The Topic Folk Club, Bradford

Groove Pad BD18 3HN Tel: 01274 586542

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Newsletter No 263 - May 2024

_{Hello everyone,  May Day greetings to one and all}

_{Let's see what we have for you in the coming month....}

_{2nd May: Singers and musicians   (£1 entry)}

_{9th May: Double Header: Cobalt Tales and Hazjak}

_{Singer-songwriters Cobalt Tales, are a female duo based in Sheffield. Originally from Wigan and Stockport, Pat sings powerful vocals, plays acoustic guitar and harmonica on occasion, whilst Nuala plays bass guitar, sings harmony and adds clarinet, whistles and acoustic guitar. Their combined influences and writing talents cover a wide variety of song styles. They deliver music from the heart that stirs the soul.}

_{Pat and Nuala met in the Scottish Highlands and formed Cobalt Tales in 2016. They enjoy touring throughout the UK and playing festivals, live music venues, cosy folk sessions, charity fundraisers and local community events.}

_{.Cobalt Tales released their debut album, Ever Changing Blue in 2019.}

_{Harmonies are gorgeous, supersoft... Well done! - Edwina Hayes, Singer-songwriter}

_{Somewhere between Dylan and Mary Chapin Carpenter you’ll find Cobalt Tales! Good stuff! - R. Sandland, Tamworth.}

_{https://www.cobalttales.com}

_{Hazjak are Yorkshire duo Steve Chapman Smith and Lynne O'Malley, both well known and respected musicians on the Northern acoustic scene.}

_{Together they play an eclectic style of Roots, Americana and Folk music.}

_{Steve – vocals, guitar, banjo, bouzouki, bass and mandolin. Lynne – vocals, piano, tenor guitar, banjo, percussion, whistle and harmonica, and of course Hazjak's trademark harmonies.}

_{Hazjak released their debut album “Listerville” in December 2020 to great critical acclaim, including a 4 star review in R and R magazine.}

_{In November 2023 they released their second album "The City Sleeps."}

 _{Uplifting evening of most enjoyable music by Hazjak... Brilliant entertainment and great fun as always... You really take the listener with you Topic Folk Club, Dec 2021}

 _{A highly talented duo... Excellent songs, superb musicianship and harmonies in abundance Tykes Stirrings, Spring 2021}

 _{“High calibre musicianship. Roots based music of the finest kind. They write raw and penetrating songs of truth and heart-rending stories to stir your souls.” - Ian Mayor, Drystone Radio}

_{https://www.hazjak.com/}

_{https:/www.wegottickets.com/event/609442}

_{16th May: Singers and musicians   (£1 entry)}

_{23rd May: Enda McCabe plus support Andrew Lockwood}

_{Enda McCabe is an experienced performer, based in the Connemara in Co. Galway, who sings a mixture of traditional Irish language songs and traditional songs in English, together with some original songs in English. The songs are linked by stories, most, but not all, of which are based on personal experience and he delivers an entertaining performance of the highest standard. A solo performer who also works with other singers and musicians from time to time, amongst whom are Tim Edey, Róisín Elsafty, Johnny Connolly, and a wonderful Japanese flute player Tomoyo Sugai to name but a few. In addition, he runs workshops on Traditional Singing, Songwriting and Accompanying Traditional Irish Music. Enda has performed in Ireland, Britain, France, Belgium , Austria and the USA.}

_{Enda has just released an album with a fine fiddle player from Dublin, Colly Moore and the response of audiences has been most enthusiastic. Enda’s previous albums Dreams of Carrickfergus (1990) and Ceol sa Chistin (Music in the Kitchen) (2010) were widely acclaimed. He completed an M.A. in Irish Traditional Music Performance at the University of Limerick and still tours.}

_{http://www.endamccabe.com/}

_{Andrew Lockwood is a travelling journeyman and songwriter from the UK, performing acoustic originals alongside other artists’ work; sharing and celebrating the healing joy of music. Intimate and inviting songs are crafted with honest, sensitive lyrics upon a guitar / vocal canvas.}

