Frank Brown International Songwriters Fest: Nov. 11-15

Frank Brown International Songwriters Fest: Nov. 11-15
Some signature events postponed ‘til 2021, but Frank Brown Songwriters Fest will still include 15 venues
By Fran Thompson
Although many of its signature events have been postponed until 2021, the magic of musical prose will continue for the 36th consecutive year. The Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival, which normally runs for 10 days, will be held Nov. 11-15, with shows at 15 venues from Gulf Shores to Pensacola.
“We will still have great players coming in – people who have written some really well known songs. But we want to make sure we showcase our local musicians as well,’’ said fest founder Joe Gilchrist. “In some ways we are retreating back into the past in that it’s smaller and has a shorter duration.’’
Most FBISF concerts include at least three songwriters trading songs and telling the stories behind their lyrics in an intimate setting. And each FBISF venue will host a diverse lineup, with writers often sharing the stage, swapping songs, and turning some sets into spellbinding jam sessions.
The fest’s two seminars, the Native American songwriters tribute, the youth showcase, the Autism awareness concert and the fest’s memorial concert honoring writers who have passed have been postponed ‘til 2021.
Gilchrist, the Flora-Bama co-owner, founded the FBISF in 1984 as a way to celebrate the end of the season with local artists, visiting Nashcats and other musical friends. The first official FBISF was held at The Saenger Theatre in Pensacola. Gilchrist said he lost $10,000 on the 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.
In 1994, FBISF coordinator Brucie Glassell spearheaded an effort to share the musical wealth with venues throughout the community and into Pensacola. Her tireless passion for the event and its magical moments laid the groundwork for what it is today.
The festival is fluid by nature, meaning the schedule is subject to change. It is best to check FrankBrownSongwriters.com every day for updated information.
Gilchrist thinks it is the fans as much as the music that make FBISF a unique event.
“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.’’
Last year’s incredible lineup included the late Mac Davis and 2020 Grammy Award winner Tanya Tucker. Dean Dillon, who has written 50 songs performed by the legendary George Strait, and is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, will will close out the fest on Nov. 15 at the Flora-Bama. Another writer revered by peers and fans, Billy Joe Shaver, was planning to play this year, but he recently passed away (see sidebar).
Jason Aldean and Thompson Square are among Nashville stars that played the festival before their careers took off.
Both Billboard and American Songwriters magazines have recognized FBISF as the granddaddy of songwriter festivals, and it’s been called one of the Top 20 Events by the Southeast Tourism Society.
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 age 91.
Writers at Flora-Bama Central Church Nov. 15
Songwriters will be part of the Flora-Bama Central Church service inside the Flora-Bama on Sunday, Nov. 15. Taylor Craven and Troy Martin will play at 9 a.m., and Ken Lambert, the first musician to ever play at the Flora-Bama, will be joined by Abe Partridge & Amanda Pruitt at 11 a.m.
Nov. 10 Songwriters Jam Kick-Off Party
Perdido Key’s Purple Parrot Tiki Bar and host Nick Biebricher will get the party started with a songwriters jam on Nov. 10 from 6-9 p.m. (13555 Perdido Key Dr.)
Open mic opportunities available
Bring your instrument, sign up and sing a song or two during open mic sessions held almost daily during the fest in the Flora-Bama main room. Hosted by Don and Karen McNatt, the open mic sessions are from 1-5 p.m. Open mic nights on the Bama dome stage are also scheduled around happy hour several evenings, with T-Bone Montgomery playing host and adding tunes.
Artworks hosts evening of art & music Nov. 12
Artworks Studio & Gallery on Perdido Key will host an evening of art & music with7-9 featuring Transit Soul (Melissa Joiner & Mark Brook) and Nick Branch from 7 – 9 p.m.. The gallery is located at Villagio, 13700 Perdido Key Dr on Perdido Key.