The Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival will celebrate its 37^th year of bringing the magic of songwriting to the Gulf Coast Nov. 4-14. Thrilled to be back to live performances, over 200 Grammy Award winning and up and coming songwriters will converge on the Gulf Coast to perform in over two dozen venues spanning from downtown Pensacola to Gulf Shores.

The festival is an opportunity for seasoned and aspiring songwriters and musicians from all over the world to have their songs heard and for attendees to learn the stories behind the lyrics that only the song’s author can express. This year’s venues range from the headquarters and birthplace, the Flora-Bama Lounge, to local restaurants, art galleries and churches – with music experience for all ages. A variety of shows, seminars and special events span the 11-day festival, with many shows free to attend.

A few highlights at this year’s event include:

Native American Tribute featuring six-time WWE Champion Mickie James Aldis with Crystal Shawanda and DeWayne Stroble: Nov. 6 from 3-6 p.m., Flora-Bama’s Tent Stage. Free

County Music Hall of Fame Member, Dean Dillon with special guest Marla Cannon-Goodman, Buddy Cannon, Mickey Lamantia and Josh Martin: Nov. 7. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., Flora-Bama. Tickets $15 at the door.

A Tribute to Veterans with Operation Song, pairing professional songwriters with veterans, active duty military and their families to help them tell their stories through the process of songwriting: Nov. 11 at 5 p.m., Flora-Bama Main Room, free.

There’s so much more in store for this year’s festival. Details on all the performances and events are available at frankbrownsongwriters.com. Schedules are subject to change so please check the website for the latest details.

About the Frank Brown International Foundation for Music/Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival

The Frank Brown Foundation for Music produces the Frank Brown Songwriters’ Festival annually as well as places songwriters in area schools on a year-round basis to teach the art and craft of songwriting. Instruments for schools and scholarship funding for college bound Baldwin County, Alabama and Escambia County, Florida students with an interest in music are also provided. Since 2013, the Foundation has been involved with the Larry Butler Memorial Music Award at the University of West Florida which supports travel of students to music competitions all over the world; funds music studio and classroom improvements on campus and provides music lessons to students. To date over $150,000 has been raised and donated through the fund.