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Review: Opening Night: Wynonna – Back to Wy Tour

By on October 27, 2023

Wynonna Judd’s 2023 tour, “Back To Wy”, is a triumphant return to her roots and a celebration of her musical legacy. The country legend, who has been in the spotlight for more than four decades, delivers a powerful and emotional performance that showcases her iconic voice and her heartfelt songs.

File Photo: Wynonna Judd performs to a capacity crowd at The Murat Theater at Old National Center in Indianapolis Indiana on October 26, 2023, opening night of her new “Back To Wy” tour. (Photo Credit: Larry Philpot / SoundstagePhotography.com)

The first leg of the National tour, which kicked off tonight in Indianapolis and will wrap up in Knoxville in December, features a mix of Judd’s classic hits and material from her first two albums, the 1992 self titled debut, and the follow-up, Tell Me Why from 1993, is a reflection of Judd’s personal journey and her gratitude for her fans and her family.

File Photo: Wynonna Judd performs to a capacity crowd at The Murat Theater at Old National Center in Indianapolis Indiana on October 26, 2023, opening night of her new “Back To Wy” tour. (Photo Credit: Larry Philpot / SoundstagePhotography.com)

The concert I attended, at the Murat Theater at Old National Center in Indianapolis, was a sold-out show that attracted a diverse crowd of loyal followers and new admirers. Judd took the stage with a band of seasoned musicians, including her husband, Cactus Moser on Drums and a nice mandolin quartet. She took the stage to the background hit — the upbeat “Girls Night Out”, which set the tone for the night: energetic, confident and fun. Especially impressive and rarely seen was that her band were all in matching suit jackets and ties, a professional touch that respects the audience and adds so much to the visual aspect of any show. Think Tony Bennett or The Temptations.

File Photo: Wynonna Judd performs to a capacity crowd at The Murat Theater at Old National Center in Indianapolis Indiana on October 26, 2023, opening night of her new “Back To Wy” tour. (Photo Credit: Larry Philpot / SoundstagePhotography.com)

Judd took the stage and proceeded to take the audience on a musical ride that spanned her entire career, from her early days as one half of The Judds, the duo she formed with her mother Naomi, to her solo success as a multi-platinum artist. She sang some of her most beloved songs, such as “Mama He’s Crazy”, “Love is Alive”, “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Old Days).” She also performed some of her newer songs, such as “No One Else on Earth”, and “A Little Bit of Love”. She interspersed the songs with stories and anecdotes that revealed her humor, wisdom and vulnerability.

File Photo: Wynonna Judd performs to a capacity crowd at The Murat Theater at Old National Center in Indianapolis Indiana on October 26, 2023, opening night of her new “Back To Wy” tour. (Photo Credit: Larry Philpot / SoundstagePhotography.com)

Judd’s voice was in top shape throughout the night, displaying its range, depth and soulfulness. She sang with passion and conviction, conveying the emotions and messages of each song. She also interacted with the audience, inviting them to sing along, clap their hands and dance. She expressed her appreciation for their support and their love, calling them her “family”. She told the audience, “Thank you for staying with me for 40 years, and now you’re bringing your children.”

File Photo: Wynonna Judd performs to a capacity crowd at The Murat Theater at Old National Center in Indianapolis Indiana on October 26, 2023, opening night of her new “Back To Wy” tour. (Photo Credit: Larry Philpot / SoundstagePhotography.com)

The highlight of the night was the acoustic solo of three songs listed above, which caused the audience to softly sing with her, even though Judd didn’t ask for a sing-a-long, I believe the audience could have sung every song and finished the show. This was an absolute delight.

File Photo: Wynonna Judd performs to a capacity crowd at The Murat Theater at Old National Center in Indianapolis Indiana on October 26, 2023, opening night of her new “Back To Wy” tour. (Photo Credit: Larry Philpot / SoundstagePhotography.com)
File Photo: Wynonna Judd performs to a capacity crowd at The Murat Theater at Old National Center in Indianapolis Indiana on October 26, 2023, opening night of her new “Back To Wy” tour. (Photo Credit: Larry Philpot / SoundstagePhotography.com)

After a cover of The King’s “Burning Love”, and Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll”, the concert ended with a standing ovation from the audience.

File Photo: Wynonna Judd performs to a capacity crowd at The Murat Theater at Old National Center in Indianapolis Indiana on October 26, 2023, opening night of her new “Back To Wy” tour. (Photo Credit: Larry Philpot / SoundstagePhotography.com)
File Photo: Wynonna Judd performs to a capacity crowd at The Murat Theater at Old National Center in Indianapolis Indiana on October 26, 2023, opening night of her new “Back To Wy” tour. (Photo Credit: Larry Philpot / SoundstagePhotography.com)

Wynonna Judd’s 2023 tour, “Back To Wy”, is a must-see for any fan of country music or any lover of music in general. It is a show that celebrates the talent, the spirit and the legacy of one of the greatest singers of our time.

Grade: A+

Set List:

  • What it Takes
  • She is His Only Need
  • I Saw The Light
  • My Strongest Weakness
  • When I Reach The Place I’m Going
  • No One Else On Earth
  • It’s Never Easy To Say Goodbye
  • A Little Bit Of Love
  • All Of That Love From Here
  • Live With Jesus

Acoustic Set:

  • Mama He’s Crazy
  • Love Is Alive
  • Grandpa

What The World Needs Now

20 Minute Intermission

Set 2: From “Tell Me Why” Album

  • Tell Me Why
  • Rock Bottom
  • Only Love
  • Let’s Make a Baby King
  • Is It Over Yet
  • Father Sun
  • Girls With Guitars
  • Just Like New
  • I Just Drove By
  • That Was Yesterday

Encore:

  • You Make My Heart Beat
  • Burning Love
  • Rock N Roll
  • Why Not Me

Tour Dates for this Leg of the North America Tour:

  • Back to Wy 2023 Tour Dates:
  • October 26, 2023                          Indianapolis, IN                       Murat Theatre
  • October 27, 2023                           Ames, IA                                 Stephens Auditorium
  • October 28, 2023                           Prior Lake, MN                        Mystic Lake Casino
  • November 2, 2023                         Rosemont, IL                           Rosemont Theatre
  • November 3, 2023                         Bowler, WI                              North Star Mohican Casino
  • November 4, 2023                         Peoria, IL                                 Peoria Civic Center Theater
  • November 9, 2023                         San Antonio, TX                     Tobin Center for the Performing Arts
  • November 11, 2023                      Oklahoma City, OK                  The Criterion
  • November 12, 2023                      Austin, TX                                ACL Live at Moody Theatre
  • November 17, 2023                      Birmingham, AL                       Alabama Theatre
  • November 18, 2023                      Bossier City, LA                        Margaritaville Casino
  • November 19, 2023                      Dallas, TX                                 Majestic Theatre
  • November 25, 2023                      Louisville, KY                          Palace Theatre
  • November 30, 2023                      Durham, NC                             Durham Performing Arts Center
  • December 1, 2023                         Knoxville, TN                           Tennessee Theatre
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