An evening with Jon Wilks at Cafe No9

Event information

Recognised with a double page feature in global Guitarist magazine, Jon is a guitarist of exceptional calibre. His stand-out talent has been applauded by Carl Barat of The Libertines who hailed Jon as a ‘badman fingerpicking guitarist’ and Martin Simpson who describes Jon as ‘the real deal’.

Following the release of his 2023 album, Jon was Mark Radcliffe’s featured session guest on the BBC Radio 2 Folk Show and the album was awarded Guardian Folk Album of the Month. His recent music career includes four solo albums and one EP, with regular acclaim from well-regarded publications such as Uncut Magazine, Folk Radio (Klofmag) and The Guardian.
Jon’s performances are warm, honest and intimate shared experiences, his presence entirely charming and modest whilst his talent brightly evident. Ever with a keen eye and ear for a story, and with a fascinating past career as a journalist and editor of Time Out, Jon’s live shows include conversation about the songs, his experiences, who and what has inspired him, as well as stories he has unearthed during his extensive research into traditional music.

For his forthcoming album, due for release and touring in Autumn 2025, Jon aims for his music to bring people together with an energy that will make it hard to sit still! Emanating an upbeat, warm, communal feel, the new album sees Jon reconnecting with a talented group of old friends and collaborators, including folk luminary Jackie Oates.

Inspired by enthusiastic audience and press response to his own songwriting and compositions, his forthcoming album sees Jon making a shift from his previous, more traditional repertoire to a collection of nearly all original songs. It’s a recording that is set to unite Jon’s heartfelt songwriting with his wide-ranging influences and experience in traditional music and far beyond.

Jon’s a badman fingerpicking guitarist and leading exponent of the songs of Old Albion.
CARL BARAT, THE LIBERTINES

Wilks proves once again what a stand-out talent he really is. There is an honesty and compassion in Wilks’ writing and performance, which is entirely charming.
KLOFMAG

A scholar’s ear for vernacular and a dashing sense of verve on fingerpicked guitar.
UNCUT MAGAZINE

Sublime songwriting. Wilks is a rather special performer.
FOLK RADIO

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Jack Weston is a Sheffield singer-songwriter, formerly known as Kid Conventional. Having moved to Sheffield from Birmingham in 2007, he has become a fixture on the local scene, and in March 2024 decided to shed the mask and move forward under his own name, with new music and as many live shows as fatherhood allows. He released three singles in 2024, with more new music currently in the works.

He has played support slots for artists including Edwina Hayes, Maz O'Connor, Jon Boden, MG Boulter and Henry Parker, with a combination of poetic and bitter-sweet original songs and country and folk inspired covers of contemporary and classic songs endearing him to music lovers from all musical backgrounds.

In addition to his solo work, he has fronted the Sheffield Beatles Project since 2017, and has played a number of acclaimed, sell-out shows, bringing classic albums to life with the big band.

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Please note this ticket price DOES include a BYOB fee should you wish to bring alcohol to the venue.

All additional purchases of drinks and sweet treats from the cafe counter are always very much appreciated.