“Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers” is a feature documentary that takes audiences back to the 1970s and early ’80s to tell the story of Jimmy Buffett’s original Coral Reefer Band.
The film will be shown Monday, Sept. 7 at 2 p.m. at Key West Theater, 512 Eaton St. It will be followed by a Q&A with the director, producer and Key West resident John H. Cunningham; producer Ted Haynes; and cast members / first Coral Reefers, including Roger Bartlett and Josh Leo, and local Chris Robinson. A musical performance by Bartlett, Leo, Robinson and maybe surprise participants will follow.
Set against the creative backdrop of Key West, the film explores the musicians, friendships, touring years and studio sessions that helped shape Buffett’s legendary sound.
Through never-before-seen archival footage and personal interviews with founding members, tour managers, producers and music legends, “Occupational Hazard” captures the camaraderie, chaos and magic of an era that thrived on freedom and lived without a rulebook.
The film is a tribute to Buffett and the original Coral Reefers, the places and people that shaped them, the beauty of a musical moment that couldn’t last but changed everything, and their candid sentiment toward Buffett.
The film premiered this year at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and has gone across the country on the festival circuit.
It features interviews with Kenny Chesney, Mac McAnally, songwriter Keith Sykes and the Coral Reefer Band, and is narrated by Academy Award winner Jeff Bridges.
A trailer is on YouTube by searching “Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers.” More information is at occupationalhazardfilm.com and on Facebook and Instagram.
