The 2011 CMT Music Awards, hosted by Kid Rock, air tonight live from Nashville at 8 pm ET.

Jimmy Buffett and the Zac Brown Band are nominated in the CMT Performance of the Year category for their collaboration on last year’s CMT Crossroads episode.

The CMT Performance of the Year category is for a musical performance on a television show, series or variety special on CMT.

Here are the nominees in the category:

• Martina McBride and Train – “A Broken Wing” from CMT Crossroads: Train and Martina McBride
• Reba McEntire – “If I Were a Boy” from Unplugged: Reba
• Darius Rucker and Adele – “Need You Now” from 2010 CMT Artists of the Year
• Keith Urban and John Mayer – “Sweet Thing” from CMT Crossroads: John Mayer and Keith Urban
• Zac Brown Band and Jimmy Buffett – “Margaritaville” from CMT Crossroads: Jimmy Buffett and Zac Brown Band

The Zac Brown Band is performing during the show. Their latest single, “Knee Deep,” is a duet with Buffett. Could Buffett make a surprise appearance and join them on stage? Tune in at 8 o’clock to watch!

Jimmy Buffett was in New York City Thursday night for the 40th annual New York City Police Foundation charity gala:

On Thursday night, they were at the Waldorf-Astoria because the New York City Police Foundation held its 40th annual gala and honored Ron Perelman, in an event that raised nearly $2.3 million, according to an event representative.

An audience of 700 guests, including Michael Douglas, gaming-resort developer Richard T. Fields, Chevy Chase, Jimmy Buffett and Penny Marshall enjoyed a four-song Jon Bon Jovi concert.

But wait, wasn’t rock ‘n’ roll supposed to rebel against the law?

According to Mr. Buffett, that’s passé. “One of the great things in rock ‘n’ roll is you get a police escort,” he said. “There are many times I’ve been stopped by them, so it’s nice to be led by them.” He remembered once seeing a Grateful Dead sticker on an NYPD cop car and thinking to himself, “You know? It might be time to get over our ’60s mentality—the pigs versus hippies thing.”

In fact, what was apparent at the gala was that an awful lot of police officers have entertainment impulses, and an awful lot of entertainers have law-enforcement impulses.

“I’d want to be a helicopter pilot,” said Mr. Buffett.

Buffett with Kevin Jonas

Jon Bon Jovi, Buffett, Raymond Kelly, and Michael Douglas

Jimmy Buffett, an avid Miami Heat fan, was in attendance at Tuesday night’s NBA finals game between the Heat and the Dallas Mavericks:

As usual, a championship event brought out plenty of A-list celebrities. Musicians Ludacris , Jimmy Buffett and Gloria Estefan were spotted in the crowd. Michael McDonald , formerly of the Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan, sang the national anthem. NBA great Magic Johnson spent time shaking hands with fans and signing autographs before the tip.

Also at the game, according to a Heat official, were former Cowboys receiver Michael Irvin, who played his college ball at Miami ; rapper Timbaland; film and television producer Jerry Bruckheimer; Cuban-American singer Jon Secada ; Florida Sen. Marco Rubio; and Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Vernon Carey.

Jimmy Buffett performed Saturday night at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, and Kenny Chesney made a surprise appearance to join Jimmy in singing “Come Monday” and “Back Where I Come From.”

View the full set list here.

See photos and watch video clips below:

(hat tip to Lisa for the photo and video)

In an interview with USA Today that focuses mainly on releasing old material, Jimmy Buffett says he’s going to work on the tailgating prohibition at Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, Virginia. Spokespeople for Jiffy Lube Live and owner Live Nation have said that they are cracking down on tailgating at the venue that is known for great pre-partying.

When told there wasn’t going to be partying in the parking lot, the singer said, “Who’s stupid idea was that? … I’m glad to hear that. I’ll get right on that. I believe I can take care of that. It must be some city thing, but it’s not me.”

The venue, formerly known as Nissan Pavilion “is one of the biggest tailgating places ever,” he says. “We got time, I can really get into that. … I’m going to fire a little shot to the Live Nation people.”

The Jiffy Lube Live concert will be held August 27th.