Jon Wilks & The Grizzly Folk

Jon Wilks & The Grizzly Folk

Emanating an upbeat, warm and communal feel, Jon Wilks & The Grizzly folk present joyful music that brings people together with energy that will make it hard to sit still! 

Best known for his work in the traditional folk world, Jon’s forthcoming 5th album, marks a shift towards his own songwriting, embracing a full-band sound with rich harmonies, layered instrumentation, and a warm, expansive feel. ‘Could You Be The One?’, the first single from the album, was released in April 2025 and received BBC Airplay; Jon is a regular feature on the BBC Radio 2 Folk Show.

Acclaimed singer, guitarist and storyteller Jon Wilks is known for his work at the intersection of traditional folk and contemporary narrative songwriting. Recognised with a double page feature in global Guitarist magazine, Jon is a guitarist of exceptional calibre. Jon’s most recent solo release was named Folk Album of the Month in The Guardian and his stand-out talent has been applauded by other publications such as Uncut Magazine and Klofmag. Having spent recent years delving deep into traditional ballads and broadsides, his latest album, Needless Alley, marks a return to original material — songs that reflect on time, memory and belonging. Live shows will also draw from Jon’s rich back catalogue of traditional material, reworked through the lens of the full band.

Jon is joined by a group of close musical allies; Jon Nice on keyboards, electric guitars and backing vocals — a trusted musical companion since they met in Japan in 2007. On bass is Rich Davies, one of Jon’s oldest friends; they first played together as teenagers in the Midlands and are reuniting musically for the first time since 2003. On drums is Laurence Hunt, known for his work with the Wayward Band and Hack Poets Guild. He and Jon first crossed paths in the Jim Moray Band in 2023.

Recent Press for Jon and his music:

‘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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7:30pm (Main Venue)

£15adv/£17otd

Over 18's

Ticket holders can enjoy 20% off food for 2 hours before doors!

Book a table in our Main Bar to enjoy a pre show meal! 

Or call: 01273 733984