Joy Oladokun, Medium Build, More Get Help From Their Friends

Dawes and S.G. Goodman also played the guest-filled AmericanaFest showcase at The Blue Room

S.G. Goodman at The Blue Room at Third Man Records for AmericanaFest, 9/11/2025
Photo: Victor J. Reed

Long lines snaked out of The Blue Room at Third Man Records all evening on Thursday as droves of fans stood single-file, waiting to peek at the taste of AmericanaFest inside. The venue quickly reached one-in, one-out capacity, but the slow line proved to be well worth the wait as standout songsmith S.G. Goodman kicked off the night with tunes from her June release Planting by the Signs. Jesse Welles has a knack for songs of protest and received the Spirit of Americana Award at Wednesday’s Americana Honors and Awards show. He was the first of several guests who took the stage throughout the night, joining Goodman for a harmonica-heavy duet on “Satellite.”

John C. Reilly with Dawes at The Blue Room at Third Man Records for AmericanaFest, 9/11/2025
Photo: Victor J. Reed

Los Angeles rockers Dawes made their AmericanaFest debut next. Considering their sound and style, that’s something of a surprise, but twists of fate have prevented them from playing an official showcase in the past. Also a fun surprise: Near the end of their set, they invited actor and singer John C. Reilly — Dewey Cox himself — to join in on all “All Your Favorite Bands,” lyric sheet in hand. “It’s a little lame to have the words,” Reilly said. “But I’m a little drunk, and it’s Nashville.”

Medium Build at The Blue Room at Third Man Records for AmericanaFest, 9/11/2025
Photo: Victor J. Reed

After cracking open a Diet Coke, Nick Carpenter, better known as Medium Build, waltzed to the mic. He careened between soft, tender moments with closed eyes and yelping open-mouthed as he stomped and wrestled with his guitar. Keeping with the theme of guests, he invited Dawes back up for “This Is Life,” the wistful single Medium Build and Dawes collaborated on with Winnetka Bowling League.

Joy Oladokun at The Blue Room at Third Man Records for AmericanaFest, 9/11/2025
Photo: Victor J. Reed

Joy Oladokun rounded out the night, balancing her set with ample banter. Nashville-born-and-raised rapper Brian Brown joined her for his verse on “Hollywood,” a standout from her 2024 LP Observations From a Crowded Room. Then she swerved into her final song, the ode to mixed feelings “I’d Miss the Birds.” She flawlessly morphed the tune into the indelible melody of The Beatles’ “Blackbird,” ending the show with the iconic closing line, “You were only waiting for this moment to arise.”