The Honolulu Advertiser has an article on the private show that Jimmy Buffett played last night at his new Waikiki restaurant: Jimmy Buffett’s At The Beachcomber:

Jimmy Buffett christened his new Jimmy Buffett’s at the Beachcomber restaurant in Waikiki in style last night, putting on a nonstop two-hour concert for invited guests and VIPs.

“I refuse to participate in this recession,” Buffett told a cheering crowd, many of whom wore balloon animals in the shape of shark fins and parrotheads.

Dressed in his trademark yellow T-shirt, red board shorts and standing in bare feet, Buffett brought out old standards like “Come Monday,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and “Margaritaville,” played “Dukes on Sunday” with local favorite Henry Kapono and jammed all night alongside ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro and most of his Coral Reefer band.

He also premiered some new songs, basically putting on a full concert preview for fans who also came to town for Buffett’s concert tomorrow night at the Waikiki Shell.

Read the entire article here.

Also, check out the set list from the show here.

We have been told that PHIP Club members received an e-mail this morning stating that Jimmy Buffett will play two dates in Hawaii in February:

Tuesday, February 24th – Maui
Saturday, February 28th – The Shell in Waikiki

No word yet on ticket sales or prices.

Buffett is also playing a private show for the opening of his newest restaurant, Jimmy Buffett’s At The Beachcomber in Honolulu. Landshark Lager is giving away a trip for two to attend the show (register here). The date is not yet known, but the official sweepstakes rules say that the anticipated travel is February, March, or April 2009. It’s possible that Jimmy will play this private show while he is in Hawaii for these two shows.

(hat tip to Jr. Mint for passing this along!)

We previously reported that Jimmy Buffett’s new restaurant in Hawaii, Jimmy Buffett’s At The Beachcomber, would open in early 2009. A press release from Ohana Hotels reports that it will open in February:

The hotel is excited to welcome the highly-anticipated lifestyle restaurant and bar, Jimmy Buffett’s at the Beachcomber, slated to open in February 2009. This new 22,000 square foot dining, entertainment and retail venue will allow guests to enjoy a full menu, cocktails and lively entertainment by a variety of well-known and up-and-coming entertainers. The new Honolulu Surfing Museum and bar will serve up cool drinks while showcasing surfing collectibles and memorabilia.

(hat tip to Jr Mint for passing this along)

Jimmy will be playing a grand opening show soon after it opens, and you can win a trip to see the special show at landsharklager.com.

Jimmy Buffett’s Landshark Lager is giving away a trip for two to the grand opening of Jimmy Buffett’s At The Beachcomber in Honolulu, Hawaii, where Jimmy will play a private show!

Winners will receive airfare for two, four night at the Ohana Waikki Beachcomber Hotel, and tickets to the private Buffett concert. Exact date of the show is not yet known, but it is expected to be in February, March, or April 2009. You may enter once a week… See the official rules here. Sweepstakes ends January 31st, 2009.

Click here to enter!

(hat tip to mcloughl for passing this along!)

Update – Several readers have pointed out that California residents are ineligible. No word on why Landshark is excluding Californians.

BuffettWorld reported back in February that Jimmy Buffett plans to open Jimmy Buffett’s At The Beachcomber at the Ohana Waikiki Beachcomber in Waikiki, Hawaii. The original plan was to open by the end of the year, but now the opening date is slated for early 2009:

It’s taking $15 million to build out 22,000 square feet for the new 400-seat Jimmy Buffett’s at the Beachcomber. And it will be every bit an adventure in paradise.

Simulated sunsets and rolling surf. The Hot Spot Bar where action will surely be volcanic. Ocean Waves Dining Booths for the North Shore vibe. You’ll enjoy music from up-and-coming local talent and food that’s not too complicated but full of flavor: fresh seafood, juicy burgers and casual island favorites. Cocktails will find tropical inspiration, too, with boat drinks, ice-cold brews and of course, signature margaritas.

Jimmy Buffett’s at the Beachcomber opens in early 2009.