Claire Finley's All Star Jam

Jill Snodgrass
Jul 21
3 min read

Announcing Claire Finley's All Star Jam Official After Party Saturday at the EmPOURrium

When the Wheeland Brothers wrap up their headline performance at Sunset Pier, the music continues across Old Town at the Backyard EmPourium, home of the official "Keep the Party Going" After Party featuring Claire Finley's All-Star Jam.

International touring bassist and vocalist Claire Finley has become one of the defining musicians of the Key West music scene. A graduate of Berklee College of Music with degrees in Electric Bass Performance and Music Business, Claire has spent the past decade building a career that spans intimate island venues, major festivals, and stages around the world.

Claire's ties to the Jimmy Buffett family run deep. A close friend of Savannah Jane Buffett, she performed at Savannah's wedding, where members of the internationally acclaimed Playing For Change organization first discovered her talent. What began as an invitation to appear in a single video quickly turned into several featured performances in the organization's celebrated Songs Around the World series, including the 50th anniversary recording of (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay, Soul Rebel alongside reggae legend Bunny Wailer, and most recently Fly Like an Eagle with Steve Miller. She has served as the full-time bassist for the Playing For Change Band since 2018 and its Tour Manager since 2022.

Founded on the belief that music has the power to unite people across cultures and borders, Playing For Change has become a worldwide movement featuring hundreds of musicians from more than 35 countries. Jimmy Buffett was a longtime supporter of the organization, contributing to its Songs Around the World series and embracing its vision of bringing people together through music.

Claire has also performed with Jimmy Buffett himself and nearly every member of the Coral Reefer Band. She serves as Musical Director for longtime Coral Reefer vocalist Nadirah Shakoor, touring and performing with her on Trop Rock cruises and concerts, and has earned a reputation as one of the most respected and sought-after bassists in the Trop Rock community.

For the official "Keep the Party Going" After Party, Claire will lead an unforgettable All-Star Jam with her powerhouse trio featuring Hub Chason on guitar and Hiram Garzaro on drums. As the night unfolds, expect spontaneous collaborations and surprise sit-ins that capture the magic of the Key West music scene. Claire has often described the island as "one big music sandbox," where musicians bring their talents together, inspire one another, and create something unique every night.

The Backyard at EmPOURium is the perfect place to keep the celebration going. The show takes place on the outdoor stage in the spacious backyard, complete with a dance floor, tropical atmosphere, plenty of room to gather with friends, and drink specials all evening long. Feeling hungry? Kaya Island Eats will be serving food from the kitchen until 10:30 p.m., so you can grab dinner, a late-night bite, and a cold drink while enjoying one of the weekend's most anticipated jam sessions.

No set list. No script. Just world-class musicians sharing the stage for one unforgettable Key West jam.

KEEP IT GOING AFTER PARTIES

Learn More

QUESTIONS? Package Phone Number: 305-390-4600

Email: TPC Team info@totalpackagecompany.com

Stories with Friends: Author Showcase & Book Signing

Saturday, September 5, 2026

11 AM - 1 PM

Books & Books @ Studios of KW

Free

Step into an intimate afternoon of storytelling, laughter, inspiration, and island culture as Just a Few Friends presents A Few Stories with Friends — a curated showcase featuring authors, historians, photographers, and storytellers whose work has been inspired by Jimmy Buffett, Key West, and the spirit of life lived just a little differently.

This moderated multi-author experience brings together a fascinating mix of voices from across the Parrothead world — from longtime Key West historians and music writers to novelists, photographers, and fans whose lives were forever shaped by the music, community, and mythology surrounding the island lifestyle.

Rather than a traditional lecture, the event is designed as a lively, fast-paced storytelling experience where each featured guest will share the inspiration behind their work, personal connections to Key West and Buffett culture, and the stories that happened between the songs.

Featured authors and creators include: