Parrotheads
Encyclopedia
Parrot Head or Parrothead is a commonly used nickname for fans of Jimmy Buffett
. "Parakeets" is the term used for younger fans of Jimmy, or children of Parrotheads.
amusement park outside of Cincinnati, Ohio. Buffett has said numerous times that he attributes much of his fame to this area. At the show, Jimmy commented about everyone wearing Hawaiian shirts and parrot hats and how they kept coming back to see his shows, just like Deadheads. Timothy B. Schmit
, then a member of the Coral Reefer Band
(now with Eagles), coined the term "Parrot Head" to describe each of those fans.
. Many fans are members of Parrot head clubs. The general theme of being a Parrothead is one of relaxation, even while working. Some prefer the spelling "Parrotthead," reflecting the double "t" in Buffett.
The more "professional" aspect is to wear high-end tropical vacation clothing, though this is likely seen by many as a departure from the "true tenets" of being a Parrot head as it references a more expensive lifestyle than is commonly associated with being a tropical beach bum.
s to the annual Meeting of the Minds in Key West, Florida
, which attracts approximately 3,500 Parrotheads each year. The several day event, sponsored by the Parrot Heads in Paradise includes live music, but also a Toys for Tots
drive, a blood drive, raffles and other events to raise money for charities. Some regional groups will focus on one or two key charities, while others may switch between several. Environmental causes, cancer research, Alzheimer's research and the March of Dimes
all have received large donations from Parrothead organizations. In 2009, there were 237 Parrothead Club chapters in the United States, Canada and Australia, spanning 3 different countries, 47 states, 3 Canadian provinces and one U.S. Territory. The total membership in 2009 was almost 27,000 members. In the eight year period 2002-2009, member clubs of the international Parrothead organization raised over $19M to support charitable organizations, and collectively worked almost 2.5 million hours of community service.
Jimmy Buffett
James William "Jimmy" Buffett is a singer-songwriter, author, entrepreneur, and film producer. He is best known for his music, which often portrays an "island escapism" lifestyle. Together with his Coral Reefer Band, Buffett's musical hits include "Margaritaville" , and "Come Monday"...
. "Parakeets" is the term used for younger fans of Jimmy, or children of Parrotheads.
Origin
The term "Parrot Head" began in 1985 at a Jimmy Buffett concert at the Timberwolf Amphitheater at Kings IslandKings Island
Kings Island is a amusement park located northeast of Cincinnati in Mason, Ohio. Opened in 1972 by Taft Broadcasting Company and now owned by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, Kings Island is the most visited seasonal amusement park in the U.S...
amusement park outside of Cincinnati, Ohio. Buffett has said numerous times that he attributes much of his fame to this area. At the show, Jimmy commented about everyone wearing Hawaiian shirts and parrot hats and how they kept coming back to see his shows, just like Deadheads. Timothy B. Schmit
Timothy B. Schmit
Timothy Bruce Schmit is an American musician and songwriter, best known for his work as bass guitar player and singer for Poco and the Eagles. Schmit has also worked for decades as a session musician and solo artist.-Early career:Raised in Sacramento, Schmit began playing in the folk music group...
, then a member of the Coral Reefer Band
Coral Reefer Band
The Coral Reefer Band is the touring and recording band of American popular music singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett. Originally it was a fictional band consisting of the imaginary members Marvin Gardens, Kay Pasa, Al Vacado and Kitty Litter....
(now with Eagles), coined the term "Parrot Head" to describe each of those fans.
Description
The common stereotype is of a person wearing a Hawaiian shirt, flip-flops and board shorts, or a grass skirt and a coconut bra while drinking a margaritaMargarita
The margarita is a cocktail consisting of tequila mixed with orange-flavoured liqueur and lime or lemon juice, often served with salt on the glass rim. It is the most common tequila-based cocktail in the United States...
. Many fans are members of Parrot head clubs. The general theme of being a Parrothead is one of relaxation, even while working. Some prefer the spelling "Parrotthead," reflecting the double "t" in Buffett.
The more "professional" aspect is to wear high-end tropical vacation clothing, though this is likely seen by many as a departure from the "true tenets" of being a Parrot head as it references a more expensive lifestyle than is commonly associated with being a tropical beach bum.
Activities
Scott Nickerson formed the first Parrothead Club in Atlanta, Georgia with the idea of "party with a purpose," and hold fundraiser events for many different causes. The Parrothead club concept quickly spread. Events range from single act concerts or happy hourHappy hour
Happy hour is a marketing term for a period of time in which a restaurant or bar offers discounts on alcoholic drinks, such as beer, wine, and cocktails.-Basic information:...
s to the annual Meeting of the Minds in Key West, Florida
Key West, Florida
Key West is a city in Monroe County, Florida, United States. The city encompasses the island of Key West, the part of Stock Island north of U.S. 1 , Sigsbee Park , Fleming Key , and Sunset Key...
, which attracts approximately 3,500 Parrotheads each year. The several day event, sponsored by the Parrot Heads in Paradise includes live music, but also a Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots is a program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve which donates toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts for Christmas. The program was founded in 1947 by reservist Major William L...
drive, a blood drive, raffles and other events to raise money for charities. Some regional groups will focus on one or two key charities, while others may switch between several. Environmental causes, cancer research, Alzheimer's research and the March of Dimes
March of Dimes
The March of Dimes Foundation is a United States nonprofit organization that works to improve the health of mothers and babies.-Organization:...
all have received large donations from Parrothead organizations. In 2009, there were 237 Parrothead Club chapters in the United States, Canada and Australia, spanning 3 different countries, 47 states, 3 Canadian provinces and one U.S. Territory. The total membership in 2009 was almost 27,000 members. In the eight year period 2002-2009, member clubs of the international Parrothead organization raised over $19M to support charitable organizations, and collectively worked almost 2.5 million hours of community service.
In popular culture
- Dr. Cox from ScrubsScrubs (TV series)Scrubs is an American medical comedy-drama television series created in 2001 by Bill Lawrence and produced by ABC Studios. The show follows the lives of several employees of the fictional Sacred Heart, a teaching hospital. It features fast-paced screenplay, slapstick, and surreal vignettes...
claims to be a Parrothead. - Las Vegas performer Barrie Cunningham performs the lead vocals for Adventures in Parrotdise a Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show featuring several Jimmy Buffett Coral Reefer Band members and alumni http://www.bcentertainment.net.
- Stephen ColbertStephen ColbertStephen Tyrone Colbert is an American political satirist, writer, comedian, television host, and actor. He is the host of Comedy Central's The Colbert Report, a satirical news show in which Colbert portrays a caricatured version of conservative political pundits.Colbert originally studied to be an...
, from the show The Colbert Report, claims that Parrotheads are one of his reasons to never go to FloridaFloridaFlorida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
.