Nov. 8-18, songwriters from all over the nation will converge to the Florida/Alabama Gulf Coast for the most anticipated music festival of the year ­— the 23rd Annual Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival. The two-weeklong event showcases the best country and folk writers America has to offer, from Hall-of-Famers who have penned classics to Nashville newcomers.

The FBSIF is a unique music festival in that it started with only the country genre, but over the years has drawn more folk, blues and Americana sounds. And this year, there will be gospel, top 40 and even an alternative night. So, it continues to evolve. With more than 300 songwriters performing at two dozen venues such as the Flora-Bama and Silver Moon, the Frank Brown festival also takes a team of organizers. Yet, one person stands alone in her dedication to the festival.

That person is Reneda Cross, festival coordinator for the last six years. Whether she is drawing hundreds of world-class songwriters to the festival, making sure the first-time songwriter from Nashville has a bed for two weeks, or overseeing the two-week long schedule, Cross has been the driving force. As the festival gears up for its 23rd year, the News Journal sat down with Cross for a few questions about the music festival she has committed the last six years to with such passion.

Q: What is it that you love about the FBISF? A: I have a love for great music, especially the kind of music that we bring into Frank Brown. And I think that’s what draws so many fans to this festival as opposed to others. We import the best of the best in country, folk and blues. At 23, the festival shows no signs of slowing down. Many festivals don’t last this long.