I’m goin’ to a Jimmy Buffett show, and I need help stat!
Click image or here for an 8 minute video of live performances of “Fins” and “Son of a son of a sailor”:
Five years ago this month, August 2008, it was a year since my final treatment. I’d beaten cancer and had spent a year wondering “What next? What will I do with my free replay in life??”
What had I always said I’d get around to, someday? In a flash it came to me: Parrothead!!
But there were obstacles. First was the cost of tickets – I was fresh from cancer and a house-sale disaster. Next was that every time I learned about a concert it was already sold out. Then were my three years of being a start-up, with no money for luxuries.
Last winter I realized I could afford it – but again, every time I found a concert it was sold out. What to do?? In early January I did what everyone modern does – turned to social media. I asked Twitter:
Within a day my problem was solved, after years of struggle: @FrancieGrace (self-styled “ticket queen”) clued me in, and I was prepped to pounce. Two months later when the show I wanted went on sale, BOOM: here are the seats we got – front row – in the handicapped section, for Ginny’s feet. (Having spent time in a wheelchair myself, I don’t recommend it as a compromise to get good seats.)
So we’re ready to go. Twitter FTW!
But we don’t look the part!
Watching that video above made me realize, holy COW do we have a lot to learn. I’ve stocked up on Buffett tunes, and I’m introducing Ginny to them, but I don’t have a THING to wear. (Except, well, a certain shirt that I got in Hawaii…)
So tell us: what do we need to know?? Are there secret handshakes, must-have goods, certain rituals? The “Fins” video makes clear what to do for THAT classic; what else?? (Francie steered us to Hearos drastic-noise-reducing earplugs, Xtreme Protection Series.)
The concert is next Tuesday so I don’t have a lot of time for shopping around. But I’m game. Go!
These people sure look like they’re having fun – all clipped from this one song! – and I want every bit of it. It’s who I was meant to be. Bucket list ho!
p.s.
23andMe says he’s in the same maternal haplogroup as me. So is Warren Buffett. And Napoleon.
The experience of gathering with countless others to sing and smile – one of the best ways I know to celebrate being alive – and a great way to gather strength, joy and inspiration. Imagine the civil rights movement without “We Shall Overcome,” the peace movement without “Imagine,” “Down By The Riverside,” “Feel Like I’m Fixin’ To Die” and “Alice’s Restaurant,” and the patient power movement without “Gimme My DaM Data” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gpk-fbfg4Y).
I was so energized last summer when I saw you, @RossMartin and the Sons of Artemis belting out the latter on YouTube, there was only one thing to do: drop everything and book tickets to @ReginaHolliday’s Partnership With Patients conference in Kansas City, Missouri. It was a little crazy at the time for a few good reasons, but I’m glad I was there. Have a great time in Parrot Land, Dave – joy is what makes it all possible and worthwhile.
Parrothead here! Advice – prepare to have fun! Listen to lots of Buffet. Go early – the parking lot parties are a key part of the experience. You will be dazzled by the tiki bars, fins, and outfits. Bring your own tailgate goodies! If you can find some parrot paraphernalia then by all means bring it – hats, stuffed parrots, any silly thing. If not, no worries. It’s all good. So many people from all walks of life are parrotheads. Have a great time – it’s easy to do :)))