2014 marks the 50th anniversary of the beloved Flora-Bama. This roadhouse has held and will continue to hold many events to accent the celebration. However, its “Official Anniversary Celebration” will begin on Friday, Aug. 1 and will truly be a nostalgic celebration of the Flora-Bama with the beachside watering hole flashing back to 1964.
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The legendary roadhouse celebrates 50 years Aug. 1.
The Flora-Bama will not only feature old school prices on burgers, fries and cold libations, but they will also keep the musical entertainment old school with some memorable performers from across The Flora-Bama’s colorful history.
Original “Flora-Bama Players” such as Jay Hawkins, Ken Lambert, Donna Slater, Cathy Pace, Lee Anne Creswell, Ronda Hart, Larry T. Wilson and Johnny Barbato will performs ‘60s hits from The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Supremes, Marty Robbins, Roy Orbison and many others. Elvis impersonator Jack Robertson is also scheduled for this blast to the past. Additionally, Shawna P., Gove Scrivenor, Troy Brannen, Downtown Larry Brown and Wild Bill Emerson will be entertaining the crowd with their music goodness.
At 4 p.m., a historical marker will be unveiled with the present owners and members of the Tampary Family (founders of The Flora-Bama) on hand for the event. The day will end properly with a fireworks display at dusk.
Anyone with a vintage car from 1964 or earlier should make plans to attend. The first 25 vehicles from 1964 or before will receive a brick autographed by the original owners. The Flora-Bama will also be giving the first 100 membership card holders through the door a special Flora-Bama etching.
Annual Songwriters Fest scheduled for November
While on the subject of South Baldwin County and the Flora-Bama, the date has been set for the 30th annual 2014 Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival. The annual conglomeration of musical talent brings more than 200 songwriters to the Gulf Coast each year, a cavalcade of songwriters showcasing their artistic wares at a number of venues from Gulf Shores to Pensacola.
Whether the performer is a Grammy winner or just a dreamer, this is a chance for music enthusiasts to experience the songwriters’ work in a “listening room” environment. The festival does not sell tickets and most shows are free. However, there are some venues that might charge a cover.
The festival, which will be held Nov. 6-16, gets its name from Flora-Bama night watchman Frank Brown. For 28 years, Brown watched over the beachside roadhouse, which has grown to be an epicenter for songwriters from the Gulf Coast and beyond.
