Laramie-based band Wynona took center stage in Simpson’s Plaza on July 20, 2022.
The band’s performance consisted of unreleased music that they are hoping to put in their next album.
“We are trying to workshop them and get them finalized before we go on a track,” Rob Joyce, lead singer and original founder of Wynona, said.
Starting back in 2010, the band has played several times at UW. Many times, there are familiar faces in the crowd.
“It feels a lot like home to see a lot of my friends out in the audience and in the places we hung out in the past. It’s always just fun to see people come out on their lunch breaks. Kids come out dancing, a few students and faculty folks, it’s always a fun time.” Joyce said.
The band initially started as just Joyce, guitar and vocals, and his roommate Connor Novotny, drums. They then added Larson Lind, bass, and most recently Curtis Harnish, guitar. Both Novotny and Harnish work at UW.
The summer concerts hosted in Simpson’s Plaza have featured a variety of music. Wynona describes itself as a melodic indie rock band.
The UW Summer Concert Series is put together by 7220 Entertainment and has been happening nearly every week since June 1. The last concert is on July 27, featuring singer Tierney Brynn.
“I think this one [Wynona] was my favorite, also the first one, the Dugan Irby Band, they were really good to work with and, personally, I like their sound,” Alejandra Prado, the 7220 Entertainment advisor, said.
Wynona’s future following their Simpson’s Plaza performance includes a performance on July 22, 2022, at the train depot to benefit the Gryphon Theatre in Laramie. Then traveling to Saratoga, Wyo. to perform at What Fest on July 30, 2022.
“[Turnout to the concerts is] gradually increasing. Our first one, we had a couple of people stop by asking questions,” Prado said. “Wynona was the biggest one so far.”
