The 2009 Frank Brown International
Songwriters Festival - in Pictures
Writers X-ing - Walkin' A State Line L to R: Freddy Powers (stick figure),
Jody Payne, Chris Newbury, Beverly Jo Scott,
Larry Jon Wilson, Bo Roberts, Cass Hunter, Sonny Throckmorton, Sam Glass
The above photo of Songwriters was inspired by the classic Abby
Road album cover. The photo was taken of Songwriters in the crosswalk between the
Flora-Bama Lounge and the Silver Moon during the 2009 Songwriters
Festival. Thanks to Sonny Throckmorton for the title, "Walkin'
A State Line". December 11, 2009 - Orange Beach, AL (OBA) - The 25th Anniversary
of the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival has come
and gone... and we are left with photographs, memories and videos. Linda Ponder, FBISF Volunteer Coordinator, captures the essence
of the Festival. "For 10 days in November along the gulf coast, local venues turn their restaurants and clubs into
'listening rooms' with songwriters performing 1-2 hr showcases. This year we had over 150 songwriters performing at 12 venues.
Without fail, first time visitors come away from this festival in wide-eyed surprise, wondering how they didn't know about this festival before.
We have such a variety of characters that come down and perform. You'd be surprised who wrote your favorite song. In most cases, it's not the artist who sings it.
This festival allows the songwriters to showcase their music while hanging with fellow songwriters.
Getting to know the people behind the words that make you sad, happy, grateful or tearful is just an incredible, unforgettable way to spend a couple of weeks in November."
"After 14 years of being involved with the Frank Brown Songwriters' Festival, you would think the thrill would be fading
- not so" says Songwriters Coordinator, Reneda Cross. "The friendships that have been made with the fans, venues, volunteers and especially the songwriters have created a love in my heart and,
for that, I will be forever grateful. The stage was set in our mission statement to provide a home for all types of music to be born and I feel the stage has accomplished its goal.
This special magical home will always burn bright in my heart. The Memories, The Songs, The Sincere Friendships
- priceless. Thank you Joe and Mr. Frank for having a dream, and thanks
to everyone who has helped to make this dream come true." "One of the important challenges to me'" says Joe Gilchrist,
Festival
creator and co-owner of the Flora-Bama Lounge, "is being able to bring the people who
write the songs into our community, where we've created an atmosphere of people
who understand the importance of the songwriters and what they mean to
our lives. These songwriters pour their heart and sole into the
music they write and it is evident when they are performing their
songs on stage during the Festival." Joe goes on to say, "To be able, after so many years, to continue to bring characters like Hank Cochran, Dean
Dillon, Red Lane, and in the past, Mickey Newbury, and a lot of other people who make the music that makes the world a better place
is a blessing. It just means a lot to me to be able to do that for our community and that is the thing that makes the Festival so special."
"Mr. Frank Brown was our night watchman and it makes me feel good
that he lives on in the music that's done here every year", says Joe.
“Our lives have truly been enriched by the performances of the amazingly talented songwriters participating in our 25th Anniversary Songwriters Festival",
says Faye Glass, FBISF Coordinator. "All who shared in this festival left each show with a smile and a tear in their hearts. We are so grateful for each songwriter and their remarkable talent for capturing our innermost thoughts, dreams, fears and life experiences.
On behalf of the FBISF staff, we sincerely thank all of the Alabama/Florida Gulf Coast individuals, families and businesses for their endless time, energy, and devotion in supporting one another and our community. This event was successful because of
them.
Stay tuned for the sweet melodies we make together in 2010!”
The video below was created from the 93 photos taken during the
Walkin' A State Line photo shoot.
The clip is set to the song, On The Redneck Riviera,
written and performed by Moe Monsarrat. Also see photo slideshows below...
Below is a slideshow from the 2009 Silver Anniversary Songwriters' Festival.
The slideshow below includes pictures from the Mark Collie Celebrity
Golf Tournament and Concert at the Orange Beach Golf Center.
2009 Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival Pictures
