Experience Paradise Right Here in Ancaster, as the headliner of Ancaster Heritage Days 2025!
Break out the Hawaiian shirts and flip-flops – on Saturday, June 7, 2025, Margaritaville! In Ancaster is transforming our town into a tropical oasis! This Jimmy Buffett tribute concert will whisk you away to an island state of mind, no travel required. For one special night, the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre will echo with the laid-back, summery sounds of Jimmy Buffett, the legendary singer-songwriter who turned “Margaritaville” into not just a song, but a way of life. If you’re looking for a fun-filled evening of good music, good vibes, and a taste of that beach-life escapism, this is the event you’ve been waiting for.
Jimmy Buffett’s music is the soundtrack to endless summer. Emerging in the 1970s, Buffett blended folk, country, and coastal rock to create a unique “Gulf & Western” sound that celebrates easy living by the shore. His most famous hit, “Margaritaville,” released in 1977, became an anthem for anyone who’s ever dreamed of swaying in a hammock with a cocktail in hand. Over the decades, Buffett recorded dozens of albums and hits like “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “Come Monday,” and “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes.” He built a devoted fan community lovingly known as “Parrotheads,” who would flock to his concerts decked out in tropical attire, leis, and parrot hats, ready to party. Buffett’s tunes, filled with witty lyrics and sunny melodies, evoke palm trees, ocean breezes, and the simple joy of relaxing with friends. Though we bid farewell to Jimmy Buffett in 2023, his musical legacy lives on as strong as ever – his songs continue to bring smiles, laughter, and that carefree island feeling to millions of fans.
Canada’s Ultimate Margaritaville Tribute: To honor Buffett’s enduring legacy, we’re bringing you the next best thing to a Key West beach party. Brian Neale and Northern Harbour, known as Canada’s ultimate Jimmy Buffett tribute band, will take the stage and turn our theatre into a slice of paradise. This talented group of musicians has been capturing the spirit of Buffett’s live shows for years, earning accolades across the country for their authentic sound and festive energy. In fact, Northern Harbour’s lead singer Brian Neale has even shared the stage with Jimmy Buffett himself – a testament to how faithfully this band channels the real deal! From the steel drum rhythms to the twangy guitar licks and breezy harmonica solos, Northern Harbour recreates the Coral Reefer Band experience that Buffett fans know and love. Close your eyes and you’ll swear you’ve been transported to an outdoor summer concert by the beach, with Jimmy and his crew serenading you under the stars.
What to Expect: Margaritaville! In Ancaster promises to be a feast for the senses and a tonic for the soul. As you step into the venue, you’ll be greeted by island tunes setting the mood. Don’t be surprised if you see a few inflatable palm trees or beach balls bouncing around – we want you to feel like you’ve entered a tropical party! Once Northern Harbour strikes the first chord, get ready for a hit parade of Buffett’s best. You’ll sing along to familiar choruses in songs like:
- “Margaritaville” – When that catchy melody kicks in, you can practically feel the sand between your toes. The whole crowd will chime in on the famous “wastin’ away” chorus in unity.
- “Cheeseburger in Paradise” – A cheerful ode to simple pleasures that will get everyone clapping (and maybe craving a burger!). Its playful, uptempo rhythm is impossible to resist.
- “Come Monday” – One of Buffett’s sweetest ballads, bringing a gentle sway to the night as fans croon along to its heartfelt refrain.
And that’s just a taste of the extensive setlist. Northern Harbour will dive into many more Buffett classics and maybe even a few tropical surprises. Whether you know every word to every song or just recognize a couple of the big hits, you’ll be swept up in the infectious positivity of this music. By the end of the night, you might find yourself an honorary Parrothead, if you aren’t one already!
Island Atmosphere & Community Fun: This concert isn’t a formal, sit-still kind of show – it’s a beach bash for the whole community (with the comfort of air conditioning!). Feel free to wear your brightest Hawaiian shirt, flip-flops, straw hat – anything that puts you in a sunshiny mood. Our soft-seat theatre will still have you nice and comfortable, but don’t be surprised if you spend a good portion of the show up on your feet dancing or even conga-lining down the aisle. The vibe is going to be relaxed and joyous. We’ll have tropical décor around the lobby and maybe even some island-themed drinks available to complete the experience (how about a frosty margarita or a tropical punch?). It’s the kind of night where strangers might high-five each other because they’re just so happy to be swaying to the music.
One of the beautiful things about a Jimmy Buffett tribute is how it brings people together. Buffett’s songs often tell stories about friends, lovers, and colorful characters enjoying life – and at this concert, we’ll all become part of that story. You might come not knowing the person sitting next to you, but after belting out a chorus of “Why Don’t We Get Drunk” or laughing at the witty lyrics of “Volcano” together, you’ll feel like old buddies. (Don’t worry, Buffett’s humor is always tongue-in-cheek and in good fun!) It’s a perfect outing for friends looking for a fun night out, couples young and old, or even families – yes, Jimmy Buffett’s music is surprisingly multi-generational, appealing to the young-at-heart of all ages.
A Mini Vacation in Your Backyard: Many of us dream of vacationing in Key West or the Caribbean, but the daily grind often gets in the way. On June 7, we’re bringing that vacation to you. Close your eyes during the concert, and you might just imagine the scent of coconut sunscreen and a warm ocean breeze. Open them, and you’ll see a theatre full of smiling faces, dancing silhouettes, and perhaps even a few beach balls in flight. It’s a scene of pure escapism and happiness. And while the show will eventually end (alas, even the best parties do), the memories you make will feel like a little piece of summer you can carry with you.
Secure your tickets soon – gather your friends, your spouse, your neighbors, anyone who could use a mini musical vacation – and mark your calendar for June 7. You can purchase tickets online at the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre website or swing by our box office. If you’ve got a group, let us know; group bookings are welcome!
Get ready to kick back, sing loud, and soak in the tropical vibes. Margaritaville! In Ancaster will be a night of music and community camaraderie that you’ll talk about for the rest of the summer. After all, it’s not every day you can find yourself on a beach holiday in the middle of Ancaster! We can’t wait to “waste away” an evening with you in Margaritaville – see you there with your flip-flops on and a song in your heart!
Click on the video to see Brian Neale, our Jimmy Buffett, perform live with the real Jimmy Buffett!
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