My kids first Buffett Concert

rustynail11 · Post by **rustynail11** » April 11, 2008 9:45 am

My 7 year old has turned in to a big Parrothead. His MP3 player has tons of Buffett and not just the hits. I have made sure he learn some of the other stuff as well.

Anyway, last year he was bummed out when we wouldn't take him to the concert in Frisco. I mean he was really upset. So this year I decided to spend the extra $150 and get him a ticket. In 2 weeks he will see his first Buffett show.

So, for those of you that have taken your kids with you are there any tips for making sure they have a great time? We will be with a small group in the parking lot for several hours before and he will be the only kid.

All I know is he asked the other day if he could wear a grass skirt and coconut bra. I almost teared up, I was so proud.

springparrot · Post by **springparrot** » April 11, 2008 9:54 am

rustynail11 wrote:My 7 year old has turned in to a big Parrothead. His MP3 player has tons of Buffett and not just the hits. I have made sure he learn some of the other stuff as well.

Anyway, last year he was bummed out when we wouldn't take him to the concert in Frisco. I mean he was really upset. So this year I decided to spend the extra $150 and get him a ticket. In 2 weeks he will see his first Buffett show.

So, for those of you that have taken your kids with you are there any tips for making sure they have a great time? We will be with a small group in the parking lot for several hours before and he will be the only kid.

All I know is he asked the other day if he could wear a grass skirt and coconut bra. I almost teared up, I was so proud.

Come join us in the parking lot---there will be other keets with us

There is lots of grassy areas, a pool, etc---he will have fun!!!!

The Boy Nobody Knew · Post by **The Boy Nobody Knew** » April 11, 2008 10:14 am

I've gotta say, I just don't see the logic in taking children, especially one as young as seven to a Buffett show. Buffett concerts and tailgates are among the few bastions of adult entertainment left in the world, they were never meant to be "family friendly". You are either going to be extremely liberal parents and allow your child to see things that I myself find shocking from time to time in my 30's, or you are going to expect everyone around you to temper their one big blow off steam day of the year so as not to corrupt the children you brought with you.

With that being said, I don't even really see what the appeal would be to a 7 year old. Sure, for one song he might have fun waving his arms around singing fins, but for the rest of the show, what does a 7 year old know about blonde strangers, or women in real short skirts? Does he sing his own version of "A Pirate looks at Eight"? I know everyone is a fan for their own reasons, but I always thought a common denominator among JB fans was the fantasy of escapism he provides. Exactly what does a 7 year old need an escape from?

Sorry, pet peeve, had to vent.

murPH · Post by **murPH** » April 11, 2008 11:03 am

rustynail11 wrote:My 7 year old has turned in to a big Parrothead. His MP3 player has tons of Buffett and not just the hits. I have made sure he learn some of the other stuff as well.

Anyway, last year he was bummed out when we wouldn't take him to the concert in Frisco. I mean he was really upset. So this year I decided to spend the extra $150 and get him a ticket. In 2 weeks he will see his first Buffett show.

So, for those of you that have taken your kids with you are there any tips for making sure they have a great time? We will be with a small group in the parking lot for several hours before and he will be the only kid.

All I know is he asked the other day if he could wear a grass skirt and coconut bra. I almost teared up, I was so proud.

Hello,
We took our son to concerts with us when he was younger. We always took along a football to toss around (if there is room), that beanbag toss game always seems to be popular in the parking lots, and even sprung for a ticket for a friend a time or two. He even made the Margaritavision screen during the intermission of one of the concerts, tossing the football around with his father!
That being said, he did see and learn a lot of things there!

But nothing he saw or heard scarred him for life. It is a rather nice thing to be able to enjoy good music with your son or daughter. As Jimmy Buffett himself has said, "Whoever thought that I would be come to be known as family entertainment?" (Cleaning up some of the words to songs such as WDWGDAS to the famous, "Why don't we get lunch at school?)
Everyone has their own thoughts about this. Follow your instincts and have a great time!

murPH

PS We will be there this year with our now 25 year old son and his girlfriend! Buffett still brings the family together!

spartan1979 · Post by **spartan1979** » April 11, 2008 11:42 am

We've taken our boys to see Jimmy 3 times each. The younger one was about 7 the first time. No problems, but we didn't tailgate.

rustynail11 · Post by **rustynail11** » April 11, 2008 11:45 am

The Boy Nobody Knew wrote:I've gotta say, I just don't see the logic in taking children, especially one as young as seven to a Buffett show. Buffett concerts and tailgates are among the few bastions of adult entertainment left in the world, they were never meant to be "family friendly". You are either going to be extremely liberal parents and allow your child to see things that I myself find shocking from time to time in my 30's, or you are going to expect everyone around you to temper their one big blow off steam day of the year so as not to corrupt the children you brought with you.

