Ronnie McDowell, Coral Reefer Band celebrates legends of Mississippi at Saenger

Jimmy Buffett created a lifestyle with his music — one that was cherished by fans around the world who appreciated his laidback attitude amid seafaring adventures.

Buffett, a Pascagoula native and Southern Miss grad, was 76 when he died in September from skin cancer, but his music is still treasured by his fans, who call themselves Parrotheads.

"When Jimmy passed in September, it caught us all by surprise," Nadirah Shakoor, Buffett's lead female vocalist of 33 years, said in a news release. “He was more than a boss; he was a dear friend. He kept his illness from all of us until the very end."

A concert Monday at the Saenger Theater in downtown Hattiesburg will feature members of Buffett's Coral Reefer band and other artists to celebrate Buffett's legacy and those of fellow Mississippians such as Elvis Presley and Conway Twitty.

“We want to keep his light shining," Shakoor said. "One of the last words he had was, 'Keep the party going,' and we plan to do exactly that. He was (one of) the most creative forces this world has ever seen."

Shakoor and fellow Coral Reefers Tina Gullickson, Doyle Grisham and Mick Utley will be among the performers, along with country music star Ronnie McDowell and local artist James Ducker.

"Look to see a Buffett-type concert at the Saenger," Grisham said.

"It’s a professional show from start to finish," Ducker added. "I'm honored to be a part of it."

Other area musicians performing at the concert include Laurelites Leigh Reynolds and Lowery Hicks, Reba McEntire's former band manager and bassist.

The group will perform songs to honor Presley, a Tupelo native, and Twitty, who was born in Friars Point.

McDowell, known for songs like "Older Women Make Good Lovers" and his Elvis tribute song, "The King is Gone" recently worked with Dolly Parton on her "Rockstar" album.

"Dolly called and wanted me to be the voice of Elvis on (her) new record, 'I Dream About Elvis,' McDowell said in a news release. "Man, I love that song. And when Dolly calls, you answer. It was so much fun, and we'll be performing that at the Saenger."

McDowell said country artist Brenda Lynn Allen will sing Parton's part.

"It will be something no one will ever forget, I’m sure," he said.

The show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $25 and ar are available at hattiesburgsaenger.com or ticketmaster.com.

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This article originally appeared on Hattiesburg American: Jimmy Buffett, Elvis Presley, Conway Twitty honored at MS concert