The Adobe Flash Player is required to view this multimedia interactive. Get it here.

The 5 Browns bringing their songs, story to Kuss

They hope going public about abuse may inspire others

The 5 Browns return to Springfield on Dec. 17 with a Christmas show.

ENLARGE PHOTO

Taste of Cincinnati expected  to draw 500,000 people
5/23/12
Local ingredients key for bartender
5/16/12
How well do you know Kings Island?
5/13/12
Time cover shows mom breastfeeding 3-year-old
5/11/12
Local heroes bring a touch of realism to 'Avengers' Cleveland set
5/2/12
> More headlines

By Andrew McGinn, Staff Writer 9:43 AM Friday, December 9, 2011

SPRINGFIELD — You might never be able to play piano like one of the 5 Browns.

The five siblings from Utah — all accepted simultaneously to Juilliard and now exclusive Steinway artists — reached No. 1 on Billboard’s classical chart with their first three albums.

The piano quintet’s latest, “The 5 Browns in Hollywood,” came out last year and features a “Star Wars” suite for five pianos.

The Browns and their Steinway grands are all set to return to Kuss Auditorium on Dec. 17 with a Christmas show.

No, you might never possess the virtuosity of Ryan, Melody, Gregory, Deondra or Desirae — but their courage is, in fact, attainable.

Earlier this year, news broke that the 5 Browns’ father and former manager, Keith Brown, had sexually abused his three daughters for years.

The sisters came forward — now Keith Brown is in prison.

“Going public with their story,” Beth Dixon, Project Jericho coordinator, said in a statement, “could help raise awareness in our community, and ultimately give courage to others.”

Project Jericho, the local, nationally recognized arts outreach program, saw the Browns’ upcoming concert as an opportunity to raise awareness about abuse.

Working with Springfield artist Sherry Ringler, youths at the Clark County Juvenile Detention Center created a work of art to be unveiled on stage during the concert.

The piece then will be permanently installed at the Clark County Child Advocacy Center.

Contact this reporter at amcginn@coxohio.com.

How to go

What: Christmas with the 5 Browns

When: 8 p.m. Dec. 17

Where: Kuss Auditorium

Tickets: $30 to $50; visit springfieldartscouncil.com or call (937) 328-3874.

Share this article