Charismatic Wynonna wins over crowd at TJ’s Corral opener

Photographer’s notebook: Wynonna & The Big Noise made a a big splash at TJ’s Corral on Saturday, April 29, entertaining a sold-out crowd to open the summer concert series at the Carson Valley Inn.

She started the show in boots and then ended up barefoot and straight comfortable with us all. Wynonna made us feel like we were her own personal HBO show. She even stopped the show to take pics with the kids and told fans: “just talk amongst yourselves.” She said connecting with you all is what it’s all about. Her jokes between and during songs were clever and engaging.

Her hair sparkled in the light and her outfit shimmered every way she turned. She told personal stories and shared how her husband (now drummer), Michael Scott “Cactus” Moser, toured with her when she was 20, but they went their own ways and still came back to each other. Very precious and sweet. They had great stage presence pointing and winking to each other. It was fantastic to see! She shared the story of his motorcycle accident about five years ago. The doctors said he would never play again and she says he plays better now. During the song “Ain’t No Thing,” they point to each other and sing “I’m going to love you forever” Brilliant. I love to see the love.

Wynonna let everyone come toward the stage for the end of the show and exclaimed: “You guys sound like 20,000 people.” She encored with “No One Else on Earth,” and the crowd sang along. Great show.

-Pheonix Gruneich

Related story: ‘Country Music Jesus’ Eric Church to play Tahoe shows.