With that being said, I don't even really see what the appeal would be to a 7 year old. Sure, for one song he might have fun waving his arms around singing fins, but for the rest of the show, what does a 7 year old know about blonde strangers, or women in real short skirts? Does he sing his own version of "A Pirate looks at Eight"? I know everyone is a fan for their own reasons, but I always thought a common denominator among JB fans was the fantasy of escapism he provides. Exactly what does a 7 year old need an escape from?

Sorry, pet peeve, had to vent.

It has been 20 years and 30+ concerts since my first Buffett concert. In all that time the worst I have ever seen is someone passed out in a lawn chair or maybe someone going to the bathroom where they shouldn't. Althought those probably aren't ideal things for a 7 year old to see I don't view them as damaging either. I have seen many kids a Buffett shows throughout the years and all have appeared to be having fun. I have to admit I questioned myself on this one but in the end saw no harm.

You ask what would appeal to a 7 year old? The music, it is that simple. He probably knows the lyrics to more songs than a 1/4 of the people at the concert. He can sing you Havana Daydreamin, Tin Cup Chalice, School Boy Heart, and all the songs from SYKBH. This is just to name a few. When he started showing an interest in this music I started to stear him away from the SYKBH stuff and got him listening to other songs. He was singing Buffett before he could sing the Wiggles.

I don't think you give the 7 year old mind enough credit, they are smarter than you think.

You ask if I want everyone to temper their behavior because I brought my child, well the answer is NO. I am not one of those people that walks into a place with their eyes shut and expects everyone to censor themselves because I brought my child. I know the setting, I know what goes on and I will roll with it.

ccmatt · Post by **ccmatt** » April 11, 2008 11:45 am

The Boy Nobody Knew wrote:I've gotta say, I just don't see the logic in taking children, especially one as young as seven to a Buffett show. Buffett concerts and tailgates are among the few bastions of adult entertainment left in the world, they were never meant to be "family friendly". You are either going to be extremely liberal parents and allow your child to see things that I myself find shocking from time to time in my 30's, or you are going to expect everyone around you to temper their one big blow off steam day of the year so as not to corrupt the children you brought with you.

With that being said, I don't even really see what the appeal would be to a 7 year old. Sure, for one song he might have fun waving his arms around singing fins, but for the rest of the show, what does a 7 year old know about blonde strangers, or women in real short skirts? Does he sing his own version of "A Pirate looks at Eight"? I know everyone is a fan for their own reasons, but I always thought a common denominator among JB fans was the fantasy of escapism he provides. Exactly what does a 7 year old need an escape from?

Sorry, pet peeve, had to vent.

I can see this perspective. It all depends on your parenting style. I have brought both my kids to several concerts back in the late 90's early 2000's. Ages 5 at the earliest and up to about 12. Nothing they have seen has shocked them, but they have been exposed to musicians and bars their whole life. We have been to Key West over a dozen times as a family and my kids just laugh at the goings on there. Of course we as parents don't just toss them into the enviornment. We communicate with them all the time, and answer questions as honestly as we can. They are now 16 and 11 and both still enjoy Buffett concerts, but we don't always take them. We hhave never cramped anyone's style that we noticed and other fans have been great. It's your decision. PS. I would not sit on the lawn with kids.

Tropic_Al · Post by **Tropic_Al** » April 11, 2008 11:49 am

We've been bringing our keet since she was 9. We stay in our spot, have our own set up & have our own good time. We have a rv & she can watch a movie for bit or get out of the heat. As for he show itself, we make a game out changing some words. It's nothing she hasn't seen or heard in school. They'll hear it anyway but she knows enough not to speak like that @ home. We'll wander the lot occasionally to see friends or to see what's going on. We bring a small goodie bag to hand out to the other keets. When we come across "adult entertainment" we go the other way. The most adult thing we've seen is pot smoking or out of control drunks. Either way, it turns into a learning lesson. We have our fun, as a family, & let others have theirs. If we go to the Garden, AC or Vegas for a show, then we leave the keet @ home. Nothing to do but hang out in a bar all day, that's a bit much.
I'll bring my keet if I want to & trust me, it won't interfere with your fun or ours.
Peace & Finz up!

