Parrot Heads flocking to town this weekend

A pair of Parrot Heads at a recent concert (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER -- Change your attitude and your latitude this weekend when Jimmy Buffett fans from across the region meet at the inaugural Parrot Head Festival of New England. The event runs July 25 and 26 at the Tri-City Arena in Rochester.

The weekend-long celebration of all things Buffett will feature tailgating, grass skirts, Hawaiian shirts and a "phun" island-inspired atmosphere. Ice-cold adult beverages will be available throughout the event, because "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere."

There will also be games, contests, giveaways, merchants and a full music lineup. Food vendors will serve up "Cheeseburgers in Paradise" and other tasty favorites.

"We searched high and low and watched hundreds of hours of video to bring the best Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band there is to the new Tri-City Arena. We're flying 'Bluffet' in from across the country," said Jude David, CEO of Fest Events, the festival organizer.

"This is not your typical regional act," she continued. "Larry Pearson and The Son of a Sailor Band Bluffett take on the atmosphere of a genuine Buffett concert, right down to the props, looks, sound, audience participation, enjoyment and energy that goes with it. It will be hard to believe your eyes and ears once the show has started due to the uncanny re-creation by this awesome group of performers."

Bluffett headlines the event with evening sets on Saturday and Sunday nights. JD Ingalls, Chris Cyrus, The WayBack Machine and tropical rocker Ray Zwerkle also will perform during the two-day festival.

Parrot Heads are encouraged to wear parrot hats, shark fins and Hawaiian shirts. Prizes will be awarded for best island attire, best Jimmy Buffett look-alike and best Parrott Head. Beach chairs and blankets are encouraged.

Tickets cost $35 per person per day, or $65 for a weekend pass. VIP passes with extra perks such as free parking and private toilets are available. Parking passes offering Buffett-style tailgating cost $15 for a standard vehicle and $30 for RVs and other oversized vehicles. Overnight camping is also available for as low as $30 a night.

For more information on the Parrot Head Festival of New England and other upcoming events at Tri-City Arena, visit www.festeventsne.com.