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TOPIC FOLK CLUB Newsletter No 54, June 2006

Greetings:  and welcome to the Mid-June issue. 

June 15     CrossCurrent.    
This is a new, five-piece outfit who met while studying on Newcastle University’s innovative degree in Folk Music (from which they have now graduated).  Bringing together English, Irish and Scottish musical influences, they provide a range of instruments (including viola, fiddle, cello, banjo, bouzouki and flute; and vocals.  “Five play with fire, finesse, flair and fun” says one of their reviewers, and Vin Garbutt’s kids think they are brilliant.  Featured Support tonight is from Clive Leyland, one of the members of Bandersnatch, whose thoughtful first CD “A Northern Man” is full of a sense of history.  MC duties will again be provided by Wayne Stote.

June 17     BEER AND MUSIC EVENT.    
This is going ahead.   It is part of a four-day beer promotion event at the Coc k and Bottle, which may carry over into Sunday.  At least 13 real ales will be available, at below their usual prices; and two of them will have been brewed on the premises.  But on the Saturday, as well as all this beer, there will be continuous live music from about 1.00 pm (when the afternoon will kick off with music from the regular Saturday lunchtime Irish Session, and then from about 4.30 pm there will be a continuous programme from artists familiar to regular Topic members: including Tony Charnock and Rahel Guzelian, Mulberry Blue, Eddie Lawler, Clive Leyland and friends from Bandersnatch, Bruce Baillie, and former headline acts Lyn Geddes and Emily and Ben.   If all make it as promised, we’ll be on until 11.00pm.  The afternoon and evening will be MC’ed by John Waller.

There’s a lot going on in Bradford that day: the Mela in nearby Peel Park, the University’s 40th anniversary party, football screens in the city and the ever-present opportunity of a curry.  Why not have a Bradford day out, with a visit to the Co ck and Bottle part of it.

June 22     Robin Laing.   
A talented and engaging singer song-writer from Scotland, making probably his first visit to the Topic, though I know he has done Shoddy and the Grove in recent years.   He has a particular interest in Whisky, but also Scottish history.   Featured Support will come from Rough Pearl, whose membership includes some of our regulars in Rahel, Tony and Joy.  MC will be John Waller 

June 29     Roger Sutcliffe.    
Little new can be said about this Topic stalwart and legendary purveyor of the best in Blues and banter.    No Featured Support booked as we go to press, so plenty of opportunity for floor singers to show their worth.  Gerry Cooper MCs.

July 6        Alistair Russell and Chris Parkinson.  

At the time of booking, this was just an opportunity for Alistair to ease his way back into the solo performer role.  But life changes mean that this may well be his Farewell to Yorkshire gig, as he is moving to the south of England almost immediately thereafter.    In honour of the occasion, he will be partnered by his long-term collaborator Chris Parkinson.     This will be a major musical event.   In view of the likely level of interest, tickets have been printed and are available now: just reply to this email to find out how to secure yours.  I’d advise it, if you want to be guaranteed entry.  Featured Support will come from Dark Horse, comprising Highland Piper Cameron Edgar and guitarist Mark Nawby;  two members of Westport.

July continues with the wit and musicianship of The Amazing Mr Smith on 13th, a great Double Header of Rock/Folk band Entropy and Lancashire duo Ben and Robin on 20th, and a final end of season political romp with the brilliant Robb Johnson.

OTHER NEWS

Tickets will soon be on sale for the whole of our 50th Anniversary Season.  At first these will be available on Club nights for those who attend; but soon enough they will also be available by post, and some concerts (Vin Garbutt, Julie Felix) may sell out.  Keep your eye on the website   www.topic-folk-club.org.uk , and don’t miss out!  Tickets have been specially printed and are available for ALL 50th anniversary gigs.

Talking of the website, we recently received our 10,000th hit.  Now, maybe 500 of these will be me, as I have cause to log on most weekdays.  But we are still running at about 20 hits a day, which I think is good.  The site has a mine of information: about upcoming acts, past gigs, booking policy, the history of the venue; and links to just about every former Topic artist we can find, as well as to helpful sites like “Tips for Floorsingers”. 

And finally, T-shirts.  The 50th anniversary T-shirts have arrived, any colour you like so long as it’s black: either medium or XL, with a handsome design and a list of all the Topic’s venues through its 50 year history on the back.  Made of quality cloth, they are available at club nights (or at a pinch by post for far-flung readers of this email Newsletter) for a very reasonable £7.50 each. 

See you all some Thursday at the C ock and Bottle at one of the above events.  8.30 start (and we are getting better at starting almost on time).  Be there by then if you want to perform a floor spot, which are still available every night even where there is a Featured Support artist booked.  No smoking in the club room.

John Waller
Topic Newsletter Editor
john@john-waller.co.uk
Topic Newsletter No 54 mid-June 2006

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