One of Pascagoula native Jimmy Buffett’s favorite co-writers over the past two decades is set to headline the return of “Jazz Fest Unplugged” in Buffett’s hometown.
Nashville-based singer/songwriter Will Kimbrough, a Mobile native, will perform at The Grand Magnolia Ballroom in Pascagoula on Friday, Aug. 20th along with special guest Ross Newell in the latest installment of “Jazz Fest Unplugged”. Showtime is set for 8 p.m., and tickets can be purchased now at www.grandmagmusic.com.
Kimbrough has four co-songwriting credits with the Pascagoula native Buffett on Jimmy’s latest release “Life on the Flip Side”. That makes close to 20 Kimbrough or Buffett/Kimbrough songs that Buffett has recorded on his past nine albums
He forged a friendship with the Gulf Coast’s favorite Son of a Son of A Sailor almost two decades ago, and he admittedly enjoys coming back home to play his music and sing his songs, especially in Pascagoula.
“I’m always excited to play in Pascagoula,” Kimbrough said. “It’s going to be a great time, and I hope to see everyone there.”
The multi-talented Kimbrough has written, recorded, performed and produced for and with the likes of Buffett, Rodney Crowell, Emmylou Harris, Mac McAnally, Mavis Staples, John Prine, Todd Snider, and Little Feat, just to name a few.
Crowell, in fact, is coming off his second sold-out performance at The Grand Mag in two years just a few weeks ago. The multi Grammy Award winning legend is such a big fan of Kimbrough that he recently asked him to play his birthday party.
But the Pascagoula native Buffett may have said it best.
“Will is a wonderful throwback to the now by-gone era of singer, songwriter, musician, and entertainer,” Buffett, who has recorded at least one of Kimbrough’s songs on each of his last seven albums, said. “Instead of substituting technology for talent, he has a unique ability to use modern day tools to produce lasting lyrics and melodies. On stage, he can charm a crowd whether fronting a band, or playing solo. That is why you see his songs on my albums and his face on our stage.”
Kimbrough last played The New Orleans Jazz Fest in 2016.
Newell, a founding member of the ultra popular former regional favorite The Mulligan Brothers, will be making his long-awaited Grand Magnolia Music debut.
Buffett is no stranger to the stage at The Grand Magnolia either. Buffett performed with Mac McAnally in the venue in 2017. The Grand Mag, in fact, has become somewhat of a destination for many of Buffett’s friends and musical acquaintances, as in addition to McAnally, Kimbrough and Buffett himself, songwriting legends Crowell (Stars on The Water) and J.D. Souther have both performed inside the Grand Mag within the past few years. Also, Steuart Smith, longtime guitarist for The Eagles, has played on the stage of the venue as a member of Crowell’s band.
Buffett, of course, inducted The Eagles into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame some years back, and Souther penned many of The Eagles’ biggest hits (Best of My Love, New Kid in Town) as well.