31st Annual Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival

Date Posted: Jul 20, 2015

The 31st Annual Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival (FBISF) is bringing more than 200 Grammy award-winning and up-and-coming artists to Pensacola and Perdido Key, Fla., to celebrate the love of music and songwriting.

As the original, oldest, and largest songwriter event in the nation, FBISF has consistently been named a Top-20 Event in the Southeast. Join these renowned and aspiring songwriters on the white sandy beaches of Pensacola and Perdido Key for an unforgettable music journey.

The best part of the FBISF is the up-close and personal experience each audience has with the performers, often learning the stories and meanings behind the songs from the writer.

There’s something for every generation with styles ranging from the ‘50s to today’s contemporary hits. Performers represent nearly every music genre: country, folk, Americana, rock and roll, jazz, blues, pop, and hip hop. You’re bound to fall in love with some sweet melody or rocking ballad.

Performances take place in multiple venues every day of the Festival, with ticket prices specific to each venue. Whether you want a backstage listening experience, some tunes while you dine, a family friendly environment, or a mosh pit, FBISF has something for you.

For aspiring artists, music professionals from Nashville will teach songwriting, the business aspect of the music industry, and critique student submissions.

The Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival is dedicated to the late Frank Brown, the night watchman of Flora-Bama for 28 years. Known as Mr. Frank, his moral values, integrity, and strong character are what has fueled this festival for the past 31 years.

Schedule of Special Events (For the FULL Schedule Click Here):

  • NASHVILLE SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME SHOW
    Date: Friday, Nov. 6
    Time: Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; show begins at 7:00 p.m.
    Location: University of West Florida Mainstage Theatre
    Price: $20 per person. The evening’s proceeds will go to a scholarship fund to honor the music and life of legendary music producer and Pensacola native, Larry Butler.
    Description: This show features an incredible all-star, Grammy Nominee lineup including five inductees to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame: Tony Arata (Academy of Country Music “Song of the Year” for Garth Brooks “The Dance;” Roger Cook whose hits include “Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress;” Mark D. Sanders with 14 #1 hits including “I hope you dance,” and “Heads Carolina, Tails California;” Richard Leigh with “Don’t it make My Brown Eyes Blue,” and “The Greatest Man I Never Knew;” and Dennis Morgan with “Smoky Mountain Rain,” and “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool.” Plus many, many more.
  • CELEBRITY SONGWRITERS GOLF TOURNAMENT
    Date: Monday, Nov. 9
    Time: All day
    Location: Lost Key Golf Club in Pensacola, Fla.
    Price: In honor of Veterans Day, all Veterans and active duty military play for $50. Registration fee includes greens fees, cart, lunch and door prize drawings.
    Description: Hosted by Perdido Key Chamber with the Songwriters. Contact the Perdido Key Chamber to register at (850) 492-4660.
  • JAZZ SOCIETY OF PENSACOLA “BLUE MONDAY”
    Date: Monday, Nov. 9
    Time: Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; music starts at 6:30 p.m.
    Location: V. Paul’s Italian Ristorante in Pensacola, Fla.
    Description: Enjoy dinner at V. Paul’s while listening to performances by the Jazz Society of Pensacola.
  • FILM SCREENING OF “GOOD OL’ FREDA”
    Date: Friday, Nov. 13 and Sunday, Nov. 15
    Time: 12:30 p.m.
    Location: Flora-Bama in Perdido Key, Fla.
    Price: Free
    Description: View a documentary film about the Beatles Fan Club President and Secretary, Freda Kelly, who just within the last few years began telling stories about her 11 years with the band. Freda Kelly herself and Film Producer Kathy McCabe will be on hand to answer questions following the screening.
  • BMI PRESENTS: REMEMBERING HANK COCHRAN W/ Jamey Johnson & Band!
    Date: Saturday, Nov. 14
    Time: 6:00 p.m.
    Location: Flora-Bama in Perdido Key, Fla.
    Price: $10 per ticket; available at the FloraBama
    Description: Superstar songwriter Jamey Johnson & his full band are a can’t miss event during the Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival and Foo Foo Fest! Proceeds will benefit the Pen Foundation


For a complete list of FBISF events and information, click here.

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