Organizers are pleased to announce that Will Kimbrough, a long-time collaborator of Jimmy Buffett and the co-writer of Buffett’s last single release, “Bubbles Up,” will be performing on the Friends of Jimmy stage during the first annual “It’s 5 o’clock Key West” Festival on Labor Day weekend. The free show, scheduled to take place after the Second Line parade on September 1, will be held at the Truman Waterfront Park and will also showcase some of the Keys’ best local singer-songwriters, including CW Colt, Zach Miller, Caffeine Carl, Mike Stack, and Howard Livingston performing original music and Jimmy Buffett covers.
“It was, and probably still is, Jimmy Buffett’s world; we just live in it,”
Kimbrough and Buffett were both natives of Mobile, Alabama. The duo has been collaborating for the last 20 years, contributing 21 songs to the last seven Buffett albums. The soulful and poignant tune “Bubbles Up” is featured on Buffett’s posthumous album, “Equal Strain On All Parts.” Apart from being an honorary member of the Coral Reefer Band, Kimbrough is a Nashville journeyman who frequently tours with Alabama, Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell. He is set to release a new solo album, “For the Life of Me.”
Kimbrough expressed his anticipation to be part of this legacy celebration in Key West, where he and Jimmy often spent time creating at Shrimpboat Sound Studio on Lazy Way. “It was, and probably still is, Jimmy Buffett’s world; we just live in it,” Kimbrough remarked.
Labor Day weekend in Key West will now forever be associated with the passing of the beloved Jimmy Buffett. The music legend died September 1, 2023, prompting locals, led by entrepreneur Paul Menta and community activist Jordan Upchurch, to organize a unique parade that attracted thousands of grieving fans. In honor of his memory, legacy, and cultural impact on the Conch Republic, the inaugural “It’s 5 o’clock Key West” celebration aims to revive that parade, making it even grander and “the cleanest in the country” while introducing new events and activities for an entire weekend dedicated to Buffett and his devoted fans.
The Second Line memorial parade will commence at 5 pm on lower Duval, Sunday, September 1, 2024, and will culminate at the Truman Waterfront Park. Attendees can expect a lively festival ambiance with vendor booths, photo opportunities, food, drinks, and live music on the Friends of Bubba stage. Special souvenir parade lanyards are available for a $30 tax-deductible donation, with all proceeds collected by the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys for distribution to the Bahamas Village Music Program for youth and Reef Relief. Guests unable to physically attend the event in Key West are encouraged to participate virtually through a special link provided with their donation. Additional information can be found at www.its5oclockkeywest.com.
Various activities are planned throughout the weekend, including walking tours, a margarita bar crawl, brunches, parties, and a variety of live music at different venues across the city. Each day will be themed to a specific Buffett song, offering attendees a range of free and ticketed options. Businesses interested in participating as event venues, sponsors, vendors, or suppliers are advised to contact the organizers at its5oclock@dailyplan-it.net or call Jill Snodgrass, Event Director, at 305.731.5780.
