Jimmy Buffett is scheduled to return to Merriweather Post Pavilion after a two-year absence.

Merriweather has not released its summer schedule, but Buffett's Web site at www.mar garitaville.com lists a June 19 tour date at the Columbia venue, with tickets to go on sale March 8.

Buffett has built a following - and a merchandising empire - from his laid-back, tropical-themed songs.

He was an annual sold-out attraction at Merriweather until 2001, when he decided not to schedule a concert there.

Die-hard followers, who call themselves Parrot Heads, were upset at the time, saying Buffett's appearance at the Nissan Pavilion at Stone Ridge in Virginia was too far away.

In 2001, Merriweather manager Jean Parker said Buffett had been cutting back on his touring schedule and dropping many venues.

As long as he was choosing a venue in the area, she said, Nissan, with double the seats, was a logical choice.

Both venues are managed by SFX Entertainment Inc.