Wynonna Judd took the stage in front of a packed crowd at the Hayden Homes Amphitheater in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday, July 23, 2026. [Photo credit: Krissy Comer]
REVIEW BY SHAUNA SULLIVAN AND PHOTOS BY KRISSY COMER
The hospitality was immediate from the parking lot to the stars on stage. Melissa Etheridge, Wynonna, and rising star Maggie Rose brought their tour to the Hayden Homes Amphitheater in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday, July 23, 2026. Going to a female led concert, sets the stage for a high energy and loving crowd full of appreciation/adoration. It’s an uplifting experience from the get-go. The fans were all so excited to be in the presence of genre bending music Queens. Every person asked each other who they were there to see. For me, I was there for both! I was ecstatic from the moment they announced this awesome “Raised on Radio” tour. I wore my Melissa Ethridge t-shirt and Highwomen hat since I don’t have the Kentucky Queen hat merch yet.
This concert was a must for me: not only as a fan, but it was also a multifaceted anniversary gift for my wife and I. Married 10 years and together 15. This particular concert fell on the 3-year anniversary of my very unexpected massive stroke. Melissa was my last pre-stroke concert. Since then, I have seen Wy as her rabid fan base “WynNATION calls Wynonna, twice in Boise Idaho and once where she called me cute but distracting as I rocked out in the front row for my birthday. Such a blessing for the Kentucky Queen to acknowledge lil ole me! It is a great insight to Wy’s humor and sass. That Sass is carried through both artists and their spouses in each of their own sets, Melissa’s wife helped guitar tech for her when technical difficulties arose and later with Wy’s “horny” husband as she called Cactus her drummer and real-life husband.
Melissa the ever-talented musician, handled every guitar change, five plus, and a surprise drum solo with talented ease and passion. Melissa the giver and builder, also gave room for Maggie Rose to build her career (the opener for the night) to share the stage with her for the duet that Melissa recorded with Chris Stapleton, the “Other Side of Blue.” Melissa took us back to the 80s and 90s, 2000s, and current day with hit after hit. Including “I’m the Only One” which was sung with Wy. As well as the positive and powerful new song “Rise” off the latest album of the same name. Power anthems kissed the warm night air from both artists, and the air literally and figuratively caught fire when they performed Melissa’s hit “I’m the Only One.” Both artists are adorably cheeky and in full radio power, not just some meek digital download. Everyone felt these superstars shine their light on all of us with this performance!
Wynonna’s set was no less dynamic and highlighted her longevity. It started off with her drummer husband, Cactus Moser, introducing her as a hall of famer. When Wynonna steps on stage, there is this power that floats in with her. She summons her angels and sings so outer worldly that she takes the audience from the dirt that made her to the heavens that serenade us, all lucky enough to hear. Her newly released song “Kentucky Queen” is the catchy first song from the upcoming album, The Hard Truth, to be released in October.
The whole amphitheater was abuzz with excitement for this hot and smokey July night. This concert was uplifting and about perseverance which both of these artists have faced adversity, triumph, and heartbreak, personally and professionally. So, for them to team up and let all bare was magically inspiring. Being raised on radio taught us all resilience and healed us every day as we waited for the DJ to play our favorite songs. It taught us to have patience and savor the moments we are given. Resilience is so important to remember in tough times and in wonderful times. Melissa and Wy are testaments to this and beacons of excellence and dedication to their craft and loving life!
Wynonna Judd Melissa Etheridge All images © Krissy ComerFollow our socials, only take a second and is free by finding us on:
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