Wynonna and the Big Noise performs for veterans

Wynonna and the Big Noise performed a benefit concert at Tioga Downs Casino and Resort in Nichols, N.Y. last Saturday, where 100 percent of the proceeds support the Southern Tier Veterans Support Group. As well as ticket sales being donated, Tioga Downs’ owner, Jeff Gural, will match the ticket proceeds. 

“This is one of my favorite nights of the year,” Gural said before the show, “We can honor our vets, and at the same time enjoy a concert from someone I’m a fan of.”

Wynonna and the Big Noise is a newly formed band fronted by Grammy-nominated country artist, Wynonna Judd. The band played hits from their debut album, as well as from Wynonna’s long career in the music industry. 

While on stage, Wynonna enjoyed the close-knit crowd and was happy to interact with the front members of the audience, whom she usually can’t see or hear she said. As the band played she would occasionally wink, crack a joke, and talk with the people in the front.

Tickets were on sale for $15. With a match from the Gural’s, that amounts to $30 per filled seat being donated to the Southern Tier Veterans Support Group.

Along with ticket sales, Bruce Newman, president of the Sayre American Legion Post 283, presented a $1,000 donation, which is the post’s “Normal contribution to the Southern Tier Veterans.” 

This is the eighth concert that Tioga Downs has done to benefit the Southern Tier Veterans Support Group. Last year’s benefit concert raised $110,000 and helped over 400 veterans with needs including reintegration, education, housing and others; Gural hopes this year’s concert yields an even better outcome.  

To learn more about Tioga Downs Casino and Resort, visit www.tiogadowns.com.