Some shows feel larger than life, but some—like Joy Oladokun’s stop at The Van Buren this week—thrive in their intimacy. Playing to a modest but deeply devoted crowd, Oladokun transformed the space into something far more personal, weaving together humor, vulnerability, and raw storytelling.
This was more than just a tour stop—it was a homecoming. Born and raised in Casa Grande, AZ, Oladokun was surrounded by familiar faces in the audience, including her mother and two of her childhood art teachers. The warmth in the room was undeniable, creating an atmosphere that felt less like a performance and more like a gathering of old friends.
Opening the night was Luke Tyler Shelton, an artist whose sound is steeped in the Laurel Canyon era of the ‘70s, blending folk, rock, and country influences with a modern touch. Produced by Shooter Jennings and Jonathan Wilson, Shelton’s music feels effortlessly classic, and his easygoing stage presence made for the perfect lead-in to Oladokun’s set.
Songs like “Hell of a Ride” showcased his soulful songwriting and warm, analog production, earning nods from audience members who seemed pleasantly surprised by the depth and timelessness of his sound. As he continues to build momentum, with stops at Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion and Fairwell Festival on the horizon, it’s clear Shelton is an artist on the rise—and definitely one to watch.
From the moment Oladokun took the stage, she had the crowd in her hands. Her voice—rich, warm, and effortlessly emotive—filled the room like a gentle embrace. Alternating between playful banter and deeply personal lyrics, she created a space where joy, heartbreak, and resilience could coexist.
There was a beautiful duality to her performance—one moment, she was cracking jokes between songs, the next, she was delivering lyrics that hit like a gut punch. It’s a balance that few artists can achieve, but for Oladokun, it feels completely natural.
One of the most touching moments of the night came at the very end when she dedicated the final song to her mother, who was in attendance. Before playing, she gently urged her mom to stick around after the show, playfully noting that she had a special gift for her—and that she sometimes has a habit of disappearing. The audience chuckled, but the sentiment landed deeply. It was a small but profound reminder of what makes Oladokun’s music so powerful: the way she blends personal history with universal emotions.
As the night came to a close, there was a collective feeling of having witnessed something special—a performance that wasn’t just about the music but about connection, community, and the moments that shape us. The Van Buren, often home to rowdier crowds, felt like a sanctuary for the evening—an extension of Oladokun’s storytelling.
With a tour that will take her from Santa Fe to Nashville’s iconic Ryman Auditorium, Joy Oladokun continues to prove herself as one of the most compelling voices in modern folk-pop. But here, in Arizona, she was more than just a rising star—she was a daughter, a storyteller, and a reminder that the most powerful performances aren’t always the loudest ones.
