Eleanor Milford designs 2016 FBISF poster

Eleanor Milford designs 2016 FBISF poster

Eleanor Milford did not want for inspiration when designing the artwork that was selected for the 2016 Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival poster. She has been involved with the festival as both fan and volunteer since moving to Perdido Key in 2004, and she has been updating the FBISF facebook page for the past six years.
“I came to Perdido Key with a singer/songwriter friend, Chris McCune, about a dozen years ago. He took me to my first Frank Brown. I was instantly hooked and continue to be,’’ she said. “I am very blessed to call many of the writers my friends and have made fabulous memories through the years at our festival.’’
Although not a professional, Milford has dabbled in photography and desktop publishing since she was a kid. Her poster incorporates a photo she took during the fest many years ago.
“I fell in instant love with the festival and it’s been a real passion for me ever since,’’ Milford said. “I was absolutely thrilled when (fest founder) Joe Gilchrist himself came by and told me the news that the vote was unanimous, I was just over the moon. What a legacy Joe has created and will leave behind.’’
In what she calls a strange turn of events, especially since she was planning to fully retire when she moved here, Milford is now booking some of the writers she met at FBISF to play at her restaurant, 3 Palms Bistro and Tiki Bar, located at the Purple Parrot Resort in Perdido Key.
“We have the opportunity to be a venue, and I am absolutely thrilled at the idea,’’ said the Space Coast transplant.
“There is always a magical night or two during the 10 day period,’’ Milford added, noting evenings at the Flora-Bama River House hearing Alan Rhody sing one of his hits acappella on a staircase and spending time chatting with Moose Brown without any idea that he wrote (with Don Rollins) “5 O’Clock Somewhere,’’ a song that became the #3 country song of the decade on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart.