Hundreds of singer/songwriters will soon head down to the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach area to showcase their talent around town at the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival. The festival runs November 10 – November 20 with most local venues participating. America has a rich history of storytelling through song and this festival presents an opportunity to appreciate it all.

Humor

If you are looking for an evening to tickle your funny bone, be sure to check out the musical stylings of Bill Whyte  who has performed with Jeff Dunham and Larry the Cable Guy among others. Representing funny ladies we have Kacey Jones of Ethel and the Shameless Hussies. Jones has been a guest on Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion and is a bright star on the comic songwriting horizon.

Kicking It Old School

If you are a fan of classic country music, you will find plenty to keep your toes tapping. Check the website for complete listings of artists who will perform, because we can only highlight a few of the many talented and experienced songwriters here. Bobby Keel has received 14 gold and 12 platinum albums for songs recorded by such artists as Hank Williams Jr. , Travis Trill, Willie Nelson, Tammy Wynett and Tom Jones. C.W. Colt started playing guitar when Chet Atkins taught him his first chord. He’s worked with Jimmy Buffett, Bo Diddley and Rita Coolidge.  Rick Carnes wrote songs for 40 platinum albums for such artists as Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Alabama and even Dean Martin.

Long Distance

While the majority of artists participating make their home in Nashville for practical reasons, some writers travel great distances to be in the company of others like themselves. For a twist on traditional country music, be sure to check out Ottar “Big Hand” Johanson who records country music in his native Norway.  You might also enjoy Kamuela Kahoano a fresh voice from Hawaii, who has already recorded over 200 songs at the age of 29.

Ladies

If you want to see what the girls bring to the party, take a look at the roster for a complete list, but here are a few who have no trouble keeping up with the boys. Shawna Pierce, Alabama native, has shared the stage with Kid Rock, Charlie Daniels and Donnie Van Zant. She was awarded “Female Vocalist of the Year” at the Muscle Shoals Music Awards in 2008. Suzi Ragsdale started her career singing in the chorus of her father Ray Steven’s hit “Everything is Beautiful.” Since then her songs have been recorded by Anne Murray, Pam Tillis and Nelson. Janis Carnes wrote her first top ten hit in 1978. Since then she’s been writing songs with her husband Rick for Reba MacEntire, Eddy Raven, Lacy J. Dalton and others.

This is just a small sample of the entertainment that will be on hand, so don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to celebrate our rich American songwriting heritage.