SchoolGirlHeart · Post by **SchoolGirlHeart** » April 11, 2008 11:57 am

rustynail11 wrote:You ask if I want everyone to temper their behavior because I brought my child, well the answer is NO. I am not one of those people that walks into a place with their eyes shut and expects everyone to censor themselves because I brought my child. I know the setting, I know what goes on and I will roll with it.

IMHO that right there is the key. As long as parents don't expect adults to temper their behavior at an adult event I don't have a problem with anyone bringing kids who are old enough to enjoy the show without disturbing those around them (fussy 3 year olds belong at home with a sitter). I would also agree that the lawn isn't really a place for kids. Too easy to get lost or stepped on in the dark....

Havaña Dreamer · Post by **Havaña Dreamer** » April 11, 2008 12:20 pm

The Boy Nobody Knew wrote:I've gotta say, I just don't see the logic in taking children, especially one as young as seven to a Buffett show. Buffett concerts and tailgates are among the few bastions of adult entertainment left in the world, they were never meant to be "family friendly". You are either going to be extremely liberal parents and allow your child to see things that I myself find shocking from time to time in my 30's, or you are going to expect everyone around you to temper their one big blow off steam day of the year so as not to corrupt the children you brought with you.

With that being said, I don't even really see what the appeal would be to a 7 year old. Sure, for one song he might have fun waving his arms around singing fins, but for the rest of the show, what does a 7 year old know about blonde strangers, or women in real short skirts? Does he sing his own version of "A Pirate looks at Eight"? I know everyone is a fan for their own reasons, but I always thought a common denominator among JB fans was the fantasy of escapism he provides. Exactly what does a 7 year old need an escape from?

Sorry, pet peeve, had to vent.

Looks like you & I are in the minority on this subject. My girls are 6 & 11 and would never take them to a Buffett show at this age. Im not judging... just my opinion.

The Boy Nobody Knew · Post by **The Boy Nobody Knew** » April 11, 2008 12:22 pm

SchoolGirlHeart wrote:
rustynail11 wrote:You ask if I want everyone to temper their behavior because I brought my child, well the answer is NO. I am not one of those people that walks into a place with their eyes shut and expects everyone to censor themselves because I brought my child. I know the setting, I know what goes on and I will roll with it.
IMHO that right there is the key. As long as parents don't expect adults to temper their behavior at an adult event I don't have a problem with anyone bringing kids who are old enough to enjoy the show without disturbing those around them (fussy 3 year olds belong at home with a sitter). I would also agree that the lawn isn't really a place for kids. Too easy to get lost or stepped on in the dark....

The thing is though, there are a lot of us, who have fun at the tailgates, for one day a year get to act like we don't have a cubicle prison to return to, who want to be free to have our stupid fun without the guilt that we are exposing the children who are tailgating next to us. It doesn't matter if the parents aren't expecting it, some of us still have the morals that tell us, don't act like this when there are impressionable children around. Wait till the first time a hot chick walks by and says she can't "earn her beads" because of the 7 year old sitting next door.

Like I said, it's just a pet peeve of mind. IN a world where seemingly EVERYTHING is turning into homogenized family friendly crap, Buffett shows were a refuge. When he pulled that stunt changing the lyrics to WDWGDAS to protect the children it just made my skin crawl.

texaspirate · Post by **texaspirate** » April 11, 2008 12:38 pm

We took our daughters last year for the first time.... It was indeed a spiritual experience...

FINS WAY UP to the youngster

rustynail11 · Post by **rustynail11** » April 11, 2008 12:49 pm

Wait till the first time a hot chick walks by and says she can't "earn her beads" because of the 7 year old sitting next door.

In 20 years of going to Buffett concerts I have never seen this happen. I have been to several different venues in several different states. I am not saying it doesn't happen, I am just saying I have never seen it.

If people feel the need to censor themselves because someone brought a kid to supposed adult event then that is their problem. I don't expect it and I certainley never did. Like I said I know what I am getting in to.

