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5 things you need to know before the Jimmy Buffett show

Jimmy Buffett will perform with the Coral Reefer Band June 26, 2010 at Alpine Valley Music Theatre. Terry Mayer/file photo.

Jimmy Buffett -- 8 p.m. June 26, 2010

ALPINE VALLEY -- After he finishes his Alpine Valley show Saturay, Jimmy Buffett and a few of his friends will head to the Alabama coast for a free concert to show support for the Gulf region.

The show will happen July 1 on the beach at Gulf Shores and will be broadcast live on CMT, state tourism director Lee Sentell said.

"This isn't just about Alabama's beaches," Sentell said. "Video footage showcasing scenes from Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida will be shown during the telecast."

Buffett's website says the concert is meant to demonstrate support for the people, businesses and culture of the Gulf Coast. Buffett and his Coral Reefer Band will be joined in Gulf Shores by Sonny Landreth, Zac Brown Band, Kenny Chesney, Jesse Winchester and Allen Toussaint.

Alabama Gov. Bob Riley applauded the idea and agreed to allow the state tourism department help with production costs.

"This will begin the turnaround to bring tourists back to the beach despite occasional tar balls and help save the summer season," Riley said in a statement. "Millions of Jimmy's fans will see how clean and beautiful gulf beaches are and many will decide to visit. This being the beginning of the important July the Fourth weekend, it could not come at a better time."

Free tickets will be available through the CMT website on a first-come-first-served basis later this week, Sentell said.

A special souvenir T-shirt will be designed for the concert. It will be available online and at the show.

~~Associated Press

Buffett Bash

To get into the swing, fans can attend Buffett Bash Entertainment 2010 Friday evening, with live music featuring three band members from The Coral Reefer Band — Jimmy Buffett’s touring band.

Date and time of local event: June 25. Entertainment starts at 4 p.m.

Location of event: Two Seasons Bowl, 830 N. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn.

Sponsoring Business: Two Seasons Bowl and Bruce Kudick.

How did the event get started? It started 10 years as a safe ride program, with shuttle busses taking fans from Two Seasons Bowl to the Jimmy Buffett concert at Alpine Valley. Last year, the bash became a fundraiser for the Walworth County Alliance for Children, and, even though it was a rainy weekend, the event raised $4,000 for the alliance. This year, they hope to raise even more for the children’s advocacy group.

Is this a fundraiser or benefit — who benefits? This is a fundraiser, with proceeds going to the Walworth County Alliance for Children.

Any special features, performance, entertainment? The Boat Drunks band, Cedar Island Band, John Frinzi and John Patti all will perform. Special guests Nadirah Shakoor, Doyle Grisham and Mike Utley from The Coral Reefer Band will make an appearance.

Cost? $25 at the door or $20 in advance.

Ticket information: (262) 723-4047, www.two-seasons-bowl.com.

Contact information: (262) 723-4047, www.two-seasons-bowl.com or www.landsharklager.com.

5 things you need to know before the show

1. Venue: Alpine Valley Music Theatre, near East Troy, Wis.

2. Map: From I 43 south of East Troy, exit Wisconsin Highway 120, south or Bowers Road to County Highway D.

3. Seating: Click on the 2-D or 3-D views

4. Twitter: Follow the band here.

5. www.margaritaville.com Buffett's official site.