Red, White & Remembered

MCGREGOR, Minn.— Music, patriotism and gratitude will come together Saturday, Aug. 1, as Forgotten Heroes Range & Retreat hosts its inaugural Red, White & Remembered Music Fest, a day long celebration marking America’s 250th anniversary while honoring the nation’s veterans and first responders.

The festival begins at noon at Forgotten Heroes Range & Retreat, just north of McGregor, and will feature live country music, local food vendors, a full bar, a live and silent auction, merchandise vendors and heartfelt tributes to those who have served. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for the outdoor event.

According to Forgotten Heroes co-founders Bret Sample and Brenda Evancevich, the festival came together in just a matter of weeks after an unexpected opportunity presented itself.

“We got a call that an up-and-coming Nashville country recording artist had an opening in his August schedule and wanted to do a fundraiser for Forgotten Heroes,” Sample said. “We only had about a month’s notice to put everything together, but we said, ‘Why not make it a music festival?’”

That artist is Will Brisk, an emerging country music singer-songwriter whose own journey to Nashville has taken an unconventional path. Before pursuing music full-time, Brisk worked as a middle school physical education teacher and coach. His transition from the classroom and athletic fields to the country music scene has helped him build a growing following as an independent artist.

Brisk has released a series of original songs that showcase his contemporary country sound, including “Long Lonely Road” in 2023, “Empty Chair & Unopened Beer” in 2024 and “Georgia Girl in Tennessee” in 2025. His 2026 releases, including “Hey Girl” and “Bootstomp Breakdown,” continue to expand his musical presence and reach.

Brisk has also embraced the modern independent music landscape, sharing original music, live performances and updates with fans through his social media presence as Will Brisk Music on TikTok and through streaming platforms such as Spotify. His appearance at the Red, White & Remembered Music Fest offers northern Minnesota audiences an opportunity to see the emerging Nashville artist perform live.

The event’s lineup begins with local favorite Lake Effect at noon, followed by the Jason Waldron Band, a well-known act throughout northern and western Minnesota. Brisk will headline the evening, closing the festival with a special patriotic performance and tribute to America’s veterans.

Between musical performances, organizers have planned ceremonies that reflect the organization’s mission of honoring those who have served.

Following the opening performance, attendees can participate in a live and silent auction featuring donated items from local supporters. Later in the afternoon, 13 area veterans will receive Quilts of Valor, handmade quilts presented in recognition of their military service and sacrifice.

U.S. Congressman Pete Stauber is expected to attend the ceremony and assist in presenting the quilts while reading each veteran’s service citation.
“It’s about the veterans,” Sample said. “That’s why we’re here.”

Admission is free for all veterans, active military, law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMS personnel.

The event will feature local businesses throughout the grounds, including food provided by Angie’s Acres and beverage service from Cory Eken. Additional vendors and merchandise booths will also be on site.

Organizers have arranged off-site parking with continuous shuttle bus service throughout the day. Handicap parking will be available at the venue, and on-site medical personnel, including EMS, will be present during the festival.

The gun ranges at Forgotten Heroes will be closed from Friday morning through Sunday night, and no firearms will be permitted on the property during the event.
Live radio broadcasts from the festival are scheduled from noon to 2 p.m., with stations giving away admission wristbands during the week leading up to the event.

For Evancevich, the celebration reflects the organization’s larger mission.

Forgotten Heroes Range & Retreat was inspired by her late husband, Chuck Evancevich, a paralyzed U.S. Air Force veteran. Following his passing in 2020, longtime friend and Army veteran Bret Sample proposed creating a fully handicap-accessible outdoor retreat where disabled veterans could enjoy shooting sports, camping and fellowship without barriers.

Today, the nonprofit offers free accessible pistol, rifle and archery ranges, and peer support opportunities for disabled veterans, first responders and their families. Beyond recreation, the organization is committed to combating veteran isolation and suicide by creating a welcoming place where no veteran feels forgotten.
The Red, White & Remembered Music Fest reflects that same commitment.

“This is more than a concert,” Sample said. “It’s a chance for the community to come together, celebrate our country, and recognize the sacrifices made by the men and women who have defended it.”

The festival runs throughout the day Saturday, Aug. 1, beginning at noon. Organizers encourage attendees to arrive early, use the shuttle parking, and spend the day celebrating music, patriotism and the heroes who continue to inspire the community.


Tickets are available at www.forgottenheroesmn.org/events and at the gate.

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