May 31

Joseph Topping

Joseph Topping is a multi-instrumentalist and a highly respected singer/songwriter from the Wirral. As well as a solo performer, Joe has played with the late John Wright (who covered one of Joe’s songs) and is now a member of the successful Elbow Jane and also Ashley Hutching’s Rainbow Chasers.

Apart from his musical wanderings, Joe is also known for his geographical rambles: in 2006 he did a 1400 mile solo walk across America from Chicago to New Orleans. With his guitar of course. Joe’s latest (of three) solo album Ghosts in the Shadows features songs inspired by, learned on or written on his walk. Expect sensitive songs and intricate guitar playing.

Part of the Solamatic Festival 21st May - 21st June

 

Jun 07

Singers & Musicians Part of the Solamatic Festival 21st May - 21st June

 

Jun 14

Paula Ryan

Paula Ryan is a York-based singer songwriter, originally from Tipperary. She has been active on the folk scene in and around York for many years, both as a solo artist and in varying collaborations. She has regularly toured the USA, France and Germany both performing and organising/ running workshops in singing, song writing, percussion and rhythm in those countries as well as in the UK, Ireland and as far away as Tanzania. Her performances are laced with the warmth, wit and passion of her Irish roots.

Part of the Solamatic Festival 21st May - 21st June

 

Jun 21

Brian Peters

Brian Peters is one of the English folk scene’s great all-rounders: a compelling singer, a top squeezebox player and a skilled guitarist. Brian is considered one of the country’s best anglo-concertina players and is as proficient on the melodeon. Internationally known as a singer of traditional ballads, he delivers a repertoire of startling variety, so alongside those classic songs from the tradition, and lively English dance tunes, you can expect to hear newer songs, his own instrumental compositions, and wild squeezebox excursions into ragtime or blues.

Brian has played major folk festivals in Britain, Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Canada, as well as touring extensively in Europe. He’s collaborated with many British and American musicians, is in demand as an instrumental teacher and workshop leader, and has recorded several highly-acclaimed albums.

During 2011 Brian toured the USA 5 times in 12 months, played festivals in Nova Scotia, Vermont and Nova Scotia as well as appearing at UK festivals including Towersey, Bromyard and Whitby. He also managed to fit in a trip Down Under to play at Australia’s prestigious National Folk Festival in Canberra.

“A singer, guitarist and melodeon player of rare ability…. an unusual repertoire, and unusual conviction in singing it” – Dirty Linen (USA)

Part of the Solamatic Festival 21st May - 21st June

 

Jun 28

Martyn Wyndham-Read

Martin Wyndham-Read has been performing folk music for 40 years, since emigrating to Australia when in his teens to work on sheep stations. He became interested in the songs the older hands would sing and eventually took his guitar to Melbourne where he played around the café circuit and eventually became involved in the folk song revival in Australia in the early 60’s. Towards the end of the decade he returned to England where he met up with then renowned singer and song collector Bert Lloyd. The rest, as they say, is history: Martyn has been appearing at folk festivals in the UK and Australia, and indeed around the world ever since and has produced something in the region of 40 albums. Much of his material vividly conjures up imagery of the open spaces of Australia: his love of the songs shines out in his performances.

"A real craftsman who sings from the heart" – Living Tradition

 

Jul 05

Singers & Musicians

 

Jul 12

Roger Sutcliffe

No introduction needed here: all-time Topic favourite returns to his Bradford roots from the East coast with his individual style of blues songs and slide guitar playing.

An annual visit from Roger Sutcliffe we all look forward to - he has played at the Topic more than 50 times since 1966 (not counting floorspots).

 

Jul 19

David Newey and Shona Kipling

David Newey is one of the UK’s most sought-after acoustic guitarists, songwriters and singers, inspired by, and tutored by, the likes of Chris Newman, Martin Simpson, Martin Carthy, and John Renbourn. At 18 he was a finalist in the BBC Young Folk Awards, after which he went on to study Folk and Traditional Music at Newcastle University. He has since played with top musicians on the folk scene, and has three acclaimed CDs to his credit.

Shona Kipling is one of the most respected accordion players in the UK. She was All-Ireland champion in her teens, and has won a BBC Fame Academy bursary (the only female and the only traditional musician to do so) and has been a finalist in the BBC Radio Young Folk Awards. Together David and Shona create a powerful sound which is rootsy, gutsy and completely theirs.

Their performance together contains many elements – you’ll laugh, be challenged, sing and maybe even shed a tear or two.We are delighted to welcome these superb individual musicians to the Topic as a duo.

 

Jul 26

Robb Johnson

Robb Johnson widely recognised as one of the finest songwriters in the UK, returns from the South coast for what has become an annual July visit following two highly successful appearances at the Topic. Songs of protest, controversy and social comment, with humour thrown in, will make this a fitting end to the guest season.

"An English original", says the Guardian's Robin Denselow; "the real deal when it comes to songwriting", says BBC Radio 2's Mike Harding.

 

Aug 02

Singers and musicians

Aug 09

Singers and musicians

Aug 16

Singers and musicians

Aug 23

Singers and musicians

Aug 30

Dana and Susan Robinson

All the way from North Carolina, Dana and Susan Robinson are superb musicians who bring their own very personal take on Americana. It's a unique blend of contemporary song writing and traditional Appalachian music, with tasteful accompaniment on guitar, banjo, fiddle and mandolin. Dana has been described as one of the few contemporary singer-songwriters whose songs display a strong respect for the centuries-old folk tradition.

This year’s tour should coincide with the release of their new CD.

We have broken slightly with tradition in that we don’t usually have guests during August, but we felt justified as the last Thursday in August coincides with the only date available to us to book Dana and Sue on this year’s UK tour .

Another special night in prospect.