We are nice people who are respectful

“We are nice people who are respectful’’

By Fran Thompson
Flora-Bama co-owner Joe Gilchrist founded the FBISF in 1984 as a way to celebrate the end of the season with local artists, visiting Nashcats and other musical friends. Gilchrist had already been bringing his songwriting friends for shows in the off-season. But the first official FBISF was held at The Saenger Theatre in Pensacola. Gilchrist lost $10,000 on that venture. “After that, I figured if I was going to lose that kind of money, I might as well have it at my own place,’’ he said.
The festival thrived at the Flora-Bama with 11 nights of non-stop music – usually ending with Gilchrist buying a round for the diehards at 2 a.m. – until 1994, when a decision was made to spread the musical wealth throughout the community.
It was a good decision, as the fest has continued to grow in scope and national stature. Jason Aldean, Thompson Square & Jerrod Niemann are among Nashville stars that played the festival before their careers took off.
Gilchrist thinks he knows why. “We are nice people who are respectful,’’ he said. “Quite frequently, these writers are unappreciated even within the music business. We’re glad to provide a listening environment where they can play, and it’s not background music. It’s living music that professes emotions and feelings that all of us have, but very few of us know how to express.’’
FBISF is fluid by nature, meaning the schedule is subject to change. Even if you have a printed schedule, it is best to check frankbrownsongwriters.com every day for updated information.
Both Billboard and American Songwriters magazines have recognized FBISF as the granddaddy of such festivals, and it is perennially on the Top 20 Events In The Southeast list.
Most shows are free; a few venues charge a modest cover fee. The festival is named after the late Frank Brown, who was night watchman at the Flora-Bama for 28 years before retiring at ag