Joy Oladokun: The Heavy Things Tour with special guest Madeline Edwards

Joy Oladokun brings The Heavy Things Tour to The Heights Theater on Friday, October 16, with Houston's own Madeline Edwards opening. Oladokun is a queer Black musician and daughter of Nigerian immigrants, and her songs tend to circle around identity, faith, mental health and social justice. She was born in Casa Grande, Arizona, and has put out three critically acclaimed albums since her 2020 breakthrough, including Proof of Life and Observations from a Crowded Room.

This tour follows her latest record, Hope Is a Heavy Thing, which came out September 25. She produced it herself, with contributions from Nigerian producer Spellz and a feature from Adekunle Gold. It's the fourth album she's released since 2020, and it's the one she's out touring now. Along the way, she's earned a nomination for Americana Artist of the Year, and her protest anthem "i see america" was a finalist for the Recording Academy's Special Merit Award for Best Song for Social Change. She's performed on The Tonight Show, CBS Saturday Morning and Austin City Limits, and has collaborated with Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile, Noah Kahan and Maxo Kream.

Opening the night is Madeline Edwards, who grew up here in Houston. She blends emotional country and soul, has performed with The Highwomen, and made her Grand Ole Opry debut. Having her on the bill gives the night a local connection, with a Houston artist sharing the stage with a touring act. Between the two, you'll get a full evening of music that pulls from country, soul and Americana.

The show is at The Heights Theater, 339 W 19th St., Houston, TX 77008. Doors open at 7 PM and the music starts at 8 PM.