The Browns host MusicFest Midwest Friday in Sioux City

(Photo contributed) The Browns, Shelly, Michaela, Adam and Andrew of rural Merrill, will be joined by daughter and sister Jessica now of Alabama, at the the 2009 Spring Music Fest Midwest at the Sioux City Convention Center Friday evening. [Click to enlarge]

The Brown Family of Merrill will take to the stage at the Sioux City Convention Center Friday evening, May 15 at the 2009 Spring MusicFest Midwest featuring Gospel music.

"We are really excited to be back home and to present this concert," said Shelly Brown.

Shelly, daughters Jessica and Michaela and sons Adam and Andrew, will sing their favorite songs and feature songs from their just released CD of classic hymns.

It will be a homecoming for Jessica, who was married in December to Nick Trammell and now makes her home in Alabama.

"Jessica will be with us the whole weekend," said Shelly. "We're excited to have her home for this special concert."

The Browns are also pleased to have guests The Booth Brothers and Larry Delawder participate in the MusicFest Midwest.

"They're really just a great group and great bunch of guys" said Shelly of The Booth Brothers trio. "They are great artists, Christian men and wonderful singers."

They have been recognized with several Singing News Fan Awards in 2008, including Male Vocalist of the Year Honor to Ronnie Booth, Tenor of the Year to Michael Booth, Lead Vocalist of the Year to Ronnie Booth, Trio of the Year, Song of the Year for "Look For Me," and Favorite Artists of the Year.

The year 2009 started off with a Grammy nomination for the trio's album "Room for More."

Opening the evening's program will be Larry Delawder.

"We met Larry in Branson where he is involved in a number of shows," said Shelly.

He appears in Branson as Barney Fife, in complete uniform, Shelly said.

The Browns were recognized with Singing News Fan Awards for Top Ten Mixed Group of Year in both 2008 and 2009, and the Top Five Horizon Group of year in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Their performances have taken them across the United States, including a stint at the Americana Theater in Branson, Mo., and a Singing New Jubilee at Sea Cruise.

During the evening program the Browns will share about a new program they're involved in, Compassion International.

"There will be a short video clip to show how someone can sponsor a child and reach out to people with the Gospel and love of Christ," Shelly said.

The Browns newest CD, "Heritage Hymn Collection" is something new for them.

"It's just the four of us, Michaela, Adam, Andrew and myself, without Jessica," said Shelly. "We still have four-part harmony, with Andrew now doing his own part."

"We're really excited about it. It's always fun to have new music," she added.

The new hymns CD will be available at the concert.

The group's CDs will now also be available in Le Mars at the gift shop at the Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor.

"It's great to have our music available in Le Mars," Shelly said.

The group meets people in their travels who tell them how much they love the ice cream parlor in the Browns' hometown, she added.

"They certainly know right where we're from," Shelly said.

The Brown family tries to be home during May as husband and dad Keith needs to get the fieldwork done on the family farm.

"Once the field work is done, we'll load up for the summer and be on the road again," Shelly said. "Summer is a busy time."

Ticket for Friday's show will be available at the door.