Oil clean-up ideas amass in Gulf Shores

GULF SHORES, Alabama (WALA) - There is no shortage of ideas when it comes to cleaning up the oil spill in the Gulf. At Gulf State Park Pier Monday, BP held an event to review some of those ideas to possibly use.

The event was somewhat like a science fair. Vendors from across the country presented their ideas on how to contain the oil.

Brian Ablett's idea would have to be fanned out across the water. The Canadian said his invention would soak up the oil.

"This is a thin film. It's attracted to oil and rejects water," Ablett explained.

Kraig Shook from south Florida said his powder product would be scattered over the Gulf. It would catch the oil before it makes it to the shoreline, then be scooped up with a device.

"The difference is when you capture the oil, you can reclaim it. So out of every ton of every captured oil, (BP) gets three barrels of oil," Shook told FOX10.

Steve Wenzel from Loxley said his liquid formula would disperse the oil.

"It obliterates the oil, there is no collecting of the oil. In other words, it affects the bonding molecules of the oil," said Wenzel. "It's manufactured in Tennessee. We are the local distributor and we are just trying to bring this to notice."

BP leaders said there are a lot of ideas out there, but not every idea is a good idea. That's why each one must proven effective.

But no matter what the invention is, each inventor agrees something must be done to protect the next generation.

On a positive side note, inventors were supposed to test their products with actual oil on the beach. But Monday morning, no oil washed ashore.

Meanwhile, headliner Jimmy Buffett and some of his friends will be on the Gulf Coast performing , and it's to benefit oil spill recovery.

It's a performance that will hopefully boost morale for the people who call southern Baldwin County home.

"Jimmy wanted to do something, and this is the right thing for him to do in his mind, and in the minds of a lot of other people. It's to generate support for business and the culture here on the Gulf Coast," said organizer Johnny Fisher.

The event, which will also feature Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown, Allen Troussaint, Sonny Landreth, Jesse Winchester, and more. It will be similar to the Hangout Fest in Gulf Shores back in May. The show will be broadcast live on Country Music Television.

A souvenir t-shirt is also in the works to make the event one to remember.

Organizers said timing is everything, because this event leads into the Fourth of July weekend, which is a very big deal along the Gulf Coast.

To sweeten the deal for music fans, the show will be free. There is a reason Buffett is not selling tickets.

"He wants that money to spent in restaurants, lodging, and retail. He wants the money to be spent in the area," said Fisher.

However, a ticket is required for entry to the concert, and there is a four ticket limit for each person. Tickets will be available starting Wednesday, June 23, and can be purchased on Ticketmaster .

Organizers expect to accommodate up to 35,000 people at the event, which will be held on the beach in Gulf Shores, where Gulf Shores Parkway (Highway 59) meets the coast.

"There are always welcome breaks in every storm but the unfortunate reality is that this disaster is not going away for a while -- but a few hours of fun, void of the constant reminders of the situation, is a good thing and that is basically what I do," said Buffett.

Performances will be simulcast live on Radio Margaritaville, available on Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio, and streamed live on www.CMT.com .