Buffett Plays Austin, Donates Ticket Sales to Flood Relief

Jimmy Buffett announced a show at Stubb’s BBQ in Austin, Texas just a week ago, and between then and Tuesday the city received historic rainfall that caused widespread flooding. The show went on as scheduled, and Buffett donated the proceeds of the ticket sales to Austin charities for flood relief.

Since Buffett usually plays outdoor sheds of around 15,000, C3 Presents instituted a smart policy for the 2,200-capacity show: Each ticket holder had to pick up at will-call and then immediately enter the venue. As a result, the atmosphere was warm and festive on the Stubb’s lawn, as an all-ages crowd awaited its frivolous and fearless party leader.

Buffett wasted no time getting into his show. He walked on at 8 pm sharp, outfitted casually in a purple T-shirt and the brightest yellow shorts ever worn by man. The yacht rocker’s band barely fit on the Stubb’s stage.

An 11-piece outfit found him flanked by backup singers, a horns section, and seven-time CMA Musician of the Year Mac McAnally as a vocal and guitar foil. The move is a smart one: Buffett has always been more of a songwriter and ringleader than a singer, and the big band helped bring his well-honed odes to escapism into brighter focus.

After opening with hit “License To Chill,” Buffett discussed Monday’s flooding and mentioned that the band had decided to leave the night’s ticket proceeds (likely around $200,000) in the hands of Austin charities to help with flood recovery.

Read the full article here.

Check out the set list from the show here.

Jimmy continues the 2015 Workin’ ‘n Playin’ Tour on Thursday in Houston. He’ll hit Frisco, Atlanta, St. Louis, and Kansas City on this leg of the tour. Get your tickets now!