By Patty Andrew
WYNONA JUDD Lights Up the Summer Night Photography by GH Andrew
O
n a hot, muggy summer night in Seabrook, Texas, customers at BARge 295 were eagerly anticipating the featured country artist of the night. They were in their dressed-to-impress best with cowboy hats steamed to shape perfection, shiny polished boots, and freshly pressed denim for someone very extraordinary to come to the stage. As the sun faded into dusk, the patient crowd was rewarded to experience a superstar, a true legend. The fiery red hair, the big voice, the eternal energy – it was Wynonna Judd. As Wynonna mentioned during her show, she has been in the music business for 38 years. Between her solo career and performing with her mother as The Judds, Wynonna has had countless hit records, 19 of which have been number one. Her success includes three platinum albums, five Grammy’s, Country Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards. Just this year, she has been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Wynonna has re-entered the world of live performances after a severe lockdown due to the pandemic. “I love you and missed you,” she
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Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2021
shouted out to the BARge crowd who responded with enthusiastic appreciation to have her back onstage. Wynonna didn’t disappoint; she serenaded the audience with one well known anthem after another, gleefully inviting them to sing along, as if they needed prompting. She invited a little girl to the stage for joint selfies, creating a memory that will last a lifetime. Wynonna also brought a young couple onstage to personalize their evening. This was a true love fest between fans and a performer with each moment more endearing than the last. Speaking of love fest, Wynonna did take time to sing a special song to her husband, Cactus Moser, the leader and drummer for The Big Noise, her
onstage band. The Big Noise was the opening act for the show, proving their world class prowess with their strong presence. Joining Cactus is Charlie White on guitar, Dow Tomlin on Bass (including a grand double bass), and Casey Martin on keyboards. Wynonna released her latest album in 2016 with them. The Big Noise will be releasing their first album called “Big Sky” later this year. This will be a must have for music lovers who will be thrilled with their fluid and inventive riffs, flourishing finishes, and those delightful improv moments. Once she was on stage with them, Wynonna gave The Big Noise plenty of opportunities to shine with harmonica solos and switching instruments. They greatly complement each other. All-in-all, Wynonna showed why she is one of the greatest performers around. Her solid vocals are accentuated by her nonstop facial expressions and powerful presence. People are just drawn to her and her music. She is now making frequent visits to the Lone Star State, especially to the Houston area. Follow her on Facebook to see where she will be locally wooing the next legion of fans.
