News
Iowa City Songwriters Festival 2025: Jeff Tweedy, Joy Oladokun, and a Celebration of Honest Music and Community Spirit
Jul
Introduction: A New Chapter in Iowa City’s Musical Legacy
Each September, the streets of Iowa City come alive with music, storytelling, and the warm embrace of creativity. In 2025, the Iowa City Songwriters Festival promises to be one of its most memorable chapters yet. Scheduled for September 4–6, this year’s festival will feature a stellar lineup headlined by Jeff Tweedy of Wilco fame and genre-blending singer-songwriter Joy Oladokun. From folk legends to indie newcomers, the festival reflects a deep love for lyrical honesty and sonic exploration.
The Englert Theatre, the organization behind the festival, has created an event that not only highlights nationally celebrated artists but also uplifts local voices. This year’s visual branding, filled with floral motifs and earthy tones, echoes the organic, grounded nature of the music on offer.
Headliners Who Define Generations
Jeff Tweedy needs no introduction. As the creative force behind Wilco, his songwriting has spanned alt-country, experimental rock, and stripped-down acoustic ballads. At the Iowa City Songwriters Festival, Tweedy’s performance is expected to blend new solo material with Wilco favorites—offering fans an intimate glimpse into his evolution as a songwriter.
Joy Oladokun, by contrast, represents a newer generation of emotionally resonant artists. Her genre-defying sound blends folk, pop, and soul, drawing comparisons to Tracy Chapman and Leon Bridges. But Oladokun’s music is uniquely her own—vulnerable, reflective, and boldly authentic. Her presence at the festival is a nod to its commitment to inclusion, emotional honesty, and relevance.
Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
Also taking the stage is the legendary Loudon Wainwright III, known for his sharp wit, poignant reflections, and Grammy-winning discography. Wainwright’s inclusion bridges generations of songwriters, linking the classic folk tradition with modern voices like Courtney Marie Andrews, who returns this year as Artist in Residence. Andrews, beloved for her warm vocals and introspective lyricism, embodies the timeless qualities of American songwriting.
Supporting Cast of Songwriting Excellence
This year’s lineup reads like a carefully curated mixtape of authenticity. From the raw soul of Sunny War, to the poetic musings of Deb Talan, to Iowa’s own Dave Moore, the artists span genres, moods, and stories. Buffalo Nichols brings bluesy grit, while Margo Cilker and Ken Pomeroy offer modern spins on folk traditions.
Emerging voices such as Willy Tea Taylor, She Returns From War, and Jordan Smart bring fresh energy, while Iowa’s local talent is celebrated through performances by Dodge Street Duo, Weary Ramblers, Penny Peach, and more. The festival doesn’t just book names—it builds a community of storytellers.
Artist in Residence: Courtney Marie Andrews
This year’s Artist in Residence, Courtney Marie Andrews, will not only perform but also participate in community programming and workshops. Her involvement is a testament to the festival’s commitment to the artistic process—not just the product. Andrews’ songwriting is intimate and observational, her voice both tender and powerful. Expect her time in Iowa City to leave a lasting mark on both the audience and fellow artists.
The Spirit of Place: Why Iowa City Matters
Iowa City is more than a college town—it’s a UNESCO City of Literature, a cultural hub, and a fertile ground for creativity. With venues like The Englert Theatre and local businesses like Prairie Lights Books, the city fosters a perfect blend of literary and musical culture. The Songwriters Festival embodies this spirit, turning cafes, breweries, and historic stages into spaces where songs come to life.
Workshops, Community Events, and Collaboration
Beyond the main performances, the Iowa City Songwriters Festival will offer songwriting workshops, Q&A panels, and impromptu jam sessions. Artists and fans alike can interact, learn, and share in the collective joy of creation. These moments—often unpublicized and intimate—are where the festival truly shines.
Passes, Access, and a Welcoming Vibe
The festival is presented by Englert Theatre and is committed to accessibility and inclusivity. Passes are on sale now at englert.org/ICSF, and many community events will be offered at little to no cost. Whether you’re a veteran concertgoer or a newcomer to the songwriting scene, this festival offers something rare: connection through words, melody, and shared experience.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Festival
The Iowa City Songwriters Festival 2025 isn’t just another date on the tour calendar—it’s a gathering of hearts, histories, and hopes. With Jeff Tweedy, Joy Oladokun, and a lineup brimming with artistry, this year’s edition promises three days of music that moves you, lyrics that linger, and community that carries long after the final note fades.
