, which can be heard on Trop Rock music outlets like BeachFront Radio, the disc includes "Tennessee Whiskey/Jamaican Rum", co-written by well known Parrot Head songwriter, William Melton . He plans to expand his activities even further in 2011 with more House Concerts and festival gigs, both solo and with his band The Caribbean Connection. Asked where he thinks Trop Rock is going, John says "I want to honor the roots, which is Jimmy Buffett, but there's also more to it", adding, "I write about escapism - whether it's about escaping the snow or a bad relationship". He'll be heading up to New Jersey for the third annual Spring Fling (http://www.springphling.com/) in May, with stops along the way - including a House Concert for the Atlanta Trop Rock Alliance. http://www.johnfriday.com/

Formed around brothers Tod and Ryan Sheley, Homemade Wine began booking gigs as an acoustic act around their hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee, back in 2008.  Older brother and percussionist Tod has a serious Trop Rock pedigree, as a founding member of  St. Somewhere (www.myspace.com/stsforever), as well as having played with well known Tennessee Trop Rock acts Tall Paul (http://www.tallpaul.com/) and Jake & The Half Conched Band (http://www.lifeonthegulf.com/ ).  Three years later, they are an award winning band with six members, a cd, and a touring van they spend ALOT of time in. "It's been a blast! We just got back from 27 days on the road", said the younger Sheley sibling at the time of this writing. "Mostly around North Florida and the Georgia/SC coast. We played for about 12,000 people at the Taste of Charleston and headlined St. Patty's in Savannah. But we also did some great gigs in places like Greensboro NC and Columbia, SC." The cd in question is "Music For A Salty Soul", which came out in the Summer of 2010 and includes some songs that had been floating around the Trop Rock universe in demo form (including my Ipod) for some time - the catchy country/caribbean "Take Me Down To The Tropics", New Orleans flavored "Sweet Adele", and the melancholy "Seeking Harbor". The cd also included "Her Kiss", the Number One Trop Rock Song of 2010 on BeachFront Radio's Top 40 (the cd also won "Album of the Year", Ryan won "Best New Male Trocker", and the group took home "Top New Trop Rock Band"). After a stop at the New Jersey Spring Phling the end of this month, Homemade Wine will head to Washington, DC to begin recording their second cd, which they hope to have finished by the end of Summer "I want to be done and home in time for football season!" says Sheley. http://www.homemadewinemusic.com/

Last but not least, what do commercial jingles, TV voiceovers, and Trop Rock have in common? Robert Daniels! Daniels is a professional songwriter (member of the Nashville Songwriters Association), and voice-over talent who splits his time between New York City and the sleepy southern coastal town of Murrells Inlet, SC.  When he’s not pimping breakfast cereal or taking you to the next commercial break, he and his acoustic guitar can be found performing Country, Blues, and Rock covers in cafes and nightclubs around the Big Apple. Two of his original compositions, "You Don't Have To Be In Mexico" and "Gotta Love a Girl Like That", have received airplay on numerous Trop Rock radio stations.   www.myspace.com/robertdanielsmusic

Fernandina Beach, FL and St. Mary's, GA. Beaches, Bars...and Cindy Dean The Porno Queen.

This blog being called "Beaches, Bands & Bars", I plan to cover all of those subjects (and more). Up until now, most of my attention has been directed to the music you make take along for a trip to the first and last B's in the title. Starting with this post, I'm going to begin a series on coastal getaways  - with an eye toward secret spots and local favorites. Some information will come from websites and other online , but - as much as humanly possible - I will try to cover places I have personally been to or, at the very least, try to use "reliable sources"; people I know who have spent time living and/or visiting the area. The goal is to give you an "insider's look" at places you might want to visit, or maybe hip you to a new spot at a beach you have already been to. If you have any suggestions - or want to add places I missed, that's what the comments section is for! My first stop is a "two fer", covering neighboring towns in Georgia and Florida...

Take the first exit off I95 as you enter the Sunshine State (or last one on your way out, depending on which way you look at it) and head East and, eventually, you will find yourself in Fernandina Beach, Florida. http://www.fbfl.us/   Known as the "Isle of the Eight Flags" for all the various groups that have laid claim to the island at one time or another, Fernandina Beach sits on Amelia Island in the extreme North east corner of Florida, right on the Atlantic Ocean. On the southern end of the island sits the Ritz Carlton luxury hotel. With over 400 rooms, four restaurants, a golf course, tennis center, spa, and pristine private beach, the Ritz has been the backdrop for a number of movie and tv shoots and is a great escape for those with caviar tastes. http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/AmeliaIsland/Default.htm    For the rest of us, there are plenty of more affordable accommodations in Fernandina.

