Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band at Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park on July 30, 2026

llfoxphotos
1 hour ago
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The Keep the Party Going Tour

INDIANAPOLIS

Photos by Laura Fox

Review by Dave Fox

Laura and I started going to Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band concerts in the 1990s. I don't remember exactly when we went for the first time, but Ruoff Music Center was called Deer Creek at the time. It was so much fun we went almost single time the tour came through Indianapolis after that, and in surrounding states the years he skipped Indy. We also tailgated, went to Margaritavilles all over, and have a respectable amount of Jimmy Buffett and Margaritaville merch. We didn't reach true parrothead status, but we gave it a good effort.

We were sad when Jimmy Buffett passed away September 1, 2023. It almost seemed like the end of an era for us - and for many others, as well, I'm sure.

When we saw The Coral Reefer Band was headlining at Everwise Amphitheatre in Indianapolis, we decided we had to go. Of course it wouldn't be the same without Jimmy, but would it still be fun? Would the parrotheads turn out in force? Would the band play all the songs we know by heart?

The Coral Reefer Band (all 13 members) performed with all the talent, joy and zest we remembered so well. Their 29-song set included well-loved songs from throughout the band's 51-year history, a few deep cuts, and a couple of covers. It was very much like being at a Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band concert, except that there was an empty mic stand in front of the captain's wheel in Jimmy Buffett's stead.

Singer/songwriter/guitarist Mac McAnally has taken on-stage leadership of the Coral Reefer Band by introducing songs and band members. McAnally also explained band's purpose and mission, which is to "Keep the Party Going" as a way to honor Jimmy Buffett's legacy, philosophy, lifestyle, and fanbase.

The lineup Thursday night consisted of the following members:

Mac McAnally: guitars, vocals

Nadirah Shakoor: vocals

Tina Gullickson: vocals, guitar

Peter Mayer: lead guitar, vocals

Scotty Emerick: guitar, vocals, guitar

Will Kimbrough: guitar, vocals

Jim Mayer: bass, vocals

Doyle Grisham: pedal steel guitar

Roger Guth: drums

Eric Darken: percussion

John Lovell: trumpet

Mick Utley: keyboards, vocals

Roger Greenidge – steel drums

Lead vocals were distributed among McAnally, Emerick, Kimbrough and Shakoor' they and nearly every other band member contributed to harmonies and/or backing vocals.

Laura and I thought it was cool that Utley and Greenidge had assumed their fathers' roles in the Coral Reefer Band; it was another testament to the power of the music and the band.

Watch out, Nadirah!!

Although there were poignant moments during the set, the overall mood was light-hearted and fun. Laura and I agree that's exactly what Jimmy would have wanted.

We hope this is the start of a new era, and that the Coral Reefer Band brings their music to the next generation!