November 10, 2011 -- ORANGE BEACH, Ala. (OBA) -- The 2011 Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival presented by the Flora-Bama has something for everyone!  One of a series of special events planned is a Songwriting Showcase for Teens from 11 a.m.-2 p.m, Friday, Nov. 18.

The event was organized by LuLu’s at Homeport Marina and the Frank Brown Foundation For Music, the 501(c)3 organization that coordinates this Top 20 Southeastern Tourism Event. The luncheon/seminar will bring together select students from Foley High, Foley Middle, Elberta Middle and Daphne Middle Schools and industry professionals to discuss the art and business of songwriting.

The professional panel will include powerhouse songwriting duo Hal and Rachel Newman.  Among Hal’s many recorded songs is George Strait’s “Baby Your Baby” from the movie Pure Country. Also on the panel is CJ Watson, songwriter and author of The Everything Songwriting Book (copyright 2003, Adams Media); John Briggs, CEO of Briggs Entertainment and former Vice President of ASCAP; and singer/songwriter Karen E. Reynolds who heads up an independent record label and is Host and Program Director of “Writer’s Block” a radio program and concert series showcasing independent artists.The highlight of the seminar is the teen stars of tomorrow that have been selected to perform their original songs for this prestigious panel. Among those selected are:

Brittany Cole, a 14-year-old freshman at Gulf Breeze High School. Brittany began playing guitar when she was 7 and began writing songs at the age of 10. Her music style is Contemporary/Pop. Brittany says she “writes songs that encourage and inspire”.

Miranda Mixon has been referred to as “Mobile’s Teen Sensation” by al.com. She is a 16 year old singer/songwriter from Mobile who has been gaining local attention with her blend of Country/Pop and her own unique sound.  Miranda received the 2010 Bayfest Music scholarship and is the current winner of Murphy Idol and the 2011 Geneva Festival on The Rivers Talent Contest winner. She has shared the stage with national recording artist Dennis “Finger Roll” Nelson, members of Wet Willie and Hank Williams, Jr band, and has opened for Sammy Kershaw.

Savannah Hammick, from Shelby, AL, has just turned 13 and is homeschooling to travel for her love of music. Her bio says that she is a girl with God’s favor… at the tender age of 10 she wrote “Baptism”. She found the lyrics handwritten on a scratch paper and completed the song while planning for her own baptism. Savannah has written a dozen or more original songs.  She sings for festivals, conferences, churches and holiday events and enjoys many types of music.

David Simoneau is a 16 year old singer/songwriter from Pensacola. He has been playing the guitar since age 11 and began singing at the age of 14. After composing 8 songs he says, “It has been an amazing journey learning to play guitar and get better as I try and focus on school and work. It has been my dream to let people enjoy my music and have them sing along to the songs I’ve written. I love the feeling of playing a song and having people smiling because they enjoyed it…”

Brittany Grimes is a local Gulf Coast singer/songwriter who is quickly gaining attention both here and in Nashville. She is as unique as her songs, written for young and old alike.  Brittany was recently chosen for the 2011 Bayfest Music Scholarship.  She hopes to give back all of the support she has been given from family, friends and fans “one song at a time….” Teens who would like to attend this event (with parental permission) may call 251-967-5858 to place a reservation. Space is limited.

For more information on the Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival, visit www.fbisf.com or find us on the FBISF fan page on Facebook.