As Piedmont University welcomes a Jimmy Buffett tribute concert, many wonder, why? The question is answered as President Marshall Criser reveals that he is actually the undercover tribute artist himself!
As many know, President Criser used to live in Florida. Many people don’t know, however, that he was best friends with the late Jimmy Buffett.
“I met Jimmy originally on a quick weekend trip to Key West, with my wife Kimberly. We were strolling down the road from our trip to the beach, and my feet were killing me- I had broken my flip-flops. We stopped at a local flip flop repair shop, and what do you know, there he was, behind the counter!” explained the President with a chuckle.
Turns out, not only was Buffett the mayor of Margaritaville, he was a humble flip-flop repairman as well! Criser was amazed, but he stayed calm. He treated him as a normal, everyday flip-flop cobbler. Because of that, Buffett felt at ease with him, and the two soon hit it off as buddies. Buffett even gave President Criser two free tickets to his concert that night.
“The show was incredible, the music was wonderful, and we had a blast. What surprised us most was when Jimmy invited Marshall up on stage to sing! And of course, when Jimmy Buffett asks you to come on stage, you have no choice but to go up there!” said Kimberly Criser, the First Lady of Piedmont University.
That’s when President Criser first began singing Jimmy Buffett songs for a crowd, and he has been singing ever since. The crowd favorite is always “Cheeseburger in Paradise.”
Piedmont University excitedly awaits the tribute concert, which will be held on Saturday, April 6, and the President personally asks all students to attend, as it is covered in tuition.
