The ideal paradise is not
just a cheeseburger for the many Jimmy Buffet fans all over America. It is
a tropical way of life accented by fresh margaritas, swaying palm trees, and
often a multihued article of swimwear. Don a flashy pair of shades and the
stage has been set to enter the world of bright steel drums, mellow acoustic
guitar, and catchy vocals. While it is unfortunate for hardcore Parrotheads
that Mr. Buffet himself will not be visiting the Tri-State area, the
self-proclaimed “#1 Jimmy Buffet tribute act in the country… Bar None” will be.
On lead vocals Dave Albrecht is literally a man who wears
many hats. His physical stage presence ranges from a laid back pirate to a
suave boat captain. His first gig was an Akyroyd impersonator in a nine-piece
Blues Brothers cover band in Dayton,
Ohio at the age of 30. However,
his musical inclinations began when he bought his first harmonica at the age of
18. After the Blues Brothers act he performed in Las Vegas
before his appreciation of Buffet’s took hold and he gathered his present band
to form Parrots of the Caribbean.
Jeff Cline on guitar has tropical blood running through
his veins. With direct ties to the island
of Hawaii he brings a
musical style of blended cultures to the band’s sound. Cline was an army “brat”
whose interest in guitar sparked when he was 16 years old. Around the same time
he started his first band. Since then Cline has played a multitude of different
genres and proves to be a vital part of the Parrots.
Kenny Rice on keyboards entered the world of music very early
in his life. He began playing since he was eight years old. Rice is formally
trained and not only is a master of all varieties of music on the keyboard but
is skilled in the technical aspects of music as well. Rice was a member of
three rock bands: The Hathaways, Up with People, and Flyweils. He has performed
on major television networks and has opened for big name acts such as Cheap
Trick, Eddie Money, and Willie Nelson.
Gary Rigmaiden on bass has been playing for 25 years and
is an original member of the Parrots. He has a strong blues influence and is a
proud Louisianan. Besides bass his interests and talents include songwriting
and classical guitar. He has lived in exotic and culturally rich locales such
as Brazil and Spain so it
gives him a deeper understanding of Buffet’s music and style while injecting
his own brand of Cajun flavor.
Greg Martin is not exactly a novice in the music world
either. He has been playing drums for 34 years. His 10-piece drum set gets
quite a workout between the Parrots and then six other bands he plays with
including Arch Rival and Jake & Elwood’s Blues Revue. Martin has lived in Indiana among three
other states and his drumming influences include John Bonham and Neil Peart.
His other musical influences include Frank Zappa and ZZ Top.
The Parrots of the Caribbean will
get a chance to flash their feathers on the Owensboro riverfront as a part of the Friday
After 5 event which goes on through to early September. Other bands set to
perform in the month of July are Larry Maglinger’s Tribute to Rod Stewart Show,
Caribou Band, The Jimmy Church Band, and Black Widow. (In sequential order.)
For more information on the Parrots of the Caribbean
please visit www.potcband.com. For more info about the Owensboro Friday After 5
visit www.fridayafter5.com.
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