Photos: Joy Oladokun Brings Twice the Beauty to The Blackbird Tour’s Sold-Out Stop in Chicago


Thanks to the critically-acclaimed film, A Complete Unknown, which depicts the infamous 1965 Newport Folk Festival performance where the then-folk-hero Bob Dylan infamously “went electric,” there has been a renewed interest in the relationship between acoustic and electric music. During a January 17, set at Thalia Hall in Chicago, Joy Oladokun celebrated the strengths of both of these art forms by sharing two distinct styles of music – an acoustic opening set and a full band performance – with a very enthusiastic sold-out crowd.

“I wanted to do this [tour] this way, not because I wanted to take a chance away from someone to open the show or follow the bus around in a Prius, when gas is expensive,” Oladokun said with a chuckle early in the acoustic set. “I just released an album, Observations from a Crowded Room, and it was really personal to me to write. And it felt important to do these shows this way at this moment because I don’t know when I’ll be able to be this chill and chat with you again, so thanks for coming.”

The stripped down solo acoustic portion of the show had a “storytellers” vibe allowing the singer-songwriter to share insights into the experiences behind the music and joke with fans about the flexibility opening for oneself gives an artist.

“I’m not going to be late, I’m always early, but I can think about it,” Oladokun joked. “I can consider it – I won’t.”

“The Hard Way” and “Strong Ones” kicked off the show, highlighting Oladokun’s skill as a one-woman band as she seamlessly layered live acoustic strums to create a robust sound. “Questions, Chaos and Faith” – which featured a delightful outro of Taylor Swift hits – began with laughter and levity as Oladokun lamented the hoops she had to hop through in order to share the song with fans. As soon as the tender tune began, a hush fell across the venue while Oladokun sang of the fog that follows the death of a loved one.

Joy Oladokun performs at Thalia Hall on Jan. 17, 2025.

After a brief intermission, the electric set started with a soaring rendition of the Observations From a Crowded Room single, “Am I?,” before “Taking Things for Granted” – off 2023’s Proof of Life – had everyone singing. During the jammy “If You Got a Problem,” Oladokun took time out to introduce the band and crew, including Todd the buss driver, who was back at the hotel sleeping so he could drive while the band gets some ZZZs during the journey to their next destination after the show.

“Sweet Symphony,” “Drugs,” and the smooth, hazy “Smoke” also appeared on the evening’s setlist, as did riveting covers of The Beatles “Blackbird” and “Rocket Man” by Elton John.

Much like the balance between acoustic and electric, Oladokun’s artistry thrives in finding common ground between two seemingly opposing forces. With music that is joyful yet solemn, modern with an appreciation for the past, Oladokun takes the solitary experience of songwriting and creates a space for community to blossom.

Check out photos from Joy Oladokun’s Thalia Hall performance below and click here to pick-up tickets to future tour dates. More information can be found at Joyoladokun.com.

(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)





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