It began in 1984 as a "small end of the year party" for local artists and friends but, over the course of time, has blossomed into an 11 day festival encompassing the entire Gulf Coast area and is dedicated to the real architects of the music industry - the songwriters. The Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival this year hosted over 200 songwriters from across the country and around the world. Their venues are 30 various restaurant/bars, art studios and music halls as they move around from location to location along the gulf between Alabama and Florida. We chose to see the artist at LuLu's on Friday night and Flora-Bama on Sunday afternoon. We chose these 2 places because they were restaurants we had identified as locations we wanted to have a meal. LuLu's is owned by Jimmy Buffetts sister at what started out has a bait shop and an outdoor burger bar has grown into one of the most popular spots on the gulf. And this Friday night was no exception...it was packed. We didn't get a great seat to see or hear the band while we ate but moved closer to the stage after we finished our meal. Ron got a just " okay" cheeseburger and I got one of the best shrimp quesadilla's I've ever had. You'd think the sister of "Cheeseburger In Paradise" would serve up a decent burger even in this land of seafood.
Brian White and Karyn Williams
Our plans were to drive to Flora-Bama,, about 20 miles from Gulf Shores and of course on the Florida-Alabama state line right after 10:30 mass Sunday morning, spend a couple of hours, eat lunch then head home. We arrived around noon and got home at 9:00 pm. We were so entranced not only by the talent of the performers but the whole experience. Although a program is published so you know who is playing where, it is a very casual atmosphere. As one group is performing if they see another songwriter walk into the place they invite them up on stage. Its like being at a jam session.. I did not expect the level of musical talent - I thought just because they can write a song doesn't mean they can sing or play a guitar. But I was wrong. We saw a tribute to Rusty McHugh, Danny Griego, Rusty Budde, Red Lane, Wayne Carson, Brice Long to name a few. If your like me you've never heard of them, but they have played along side of or have written songs for Randy Travis, Joe Diffe, John Michael Montgomery, Josh Turner, Tracy Byrd, Taylor Swift .....
Flora-Bama started out as a lounge and packaged liquor store in 1964 and after surviving a fire that consumed the building the day before it opened, Hurricane Ivan and a host of owners/co-owners over the years, it is a very popular hangout for visitors and locals alike. Because the building has gone through several remodeling projects and expansions, it resembles a hodge podge of eating areas, sitting areas, an outside stage with picnic tables, 2 indoor stages and various cozy corners where friends gather to have a drink, munch on chicken wings and listen to music
The Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival is dedicated to and named after the late Frank Brown who was the night watchman at the Flora-Bama for 28 years, retiring at the age of 91. He wore a pair of matched revolvers, slung low, but never had to use them. The story is it was enough for him to say. "Now you boys don't have to be like that. What would yo' mamma say?" He is a respected and loved legend in this area.
Flora-Bama
Various songwriters
They get a good turnout every year.
We are talking about coming back to this area again next year to spend more time at the festival.
Hope all is well!
"Success is when a man gets what he wants.
Happiness is when a man wants what he gets."
Frank Brown, former Flora Bama night watchman
