“The Labor Day Weekend Show”, a phrase made famous in Jimmy Buffett’s 1974 chart topping song “Come Monday” took on a different meaning on Sept. 2, 2023 – the start of the Labor Day weekend – when Parrot Heads awoke to the news that Jimmy had passed away the evening before, surrounded by “his family, friends, music and dogs”. We were reminded that he “lived his life like a song until his very last breath.” His big sister Lulu later told us family members were holding his hands as he said his last words with a smile on his face – “have fun”.
Those who knew Jimmy well, including his Parrot Head Nation, understand what those words meant. Not carouse and cause chaos, but instead, live our lives to the fullest each and every day, never forgetting to give back to our communities and make the world a better place. His family asked us to “keep the party going” serving with joy and purpose.
A year after Jimmy’s exit from the stage, our organization has grown and is stronger than ever. Most of us celebrated his life on some way over Labor Day weekend. August 30th was declared Jimmy Buffett Day and we did acts of service both large and small. On Sunday the 1st my husband Michael and I hosted a gathering at our home for The 5 O’Clock Phlock where guests brought dishes to share inspired by his songs – cheeseburgers, oysters and beer, Junior Mints and so much more. Jimmy loved a good meal that is for sure!
At this party we had planned to collect donations for “Singing For Change” Jimmy’s nonprofit, which he founded in 1995. Jimmy called it “sprinkling pixie dust”, helping thousands of people find a better way to live. The organization is focused on non-traditional, grass-roots organizations that are often overlooked by conventional funders. From 1995 straight through to his very last show in May of 2023, Jimmy gave one dollar from every ticket sold to Singing For Change. That might not sound like much, until you think of 20,000 gathered in one night for one show, and then multiply that by dozens of shows each year for decades. “Turning good vibes into good deeds” Jimmy would say.
But the weekend before our club’s “Labor Day Weekend Show”, one of our own lost everything in the fire at The Landings Apartments in Conroe. It was a devastating fire that pretty much destroyed 12 units in a very short time. So we did a little pivot. Club members filled our signature pink flamingo with gift cards and cash, accompanied by notes of love and support. A storage unit will soon overflow with donated furniture and household goods, ready for her when she is able to move forward with a new place. She has suffered a great loss, but she is not going through it alone – her family and her Phlock are there for her. We know Jimmy is smiling down and giving us a Fins Up!
If you’d like to join the party and see what a Parrot Head Club is all about, come to our September Happy Hour at Pedro’s Tequila and Taco Bar in Conroe on Thursday, September 26th at 5 p.m. We’ll be on the patio with music by local favorite Kevin Lamar on the outdoor stage. It’s open to all. We’ll have a raffle to help fund our fall and winter charitable work, we’ll celebrate birthdays, collect our recyling items, and we’ll also kick off our “Socktober” project to provide socks for the homeless as the cold weather months approach. Come “Party With A Purpose” and have a great time doing it!
Kris is President of The 5 O’Clock Phlock Parrot Head Club, the PHC of the Lake Conroe/Woodlands area. Email KrisCommService@aol.com or text 713 825-0141. Follow the club on Facebook at www.facebook.com/5OClockPhlock. For more info, visit the website www.5oclockphlock.com.
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