OCALA, FL (352today.com) – A wise man once referred to himself as a Cheeseburger in Paradise, not too particular and not too precise.
That man, of course, was the incomparable Jimmy Buffett.
The musician dubbed “The King of Island Escapism” has left a lasting legacy that sprouts far and wide throughout the Sunshine State.
On Sunday afternoon, the Buffett love spread to Ocala, where the Escape to Margaritaville Block Party shut down Broadway Street to make room for a day of Key West-styled festivities.
The Landsharks, a popular Jimmy Buffett tribute band, anchored the event where pirates and Parrotheads of all ages were able to kick back, relax, and enjoy the day without worry.
“It’s an escape. It’s Jimmy Buffett,” said Ocala resident Kim Russell. “We live in Florida where it’s sunny and it’s warm, and being here gives you the whole experience of this lifestyle and vibe.”
The attraction to Buffett’s music is simple for Ocala resident John Aiden.
“Well, I like cheeseburgers, and it’s a great song,” said Aiden. “I’m just a big Jimmy Buffett fan.”
So many of his songs like his anthem, Margaritaville, have such a sing-along quality and a key ingredient from the lyrics made it memorable for lifelong friends Juli, Joliene, and Christy.
“We haven’t had this much fun in a long time,” said Juli. “Who knew all you needed to have this much fun was a few drinks and some friends?”
“I had Jimmy Buffett posters plastered all over my walls when I was a kid,” chuckled Christy. “It’s a really fun experience.”
Although Broadway Street was shut down to thru traffic, businesses that were inside the party zone opened up for attendees.
“It’s a tricky territory. Sometimes events that block off the road and block off customers can hurt your business,” said Paula King, owner of AGAPANTHUS in historic downtown Ocala. “But this is on a Sunday when it’s quiet, and it’s also a benefit for something that is very important to Ocala which is the Ocala Civic Theatre.”
The block party was designed to kick off the run of Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville musical which opens on May 2 at the Ocala Civic Theatre.
Cast members provided a glimpse into what audiences can expect as they sang and danced alongside The Landsharks.
“We had the owner of O’Malley’s who helped with this event, and our friends at OPD who were very amazing and gracious for approving this,” said Courtney Curtis, who plays the role of Tammy in the musical. “It was definitely an all hands-on-deck from everybody in this event, but we’re grateful we were able to make it happen.”
Eb Madson, director of the show, considered the block party a win-win-win.
“This is an excellent event to support the arts.” said Madson. “This is an opportunity to get people out here to have a good time, but also to let them know that the Ocala Civic Theatre is putting out great work.” s
For Madson, directing the show is like a trip down memory lane.
“I grew up going on many road trips, hiking, and just driving around with my dad all while listening to Jimmy Buffett,” said Madson. “Having just lost Jimmy this past year, it really means a lot to me to continue on his voice and to do this show that preaches what Jimmy was all about… love, having a good time, and having a few drinks!”
The musical, Jimmy Buffet’s Escape to Margaritaville, is live on stage from May 2-19. Click here to purchase tickets.