_{Andrew was the guest artist that helped make my role hassle-free, engaging with the attendees, other artists and generously participating. Performing capably and with inspiration, his song craft and sincere performances are an intimate vista of his compassion for humanity and love -Judi Smitheram, Festival Director Canterbury Folk Festival, New Zealand}

_{A refreshing artist, bursting with original songs, thoughtful and tuneful, delivered with heartfelt integrity and style - Rick Monaghan, Winchester Folk Club, UK}

_{A tuneful songsmith, writing insightful lyrics; melancholy, wistful and earnest – sung with an empathetic guitar style accompaniment – vocal echoes of Nick Drake. A worthy addition to The Burke & Wills Folk Festival – held the audiences rapt attention in every show - Andrew Pattison, Burke & Wills/ Newstead Festivals, Victoria, Australia}

_{https://andrewlockwoodmusic.com/}

_{https://www.wegottickets.com/event/609639}

_{30th May: Tom Kitching and Marit Fält}

_{Author and musician Tom Kitching launches his new book and album, Where There's Brass, with a special storytelling and music concert tour.}

_{Documenting six months living in the London waterways community, making the long journey across England from Manchester on a traditional narrowboat built in 1937, Where There's Brass tells the story of the contemporary London waterways; a floating slum at worst, a bohemian, alternative, vibrant community at best.}

_{It is a love letter to the waterways, and a rallying cry for what they can be in the future.}

_{Stories old and new interwoven with a specially composed suite of music, underpinned by Tom's long term accompanist, the brilliant Nordic mandola player Marit Fält.}

_{This tour builds on the success of his previous work, most recently Seasons of Change, the stories and music from 18 months busking around England.}

_{Tom’s debut solo album ‘Interloper’ was listed at #6 in the Sunday Express albums of the year 2015. There are dozens of folk violinists, but few with the attack, passion, and ingenuity of Tom Kitching. The most beautiful instrumental playing of the year.}

_{http://www.tomkitching.co.uk/}

_{https://www.wegottickets.com/event/606720}

_{Topic ZOOMS}

_{Joy Leach has submitted the following:}

                                                                         _{TOPIC ZOOM SESSION MAY 20}

_{This is an invitation to join the Topic Zoom on Monday May 20th. By way of encouragement in these current grey days, it falls just after Whitsunday, a festival that took over Summer's Day from the Pagans (with links to Beltane). Back then it was seen as the start of summer in Europe.}

_{In the here and now, performers and audience members are welcome from anywhere.  As previously, the digital doors will open at 7.30 for an 8pm start & the programme will run till 10.00. Singers, musicians and poets are invited to take part.} 

_{Any further enquiries about participating, pass codes for the evening etc., please email:   joy.utistugu.49.5.8@gmail.com.}

_{For anyone interested in recent history – we are now into the 4th year of Zooming. Many thanks to all those who contribute to make them happen, month by month.}

_{THE TOPIC AND BRADFORD CITY OF CULTURE 2025}

_{A reminder (there will be many!!) that we are involved in one of the cultural events in the run up to Bradford City of Culture 2025 as per the following:}

_{Folk Songs for Bradford District - Person and Place: Creating Songs about People and Places of Bradford District.}

_{This ambitious project is by no means limited to the usual participants in the acoustic music scene: if you know of anyone outside our orbit who might be interested in being involved, please let them know about it, nay, encourage them.}

_{ADVANCE NOTICE of a special night in July:}

_{Roger Sutcliffe and Friends – 11 July 2024}

_{Veteran Blues Guitarist and singer Roger Sutcliffe first played at the Topic in the mid-60s.  He has continued to appear every July since.   This year, we are inviting a group of local singers who’ve played with Roger over the years, to join him in a special reunion session.   Planned to appear so far include Pat Sherry and Nigel Broadbent (founders of Scarlet Heights), songwriter Jim Jarrett, and Blues Guitarist Gerry Cooper.  All are well used to playing with each other as well as with Roger.  It promises to be a great evening!   More details in the next Newsletters.}

_{NON-TOPIC STUFF}

_{On Monday 6th May 2024 Liz Narey's First Monday Folk welcomes Captain of the Lost Waves.}                 

