Jon Wilks

These two friends and fellow traditional folk specialists have been collaborating for a number of years, performing on and contributing to each others’ recording, as well as delightful live performances at festivals and in concert. A very personable pair, both immensely talented, Jackie and Jon bring audiences with them as they reach with their trademark relish into their combined catalogue of traditional, original and often intriguing songs and tunes. Jackie Oates is known for her exquisite vocals, emotive arrangements and expressive fiddle playing, and is regarded as a contemporary folk treasure and central figure in English traditional music. Jackie loves to collaborate with a diverse array of artists and commissions; seeking out new and surprising artistic corners to illuminate with her understated brilliance. Lauded as ‘a rather special performer with an authentic and abiding love of traditional song’, Jon Wilks is a prominent fingerpicking guitarist and singer who performs traditional English folk songs and broadside ballads, as well as his own songs. His talent has been recognised by Guitarist, one of the world’s biggest guitar magazines, which featured him as one-to-watch in July 2022.