Coral Reefer Band Documentary Sets Premiere at Santa Barbara International Film Festival

Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers, a feature documentary that traces the origins and evolution of Jimmy Buffett’s original Coral Reefer Band during the 1970s and early 1980s, will premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on February 9th, with a second screening on February 13th.

Narrated by Academy Award winner Jeff Bridges, the documentary features commentary from Kenny Chesney, Mac McAnally, songwriter Keith Sykes, as well as many original Coral Reefer band members and touring crew.

Occupational Hazard is directed by John H. Cunningham, who has a deep and close connection to several members of the first Coral Reefers as well as to a lifelong affinity to Jimmy Buffett, as their paths crossed many times, beginning in the Florida Keys in the 1970s.

Set largely in Key West, a place the bandmates describe as having its own rhythm and creative spark, Occupational Hazard delves into how this laid-back island community shaped not only the music but the mindset of the early Coral Reefers. Through rare, never-before-seen archival footage and deeply personal interviews with founding members, tour managers, producers and music legends, Occupational Hazard captures the camaraderie, chaos, and magic of the era.

From dusty road gigs and dive-bar rehearsals to the first big studio albums, the documentary details how this group crafted a sound and built a touring family—until the hard-partying lifestyle, dubbed the “heavy artillery years,” began to take its toll. Drug use led to burnout, and tragedy crept in, but Buffett’s desire to succeed resulted in a near-total transformation of the band on his road to becoming one of the most successful musicians of our generation.

Watch the trailer below: