The Brown family of rural Iowa brings music and joy to the world, and restoration to its hometown of LeMars

Brown family members are farmers and musical performers.
(Photo by Dan Videtich, Successful Farming)

The Browns are farmers and a whole lot more. "After touring the globe for 22 years, the musically gifted group decided it was time to find a home base," reports Laurie Bedord of Successful Farming. "That dream brought them back to their hometown of Le Mars, Iowa, where they revitalized several historic buildings and created a unique draw for the community. . . . The Browns' story begins nearly 140 years ago when Charles Brown homesteaded the family farm southwest of Le Mars. . . . That's where Keith and his wife, Shelly, raised their four children — Jessica, Michaela, Adam, and Andrew. . . . Because Shelly grew up in a home filled with music, she wanted to foster a love of music in their children."

Shelly told Bedord, "It was my grandmother who nurtured a love for song and music. When Keith and I started dating in college, I would drag him to my concerts. . . . As the kids came along, they were surrounded by music. . . . A college friend suggested I teach the kids singing parts." Bedord adds, "It didn't take long for Shelly to realize her children had talent. The soundtrack of their childhood was brimming with Southern gospel music, a genre filled with messages of love, understanding and compassion."

Despite farming and raising kids, Shelly had also been performing with a musical trio, Bedord writes. "In 2000, Shelly faced a dilemma. After a decade together, one woman in the trio decided to leave the group, but there were still engagements that had to be fulfilled." Shelly told Bedord, "I felt an obligation to keep those commitments and thought maybe the kids could come along and sing a few songs. At one of the events, somebody asked if we would be interested in singing as a family. . . . I took the $200 we received from our first performance and opened an account at the bank under 'The Browns.' It snowballed from there, with one request leading to another."

Bedord writes, "It wasn't long before the family's calendar began filling with engagements across Iowa. As their popularity grew, so did their travel. . . . Fast-forward to 2015. The Browns had been touring nationally and internationally for 15 years. . . . In August 2015, the family purchased a historic structure in downtown Le Mars. . . .The Browns converted the building into offices, recording studios, and a 150-seat theater for live performances. . . . The demolition and restoration meant a lot of sweat equity from every member of the Brown family."

Rob Bixenman, mayor of Le Mars, told Bedord, "The theater makes for a unique attraction to our downtown that draws many tourists to our retailers' front door." Bedord writes, "In total, the Browns performed more than 100 shows in the theater last year. Besides their traditional Christmas shows, the family plans to host myriad events in 2023. . . . Two of the Browns' most recent ventures are kitty-corner to the theater. At the Central Event Center, guests can enjoy a homemade meal showcasing Iowa foods."

Adam Brown told Bedord, "When we bought these buildings, God had a plan."