_{Venue:The Ryshworth Club, Keighley Road,Crossflatts, BD16 2HB. Doors 7 pm. No entry fee. Raffle and donation. Music from 7.30pm} 

_{There are still a few tickets left to see Dougie MacLean playing at Cullingworth Village Hall 12 Lodge St, Cullingworth, Bradford BD13 5HB on 18th May at 7 pm. More info at  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dougie-maclean-at-cullingworth-village-hall-tickets-716996655297}

_{Some additional information from the organiser for you about this gig:}

_{In addition to hosting events Cullingworth Village Hall has a Cafe called Latalia, open from around 4:30pm.}

_{The cafe provides food and drink to the local community, and runs as an independent entity.}

_{Some of you may have travelled some distance, should you wish to pre-order a meal or snack, this can be done by contacting the Cafe directly.} 

_{Latalia have created a menu for the event, the cafe is likely to be quite busy, so pre-orders are highly recommended!}

_{https://www.facebook.com/lataliacoffeelounge}

• Latalia

Cullingworth Village Hall
Lodge Street
Cullingworth
BD13 5HB
Tel: 07792 420727

_{A reminder that Cleckheaton Folk Festival is back this year,  with the usual star-studded line-up. make a note of the dates, 5th, 6th and 7th July 2024, visit:  www.cleckheatonfolkfestival.org} for details and updates.  As things stand, this will sadly be the final one. Don't miss it!!

_{Frances Black is appearing at a concert in Dewsbury Town Hall on Sunday 19th May at 8 pm as part of the Cleckheaton Folk Festival. For full details and ticket links and full details see   www.cleckheatonfolkfestival.org}

_{Also on 19th May, Beki Hemingway will be performing at Costa Coffee, 11 Market Street Shipley BD18 3QD 6pm to 8pm as one of a series of intimate monthly gigs with a folky flavour.  This will be a pay as you feel event.}  

  _{-------------------------------}

 _{Wanna be a radio presenter?? Daz in the hat has a not-for-profit radio station and is willing to help anyone interested to get involved with presenting a programme - perhaps a Topic programme. He will give training/guidance if required and is prepared to start with co-presenting a show.}

_{For more info/contact details visit https://dazinthehat.com/}

                                                                                          _{--------------------------------}

_{TOPIC STUFF}     

_{As I'm sure you're now aware, guest nights as well as singers & musicians  nights are now held in the downstairs bar. Please note that doors will now open at 7 pm to enable the seating arrangements to be completed for the evening.}

_{For those of you wishing to partake of drinks that are only available from the upstairs bar, would you please go upstairs to purchase them, as the bar staff are not able to leave their bar area. When doing so, it would be much appreciated if you would try to leave and come back between songs, as is normal folk club etiquette.}

_{Remember that we now accept (indeed prefer) payment by card, but you can of course pay by cash if that suits you better.}

_MEMBERSHIP  

_{Membership of the Topic Folk Club - still only £5 - runs from 1st January and entitles you the lower ticket prices shown in this newsletter as well as the chance to become more involved in the workings of the club if you would like to. You can join or renew your membership on any club night.} 

_{For performers who may be thinking of approaching the club for a booking, please email: info4topic@gmail.com}

_{If you’re visiting the club for the first time, be sure to come and say hello, and if anyone has any suggestions for the club, for example if you would like us to try to book a particular artist, we’d like to hear them.}

_{The Topic runs on Thursdays at Groove Pad, 48 Saltaire Road, Shipley BD18 3HN, doors will open at 7 pm with a 7.30 pm start and a target time of 10pm to finish. Like all the clubs in the area, our aim is to provide good quality live entertainment to suit all tastes of those interested in folk music, and we are hoping we can count on you for your continued support.}

_{Floor singers are always welcome (though may be limited if we have a booked support act - please check). Please arrive by 7.15 pm if you’d like a slot – it helps the MC to plan the evening.} 

_{Please continue to take Covid precautions when visiting the club.}

_{Tony Charnock}

_{Topic Folk Club}