Songwriters & musicians present bronze plaque to Joe and Pat

Songwriters & musicians present bronze plaque to Joe and Pat

This year’s FBISF started with a well deserved tribute to Joe Gilchrist and Pat McClellan, as event organizers presented the Flora-Bama co-owners a beautiful cast bronze plaque that will hang in perpetuity in the listening room at the famed Lounge On The Line. “The plaque was purchased with donations from songwriters and musicians to honor these great men and the sacrifices they have gone through,’’ said event planner Tina Morrison.
Obviously touched the two men both thanked Flora-Bama’s patrons for their support of their vision to present original music in a world of karaoke and cover bands. “When I first came out here from Seville Quarter, I didn’t really get it. I was wondering why the songwriters on stage were making more than I was every shift,’’ McClellan said. “But Joe talked me into turning around and looking at that side of the room, and I thank him for that.”
The plaque reads: “To Joe Gilchrist and Pat McClellan. We hereby honor their innovative entrepreneurship and sustained commitment to the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival. The lives of all they have touched – songwriters and musicians, locals and tourists and businesses and condo owners of the Perdido area, would not be the same without the insight and sacrifice of these two great men. They endured and overcame many difficulties throughout the years, but persevered with humility and compassion. This monument is a grateful acknowledgement of the positive impact their dedication has brought to the lives of others
– Presented by the Songwriters and Musicians of the world.