Just a stone's throw up A1A/Fletcher from the Ritz is Peter's Point, a public beach with clean facilities, outdoor showers, and plenty of free parking. Spend some time soaking up the sun there, then head further North to Sliders Seaside Grille. Located just a dunes throw from the water, Sliders is a 60 year old former roadhouse with a rock and roll past. Guitarist and current Allman Brother Derek Trucks played his first paying gig there as a teenager, Leon Russel has been a musical guest, as has famous former Buffett harp player Fingers Taylor with KD Moore. Currently undergoing some second floor renovations, the main restaurant and bar is still open. But, the best place to pull up a stool is at the tiki bar out back. Sit at the bar and you can sip a cold Corona while watching the surf roll in, or park it at a table and enjoy the island breezes and live music. I, myself, have spent many hours there chowing down on fried pickles and Grouper sandwiches, but locals in the know also swear by the Crab Cakes and Bourbon Scallops. Their locally famous and highly dangerous Key Lime Pie shooter, concocted and perfected by bartender and fireman "K1A" (full disclosure, my brother Kevin) left when he did. But he tells me he has passed the recipe on to one of the new staff members, so it's worth asking for one when you visit. An added attraction is that you can park right on the beach behind Sliders. From there it's just a short walk to the bar if you get hungry or run low on tailgating supplies. Note: I don't recommend driving onto the sand unless you have a four wheel drive and know how to use it - or a $20 bill in your pocket to pay the local who pulls you out. Rumor has it good looking girls usually get a discount... http://slidersseaside.com/

Next stop in Fernandina is what is being touted as the "Northernmost Tiki Bar" on A1A, the just added back deck bar at Sandy Bottoms Beach Bar and Grill. They recently doubled their seating capacity by putting tables and chairs on the beach. So, although there is a full service restaurant and several places to enjoy adult beverage inside, the best place to be is sitting right in the sand. Sandy Bottoms has nightly drink specials, a good selection of Rum and excellent wings. They also have a webcam so you can see and be seen.  http://sandybottomsamelia.com/ 

If beachside bars and boat drinks are NOT what you're looking for, you can always head to Fort Clinch State Park, home of one of the most well preserved 19th century forts in the country. With historical reenactments, a fishing pier, camping, and a largely unspoiled beach, Fort clinch offers family friendly activities. And, for those that might want to work off last night's plate of fried shrimp, there are also mountain biking and hiking trails. As a State Park, there is a small fee for cars and camping.  http://www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch/


If you like to balance your beach time with shopping, Fernandinda Beach also has a historic district, with lots of quaint gift shops and clothing stores, including "Last Flight Out", famous for having been visited by Jimmy Buffett a few years back. At the marina, you can catch a ferry to Cumberland Island, charter a fishing trip, enjoy a river cruise or sunset sail, or just hang out and watch the shrimp boats bring in their catch. And, when you work up a thirst, you're just a short walk from one of the oldest bars in Florida, the storied Palace Saloon. Over 100 years old, The Palace was opened as a true "gentleman's establishment," with complimentary towels hanging from the bar to wipe the foam from patron's mustaches. Only slightly changed and occasionally upgraded since then, the Palace now has three bars, including a pool and game room and a nightclub, but you can still feel the ghosts of old ship captains that once walked the floors.   http://thepalacesaloon.com/

At the marina, you can also catch a ferry ($20 round trip) to our next stop: St. Mary's, Georgia.

St. Mary's, Georgia is a riverfront town with a boatload of Southern charm. http://www.stmaryswelcome.com/ It is also home to the Kings Bay Submarine Navy base. Step off the ferry and head directly across the street to The Riverview Hotel - a 95 year old hotel and restaurant. With only 18 reasonably priced rooms, each uniquely decorated, it's a great place to spend the night. Check in, then head downstairs to for dinner at Captain Seagles Restaurant, where locals swear by the Calamari (I've had them - perfectly cooked and delicious) and my mom's favorite, Shrimp and Grits. With Lang's Seafood Market just across the street, there is plenty of fresh fish for the kitchen. Want a pre-dinner cocktail? There are two bars to choose from. Seagle's Saloon is overseen by "Cindy Dean the Porno Queen". Behind the bar for more than a decade, Cindy is a local legend with a heart of gold but a sailor's tongue, known for holding court over a diverse group from lawyers to construction workers. Don't go in if you're easily embarrassed or have thin skin! On the other side of the restaurant is Gala's, recently dubbed the "Mar-Tiki Bar", a combination of their signature drink, the Martini, and the Aloha vibe bartender "K1A" brought to it when he started a few months ago. Try a specialty cocktail like the Eye of The Hurricane, or a Martini made with one of their many flavored vodkas like Double Espresso, Kiwi, Mango, and Acai Berry. The last time I stopped by Seagles, the owners' son, Kevin, was working hard to refurbish one of the two large outdoor patios and talking about starting to book more live music, including - possibly - some Trop rock. Heads up: the Saloon allows smoking, the "Mar-Tiki" Bar does not.  http://www.riverviewhotelstmarys.com/

Like Fernandina, St. Mary's also has a shopping area, with antiques, book and gift stores, an ice cream shop and more. There are also museums and trolley tours for history buffs and a waterfront park for the children (be sure to bring plenty of  bug spray during the Summer months, when the sand gnats can be especially annoying).

And, finally, if you REALLY want to seek out a local gem, you'll need a car to drive to Lucky Dawgs. Located at the corner of a small strip mall and gas station well away from the water, this former hot dog joint has recently gone Parrot Head. They opened an outdoor patio and tiki bar, built a stage, and decorated it all like the Jimmy Buffett songs they play over the sound system on Radio Margaritaville. Live music from regional bands, Low Country Boils, and nightly drink and all you can eat seafood specials keep the locals happy. http://luckydawgscamdenga.com/

  

That's it for this "insiders look" at the beaches and bars of Fernandina Beach, Florida and St. Mary's, Georgia. Two towns separated by a river and well worth a visit.

Thanks to my brother, one time Fernandina and current St. Mary's resident and world class bartender, Kevin (aka "K1A"), for the help with this post....