Parrotheads Flocking To Jim Stafford Theater For This Unique Show
Since 1959 Branson Missouri is one of the top locations for lovers of shows, and more specifically, shows that include live music.
At any given day or night, Branson has more than 100 shows running on a regular basis. With so many great things to enjoy, you would think it would be difficult to decide which ones to go to during your time in Branson.
Well, it’s not a tough choice at all for any Jimmy Buffett fan: Parrotheads are flocking to Parrotville at the Jim Stafford Theater.
Parrotville takes you on a musical journey spanning the four decades of Jimmy Buffett’s career. It’s much more than simply a Buffett tribute band. The performers put a little Jimmy Buffett history in the show, while motiving those in their seats to sing and, at times, dance along to the songs. The show is family friendly for all ages since they do change a lyric here or there for some of the more adult lines in Jimmy’s songs.
Chris Wainscott, the General Manager of the Jim Stafford Theater, is also the writer and producer of Parrotville. He had the idea in 2018 to bring a Jimmy Buffett tribute show to Branson. Chris says “I’ve always loved Jimmy Buffett music and admired the fans, so I wanted to create a show that would appeal to Parrotheads and people that don’t know much about Jimmy Buffett.”
Chris has put together a very talented crew for the show. Branson, much like Nashville, is loaded with talented singers and musicians. Chris has done a fantastic job of taking advantage of the local talent pool putting together a team of folks that each, individually, have impressive resumes, and together put on one of the best shows I have seen in quite some time.
In addition to the Jim Stafford Theater’s stage crew providing stellar lighting and sound, the performers are simply fantastic. The band consists of Marty Wilhite on bass guitar, Matt Hanshaw on lead guitar, Jim Garstang on keyboards, Brian Duvall on drums, and Tim Prososki on steel guitar, acoustic guitar, and harmonica. Vocals for the show are provided by Logan Allen, Casey Ellison, Marty Wilhite, and Kailey Adams.
The entire show was fun and enjoyable and there were even a few moments that took this Buffett veteran by surprise.
The first was when Adams, a female vocalist, took center stage for a couple of Jimmy Buffett ballads, “Son of a Son of a Sailor” and “Pirate Looks at Forty.” I think if Jimmy himself was in the room and witnessed how well Kailey sang these songs, he may never attempt to perform them again.
Another standout moment was when Wilhite, the bass guitarist, took lead vocals on “I Can See Clearly Now.” That song really showed off his great vocal ability.
Of course, no Buffett-themed show would be complete without a conga line, and this one did not disappoint as dozens of people from the audience danced up and down the isles to the song “Volcano.”
Another noticeable thing I must mention about the show that all true Buffett fans will appreciate is that Parrotville not only plays Buffett’s commercially successful tunes, it also performs songs from Jimmy’s early years. Us Parrotheads love those songs!
The theater set up is perfect for a Buffett tribute show. For instance, in the back there is a huge deck with a tiki bar. The tiki bar is open for the entire show, and if you prefer that to a theater seat, there is plenty of room to hang out on the deck and watch the show.
This is great because many theaters have the bars in the lobby, so each time you go grab a beverage, you are missing a part of the show, but not at Parrotville. Chris mentioned they are expanding the tiki bar area in the near future for an even better experience.
Next time you are in Branson and you are looking at the huge list of show options, do not discount Parrotville as a kitschy over-the-top Parrothead-only show.
It is done in such a manner it is appealing to all audiences, including Parrotheads or not, even for those that have never heard of Jimmy Buffett.
Parrotville is a must-attend show in Branson. Parrotville takes place Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the Jim Stafford Theater with a very special show scheduled for New Year’s Eve.
For details visit www.JimStaffordTickets.com.
Eric Babin is the owner and host of the troprock radio station RadioTropRock.com, and is a frequent contributor to PubClub.com
2018 Trop Rockin’ Magazine’s DJ Personality of the Year
Radio Trop Rock ( www.RadioTropRock.com )
2017 & 2018 TRMA Radio Station of the Year
Trop Rockin’ the USA ( www.TropRockinTheUSA.com )
2017 & 2018 TRMA Radio Show of the Year (Live)
2018 Trop Rockin’ Magazine’s Radio Show of the Year
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Right on – thank for the comment!
Any show with Casey Ellison is a must see..great voice and performer.