What to say about Gideon Conn?

Gideon Conn
Whitwell Festival of Music 2025
13 September 2025
Rotten Poetry Firepit Stage

I knew Gidean’s set at Whitwell Festival was not to be missed but he was unknown to this audience and so I set out to make sure I encouraged as many people as I could to be there. Gideon performed 2 short sets on the Rotten Poetry Firepit Stage, a strange format perhaps dictated by adjacent larger stages, this presents a challenge to artists planning a setlist but an opportunity for the right artists to create a little buzz and anticipation for their second set.

Gideon, playing solo, on a small stage with full bands going on around the packed site, took to the stage with a small, interested but uninitiated audience. They do not know the magic they are about to experience. Gideon started with his jazz guitar/scat/rap I Want You Around. Before the first verse was over the audience were won. Gideon, like a snake charmer had caught their gaze, some with their jaw dropped already. By the time he reached his accapella-song-with-actions Pylons and Wires he had the audience captivated, smiling and laughing, and a short 20 minute set was enough to have garnered new fans for life. Gideon moves effortlessly from comedic charm to impactful message and audiences follow expectantly and are rewarded with surprise after delightful surprise.

A 40 minute break between sets while more raucous bands perform nearby was ample time for word to spread and a larger audience gathered for Gideon’s second set. Festival organisers and other musicians had filled out the audience to come and see what it was all about. Gideon again quickly had the audience eating out of his hand. He has a magical way of quietly catching an audience’s attention with virtuosity and making them fall in love with his charm, wit and personality which are all ingrained in his music and performance.

As a festival organiser and booking artists for several years I have never had such instant and positive praise for a performer. Never on our stage have we previously had several audience members from around the crowd (who are sat cozily round a firepit) stand up simultaneously to give a standing ovation to a song. Musicians, industry members and audience alike all came to me to express the impact of Gideon’s set. They were moved, charmed and committed to Gideon’s fandom.

Gideon’s performances invite the audience in to experience a journey of emotions and Gideon, like the pied piper, leads them to a place they definitely did not expect but which leaves its impact long after the last notes have faded.

Gideon Con is a singer/songwriter, artist and sculptor. You can find Gideon on Instagram

Find Whitwell Festival “Derbyshire’s best kept secret” at whitwellfestivalofmusic.org.uk

Darren Ellis is a teacher, creative and owner of Rotten Poetry. He reads classic literature, fantasy, sci-fi, literary fiction and history.