Will Kimbrough to Rock Key West at Memorial Fest for Jimmy Buffett

Start your Labor Day weekend off right because we’ve got some major news. Will Kimbrough, Jimmy Buffett’s long-time collaborator and co-writer of "Bubbles Up," is set to perform at the first annual “Just a Few Friends Key West” Festival. This free show will take place on September 1st at Truman Waterfront Park, right after the Second Line parade. Expect to hear from some of the Keys' finest local artists like CW Colt, Zach Miller, Caffeine Carl, Mike Stack, and Howard Livingston with a mix of original tunes and trop rock covers.

For those unfamiliar, Kimbrough and Buffett both hail from Mobile, Alabama. Their 20-year partnership has blessed us with 21 songs over Buffett’s last seven albums. "Bubbles Up," a soulful track from Buffett’s posthumous album, "Equal Strain On All Parts," is a highlight. When he's not an honorary Coral Reefer, Kimbrough tours with Alabama, Emmylou Harris, and Rodney Crowell. Plus, he’s dropping a new solo album, “For the Life of Me,” soon.

Kimbrough is pumped to join this Key West celebration, a place where he and Buffett created many hits at Shrimpboat Sound Studio. Reflecting on Buffett’s legacy, Kimbrough says, “It was, and probably still is, Jimmy Buffett’s world; we just live in it.”

This festival isn’t just a party; it’s a tribute. Jimmy Buffett passed on September 1, 2023, and his fans, led by Paul Menta and Jordan Upchurch, organized a memorable parade that year. Now, “Just a Few Friends Key West” aims to bring that parade back, bigger and better. With events running all weekend, it’s set to become an annual staple, celebrating Buffett's legacy with a variety of activities and ensuring it’s “the cleanest in the country.”

Mark your calendars: the Second Line parade kicks off at 5 pm on lower Duval on September 1, 2024, ending at Truman Waterfront Park. Expect vendor booths, food, drinks, and live music on the Friends of Bubba stage. Special $30 souvenir parade lanyards are available, with proceeds benefiting local youth music programs and Reef Relief. Can’t make it in person? Join virtually through a special link with your donation. Check out more details at www.justafewfriends.com.

The weekend promises walking tours, margarita bar crawls, brunches, parties, and tons of live music across Key West. Free and ticketed events ensure there's something for everyone.