Jimmy Buffett Concert Aims To Save Drive-In Theaters From Extinction
VANDERGRIFT (KDKA) -- His shows sell out, sometimes in a matter of minutes, but on Thursday evening, Parrotheads across the country got a chance to watch Jimmy Buffett perform live from Texas.
No, you didn't miss the concert. He doesn't come to Pittsburgh until July 23.
Instead, Buffet was playing at the drive-in in Vandergrift tonight.
"I can't make it out to the concert this year. We've been going a couple years with the parents," said Sarah Greco, of Lower Burrell. "It's just a better more affordable Jimmy Buffet experience this year."
Buffet performed from a drive-in theatre in Fort Worth, Texas, in front of an audience of 1,100. He's trying to save drive-in movie theatres from extinction.
For drive-in owner Todd Mament, it can only help.
"It's on a decline because of the conversion to digital projection," said Mament. "A lot of older drive-in owners have just decided to retire and close their theatres."
Mament bit the bullet and invested $80,000 to change over from a film projector to a digital one.
He's hoping Buffet can help drive-ins before they waste away in Margaritaville. And the Parrotheads, as Buffet fans call themselves, agree.
"They are a sadly dying thing, and I think that's a shame," said Kelly Diller, of the Pittsburgh Parrothead Club. "And I think more people need to experience it."
So, the party continues in Vandergrift. The drive-in was only about half full, but they say for a Thursday, it's a good night.
People are also finding out that drive-ins still exist.
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