Biography

Van Wilks’ name is synonymous with the iron muscle of Texas Blues Rock. In Austin, Texas, a city known for it’s great guitarists, Van Wilks has long been lauded as one of the City’s master players. His talents as a guitarist and bandleader have won him consistent praise and a string of poll-topping honors and accolades, capped when he was inducted into the Texas Music Hall of Fame, alongside some of the State’s most legendary players. Touted as “one of Texas’ best-kept secrets” and recently named by Billy F. Gibbons (ZZ Top) as one of his major influences, Van Wilks has shared the stage with some of the world’s greats, among them Billy F. Gibbons, Peter Frampton, Lyle Lovett, Christopher Cross, Eric Johnson and many more. He has had the honor to perform before 5 living US Presidents and joined ZZ Top at the Montreux Jazz Festival resulting in a live concert DVD. Austin fans have voted him Best Electric And Acoustic Guitarist in the Austin Chronicle Music Poll. Van Wilks has released seven albums and continues to create finely crafted songs, both acoustic and electric, that combine low down, Juke joint blues with pop sensibility, edgy word play and blistering guitar. Van’s fiery fretwork is the thread holding it all together, and the sum of these parts is Unmistakably Van Wilks! Van Wilks and long time guitarist Josh Smith bring a compelling mix of acoustic instrumentals, Classics, and jangly 12 string guitar work that is sure to bring audiences to their feet!