After a Co-Op meeting in Vinita, OK in 1968, Albert E. Brumley and J.D. Sumner talked about the need for a gospel singing event in the Ozarks.  After searching for a venue the only place big enough for what the two envisioned was the Parsons Rodeo Arena in Springdale, AR.  Albert E. Brumley and two of his sons, Bob and Bill, promoted the event in August 1969, and the Brumley Sundown to Sunup Sing was born!

The Brumley Sing started as a one-night concert and featured the top southern gospel music acts of the time.  It was the largest outdoor gospel event, known as the “Granddaddy of Gospel Sings”. 

The concert moved indoors to Fayetteville, AR in 2001, and for the last four years, Lebanon, MO has been proud to be the host for the Brumley Sing, which celebrated its 41st event in 2009, and has grown to four nights plus two matinees, and draws people of all ages from around the globe.

In addition to the big Brumley Gospel Sing, the Brumley family and

Powell, MO previously hosted the Hill and Hollow Folk Festival, from 1969 to 1993.  Right in the middle of “Memory Valley” next to the river that ran alongside Albert Brumley’s home, folks would bring their lawn chairs and listen to thre

e days/two nights of bluegrass, Grand Ol’ Opry, and gospel music, from top artists and local performers alike.  The Hill and Hollow also served as one of the earlier “arts and crafts” festivals, with crafters offering canned goods, word work and furniture, paintings, and other classic memorabilia.