By Joel Langton
The 830 Times
The Air Force turns 78 on Sept. 18, but Laughlin Air Force Base is starting the celebration early Sept. 12 with a free concert featuring Andy Grammer, Bryce Vine and 3OH!3 — and base leaders are inviting the Del Rio community to join the party.
“Laughlin and Del Rio are truly one,” said Col. Tyler Ellison, commander of the 47th Flying Training Wing. “When a good friend has a celebration, they invite their other close friends, and we want all of our friends from Del Rio here to celebrate with us.”
According to base leadership, many steps have been taken to ensure security is maintained and community members can easily enjoy the show.
“All people need to have is a valid driver’s license to access the base through our North Gate off U.S. Highway 90,” said Capt. Christine del Aguila, chief of public affairs for the 47th Flying Training Wing. (A list of prohibited items appears at the end of this story.)
Making the show a little more special is that it will be near the center of the Laughlin flightline at a location called the Red I, right in front of the Base Operations building.
Adding to the birthday party will be food trucks, vendors, a Kids Zone and more will be available throughout the night.
The gates will open at 6:30 p.m. and music from the storied lineup will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Artists’ background
Andy Grammer
Andy Grammer is a multiplatinum pop singer-songwriter known for upbeat anthems such as “Honey, I’m Good” and “Keep Your Head Up.”
He released his debut album in 2011 and quickly built a reputation for blending pop hooks with inspirational lyrics. His follow-up albums, including Magazines or Novels and The Good Parts, produced additional radio hits and cemented his mainstream appeal.
Grammer is also recognized for his lively stage presence, often interacting closely with audiences.
Bryce Vine
Bryce Vine is an American rapper and singer who mixes pop, hip-hop and alternative influences. He broke through with the 2018 hit “Drew Barrymore,” followed by the platinum-certified “La La Land” featuring YG. Known for catchy hooks and laid-back delivery, Vine has become a fixture on pop radio and festival stages.
3OH!3
3OH!3 is an electropop duo from Boulder, Colorado, made up of Sean Foreman and Nathaniel Motte. They gained international fame with their 2008 single “Don’t Trust Me” and later hits like “Starstrukk” with Katy Perry and “My First Kiss” featuring Kesha. The pair is known for high-energy performances and tongue-in-cheek lyrics that blend humor with dance-floor appeal.
Laughlin’s leadership asks that people not bring coolers or any outside food or beverage, weapons of any kind, illegal substances or drugs, bags larger than 14 inches by 14 inches by 6 inches, aerosol cans, balloons, beach balls, fireworks, laser pointers, pop-up tents or canopies, cans or glass bottles, mace or pepper spray, commercial audio-visual equipment, or clothing with inappropriate language or graphics.
The writer can be reached at JoelaLangton@gmail.com .
