Lost Shaker Salute to Jimmy Buffett, American Legion, Post 199, Fairhope

On October 28, at the American Legion, Post 199 in Fairhope, there will be a musical celebration to benefit Singing for a Change, Jimmy Buffett’s charitable foundation. I sat down with Claire Powell, the Talent Purchaser for the American Legion’s Concert Series, to learn more.

As the interview progresses, Claire offers insight into the local music scene throughout the Scenic 98 Coastal area. Claire grew up in Mobile and developed a strong work ethic at an early age from her parents, Charles and Kathy Swindle. It was a gigantic tight-knit family, and she remembers Thanksgiving having about 80 close relatives. She also spent summers along Mobile Bay, in a 3-room bay house her grandfather built, and remembers waking up to excited shouts of “Jubilee, Jubilee!”

Claire’s love of music started with her family, and she followed the band Phish around the country during high school. She was a server at local restaurants and began bartending when she turned 21.  At work, she was exposed to local music talent, and her appreciation for different bands grew. She also started recognizing the persons who could spot up-and-coming talent in the area.

She mentions John Thompson, JT as he is called, at Callahan’s Irish Social Club as an amazing guy who brings new talent to the stage before anyone else has even heard their name. “JT is king or Saint John as we sometimes call him, has one of the best ears for music I’ve ever heard.” 

Ben Jernigan, books music for Fairhope’s Live at Five, “He is one of my favorites” she says, “He’s been super supportive and has really given me solid advice over the past season." The Ben Jernigan Band is also one of the acts I love to book. 

She mentions Brad Young and Maggie Smith at Soul Kitchen in Mobile, where Claire is a bartender. This is the place where she first started paying attention to the inner workings of the local music industry. “Just sitting back and listening to those two talking together is a wealth of information. Maggie is always my go-to for solid and fair advice on a difficult situation.” 

Claire enjoys going to Cedar Street Social where all levels of musical ability are welcomed.  She says it's a great place to listen to music and find new talent to book. She continues to bartend at Soul Kitchen and often picks up bartending side gigs. She says she keeps her resume diverse and current by doing charity work. “I like to stay busy. I’ve fallen in love with music and bartending. The only time my mind is totally clear is when the bar is packed and I can only think about the next order I need to make.”

In July 2021, Harry Johnson talked to Claire about taking over as GM at Manci’s Antique Club. “I was bartending, and he kept asking me to become General Manager but I resisted. ”After the third attempt, Harry didn’t push for an immediate answer but asked me to think about it.” It was while cleaning up Manci’s that she discovered all the good things Harry had been doing for his local community. That was what pushed her to finally accept the position. 

“There are a small number of local people in the area that want to do good for no other reason than to do good,” she says. “Harry Johnson is one of those people. He doesn’t seek recognition, he avoids it, he just helps out wherever he sees a need, and does it as quietly as possible.”   

When Claire left Manci’s, Harry sought her out to tell her that he knew a place that needed a “volume” bartender, and he thought it was a good fit for her. “It’s different, Claire, just give it a try,” he said. She went to work at the Tiki Bar at the American Legion. Before long, the Executive Committee asked her to be the Talent Purchaser for its concert series.

We discuss some of the music venues in the Scenic 98 Coastal area and realize that every space we’ve mentioned shares the same vibe; Soul Kitchen, Callaghans, Cedar Street, and Manci’s.  “These bars are not commercial, or corporate; patrons go for the love of the music.” 

Referring to the American Legion, Claire says the magic comes from the unique beachy vibe and especially the sunsets. “ It’s like you are watching them from the end of the earth.“The beautiful thing about the American Legion is you can take on new bands and watch them develop.” 

She mentions the Brigham Cason Band saying, “I really believe they will do well”. She first heard the Red Clay Strays playing to a fairly small crowd at Soul Kitchen. “Now they are just on this meteoric rise. They played Red Rocks and then returned home to play to the largest crowd Soul Kitchen has ever held. It’s been fascinating to watch that band.” 

Bruce Smelley will be at the Legion on October 15. “They are a 90’s country cover band. He’s a really entertaining artist full of energy and interacts with the crowd well.” She tells me that the Legion has one ticketed event each month. “If I’m lucky, it pays for the band that day, but other than that all of my music is pretty much completely dependent on the voluntary donations we collect on Sundays and a couple of local companies that sponsor the performances throughout our season.” 

Claire discovered The Wrong Terns at Bill-E’s. They play around the area often and recently played the Legion on a Sunday afternoon. Mark Calametti, who is part of the band, is also one of the people most closely involved with the planning of the Lost Shaker Salute to Jimmy Buffett, with Harry Johnson and Claire. “When you put the right group of us together, things get done rapidly!”

How did this all come together, I ask? “Jimmy Buffett is a hometown hero. Harry had inquiries about doing a tribute at Manci’s. The American Legion had considered doing a three-day event. None of us wanted this to be about making money for ourselves, so we decided to make it a charity event and let Jimmy’s family decide where the money would go.” 

“Singing for a Change is a beautiful charity. It  benefits people who are trying to better themselves and better their communities.” The three reached out to Jimmy’s niece, Mara Buffett. She told them, “If the proceeds are going to Jimmy’s charity, the family would never object.”

Claire had heard Street Folk at Cedar Street Social on a Tuesday night. “We were looking for potential bands to play the benefit. Someone had told me to check out Dr. Bobby Gregory and his band. He covers a lot of Jimmy Buffett, but not exclusively. His band led the recent parade in Mobile in memory of Jimmy Buffett.” So the tribute was now on for October 28 at the American Legion.

Fliers were created by Mark, and announcements were posted on social media. Harry sent out a text with the flier attached. “Sponsorships are available,” he said. “It will sell out soon!” Initially, the event was limited to 500 tickets. It did indeed sell out in nine days. They increased the ticket sales to 600, and it sold out immediately.

Claire loves being a talent purchaser because she is passionate about music.  Not sure where her passion is taking her, but she’s enjoying the ride. She tells me the biggest boost to her confidence came from Harry while at southbar recently. He said, “I know there will be a point in time when I’ll be able to say, I had the pleasure of working with Claire Powell.” “He believed in my abilities before I was aware of them. Harry is best at putting the right person in the right place at the right time.”

The tribute will pay homage to Jimmy Buffett, our native son. The music will be a mix with plenty of Jimmy’s songs. Gates will open at 3:00 and the music plays from 4 PM through 7 PM. Street Folks are donating their time to the cause. Sponsorships are still available at $250 and $500. 

Those lucky enough to have tickets plan to bring folding chairs. There will be a couple of raffles and the Tiki Bar will be open for refreshments, no coolers allowed. Food will be available with a nod towards cheeseburgers and margaritas!

“Every person has their connection to Jimmy Buffett,” she says. “He is part of the fabric of our lives along the Gulf Coast. We all have memories of either knowing him, or his music being part of our formative years. We are here to celebrate his life and music. Music is the food for our soul.”

We will be there. Can’t wait!