The Boy Nobody Knew · Post by **The Boy Nobody Knew** » April 11, 2008 12:54 pm

rustynail11 wrote:Wait till the first time a hot chick walks by and says she can't "earn her beads" because of the 7 year old sitting next door.

In 20 years of going to Buffett concerts I have never seen this happen. I have been to several different venues in several different states. I am not saying it doesn't happen, I am just saying I have never seen it.

If people feel the need to censor themselves because someone brought a kid to supposed adult event then that is their problem. I don't expect it and I certainley never did. Like I said I know what I am getting in to.

Man, have I ever got some pictures from Cinci to show you then.

rustynail11 · Post by **rustynail11** » April 11, 2008 1:01 pm

The Boy Nobody Knew wrote:
rustynail11 wrote:Wait till the first time a hot chick walks by and says she can't "earn her beads" because of the 7 year old sitting next door.

In 20 years of going to Buffett concerts I have never seen this happen. I have been to several different venues in several different states. I am not saying it doesn't happen, I am just saying I have never seen it.

If people feel the need to censor themselves because someone brought a kid to supposed adult event then that is their problem. I don't expect it and I certainley never did. Like I said I know what I am getting in to.
Man, have I ever got some pictures from Cinci to show you then.

Thanks but I will get to see it up close when we do our river tubing trip in May. You think Buffet concerts are wild you should see this weekend. I am pretty liberal but I wouldn't bring anyone under 18 on this trip. This weekend makes a Buffett tailgate look like a church retreat.

Tropic_Al · Post by **Tropic_Al** » April 11, 2008 1:11 pm

The Boy Nobody Knew wrote:
rustynail11 wrote:Wait till the first time a hot chick walks by and says she can't "earn her beads" because of the 7 year old sitting next door.

In 20 years of going to Buffett concerts I have never seen this happen. I have been to several different venues in several different states. I am not saying it doesn't happen, I am just saying I have never seen it.

If people feel the need to censor themselves because someone brought a kid to supposed adult event then that is their problem. I don't expect it and I certainley never did. Like I said I know what I am getting in to.
Man, have I ever got some pictures from Cinci to show you then.

"Earn her beads" Does that have something do w/an unnatural act w/a donkey? No, well not usually...Flashing boobies? Big deal.

"Mon Dieu, ils sont seulement des seins."

If you need to go to a Buffett show to see boobies, you need to get out more often.

1 thing to consider, if we bring our keet, ie to Great Woods, we are in the Boston area for the better part of the week, sightseeing & camping. It would be too unfair to Grandma if we dropped our keet w/her for that time.
This seems to be a hot topic, to each his own.
Peace & Finz up.

momsrule27 · Post by **momsrule27** » April 11, 2008 1:45 pm

My husband took our 9 yo son to his first Buffett concert at MSG because I got sick at the last moment and couldn't go.

There was no tailgating so he didn't have to deal with that. However, I did remind him to take him out during the "half-time show" which he didn't. My son gave up my hubby the minute he woke up the next morning. When asked how he like the show he said it was boring except for the movie which was the best part! When I questioned him about the movie he said, with a big grin, "I will let Dad explain that one." Oh, BTW immediately after the "half-time show our son fell asleep in the $200+ seats!

SchoolGirlHeart · Post by **SchoolGirlHeart** » April 11, 2008 1:53 pm

we americans are a little too uptight about boobies.... I mean, you can see them on the beach in lots of places in the world and no one makes a big deal out of it.....

momsrule27 · Post by **momsrule27** » April 11, 2008 2:06 pm

SchoolGirlHeart wrote:we americans are a little too uptight about boobies.... I mean, you can see them on the beach in lots fo places in the world and no one makes a big deal out of it.....

That is true. We were in Miami when our son was 7 and didn't realize there were topless bathing and we just walked by and said nothing and neither did he.

The Boy Nobody Knew · Post by **The Boy Nobody Knew** » April 11, 2008 2:12 pm

momsrule27 wrote:
SchoolGirlHeart wrote:we americans are a little too uptight about boobies.... I mean, you can see them on the beach in lots fo places in the world and no one makes a big deal out of it.....
That is true. We were in Miami when our son was 7 and didn't realize there were topless bathing and we just walked by and said nothing and neither did he.

That was a bit of a lame example on my part. I'm not a parent, so I don't know these things. How would you go about explaining dildo races to a seven year old?

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