On November 11, Americans across the country will recognize Veterans Day. In Plymouth, Michigan, that recognition will include something distinctly American: bluegrass music, veterans, families and community members gathering together for Red, White & Bluegrass, a Veterans Day benefit concert at the Jack Wilcox Theater.
The event features two live performances at 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, headlined by the Edgar Loudermilk Band, with special opening guest Sandy Point and a special presentation by Quilts of Valor.
But Red, White & Bluegrass was not created simply to fill a theater.
It was created to bring people together around veterans.
Veterans Day Should Be About Connection
There are many ways to honor military service. Ceremonies, memorials and public recognition all have an important place on Veterans Day. Red, White & Bluegrass adds another element: community.
Military service creates bonds that can be difficult to describe to someone who has never experienced them. Leaving that environment can mean leaving behind not only a profession, but also a team, a culture, a mission and a sense of belonging.
That is why veteran support cannot begin and end with Veterans Day.
The strongest veteran communities are built throughout the year through employers, veteran organizations, families, businesses, nonprofits, mentors and ordinary citizens willing to remain involved.
Red, White & Bluegrass provides an opportunity to bring many of those people into the same room.
Music Gives Us a Reason to Gather
Bluegrass is particularly appropriate for the occasion.
It is American music built around storytelling, musicianship and community. Long before music could be streamed around the world instantly, people gathered together to hear it played.
That spirit fits the purpose of Red, White & Bluegrass.
The Edgar Loudermilk Band will headline both performances. Loudermilk is a two-time, back-to-back SPBGMA Bass Fiddle Performer of the Year and Pinecastle Records artist. Sandy Point will open the program, and Quilts of Valor will provide a special presentation recognizing military service.
The result will be an afternoon and evening built around American music and the Americans who served.
Supporting a Larger Veteran Mission
A percentage of proceeds from the event supports Spark Nation and its developing veteran continuum of care.
Spark Nation is working to connect veterans with organizations, businesses and people capable of helping with needs ranging from employment and housing to recovery, entrepreneurship, family stability and community connection.
The concept is based on a simple idea: veteran support should not stop at the referral.
If a veteran needs help, the objective should be to identify the need, connect that person with the appropriate resource and follow through to determine whether the connection actually happened.
Businesses are part of that system as well. Employers and human-resource professionals can help translate military experience into civilian careers, while veteran entrepreneurs, mentors and professional leaders can help veterans continue developing after service.
The concert provides an opportunity to support that work while celebrating Veterans Day together.
Join Us November 11
Red, White & Bluegrass takes place at the Jack Wilcox Theater, 650 Church Street, Plymouth, Michigan, on Wednesday, November 11.
The afternoon performance begins at 3:00 PM, with doors opening at 2:30 PM. The evening performance begins at 7:00 PM, with doors opening at 6:30 PM.
Live tickets range from $25 to $55 and must be purchased in advance. For those who cannot attend in Plymouth, livestream access is also available, providing an opportunity to participate from anywhere.
Veterans Day gives America one day each year specifically dedicated to recognizing those who served.
Red, White & Bluegrass gives us a place to do it together.
Celebrating Our Nation. Honoring Our Heroes.
Tickets, livestream access and complete event information are available at:
