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Newsletter of the Topic Folk Club

At the Bradford Irish Club, Rebecca Street, BD1 2RX - a wheelchair-friendly venue

Newsletter No. 101 - July/August 2010

Fine weather, football and folk: what a summer of pleasure and activity! Have a look below and you'll see that the folk side of things is stiff competition for the other two. Hope to see lots of you down at the Topic before the August break - a break from guest nights that is, but Singers & Musicians nights continue. Also, if you'd like to see John Tams & Barry Coope in September, now's good time to get your ticket (see below).

1st July - Roger Sutcliffe
In keeping with what seems to have become an early July tradition at the Topic, the ever popular Roger Sutcliffe takes the stage. He's well-known for his blues guitar playing (on a selection of fine instruments) and songs, along with his entertaining banter and stories. This is always a good night, so come along and enjoy it. £5/£6

8th July - Singers & Musicians
Everyone welcome to come along and sing, play or just listen. Free entry and raffle.

15th July - Double Header
James Bar Bowen: Winner of the Raise Your Banners Political Songwriting Competition in 2009, which was organised in conjunction with the Topic Folk Club, James Bar Bowen has performed his original folky/punky/acoustic songs all over the world. He has an interesting variety of self-penned material which he performs with energy and conviction. Themes include racism, war, freedom and love, interspersed with entertaining anecdotes.
Zoe Mulford: this American songwriter, now based in Manchester, was first seen and enjoyed by Topic roving scouts at Brampton Live festival a few years ago. In February this year she visited the Topic with a couple of songs which greatly pleased the audience. Now a chance to hear some more of Zoe's evocative, beautifully crafted, and varied repertoire, accompanied on banjo/guitar. £5/£6

22nd July - Pat Sherry & Stuart Douglas
Well known around the local area, a very popular duo who always give good value for money. They are two mates who love to play music together, beginning before Stuart emigrated to the United States, in the formative years of well known Irish band Scarlet Heights. Since Stuart‚s return they have got together again to continue their musical partnership. The combination of vocal and guitar harmonies that typify Pat and Stuart‚s music give them a unique twist, on both original and classic songs. They can be found delighting audiences all over the North of England. £5/£6

29th July - Robb Johnson
Last year at about this time a fantastic night was had by all when Robb Johnson came to town. A Topic favourite who has visited the club on numerous occasions, Robb Johnson is now widely recognised as one of the finest songwriters working in the UK today. His songs feature in the repertoires of a wide variety of musicians, from folk legend Roy Bailey to acclaimed cabaret diva Barb Jungr. But most importantly he's a great performer of his own songs and bound to leave you feeling invigorated and inspired. In the words of Boff from Chumbawamba: "his songs are incisive and clever and witty and you can sing them on your way to work." £5/£6

5th to 26th August (Thursdays) - Singers & Musicians Nights
On Thursdays throughout August - plenty of opportunity to come along and sing a few songs or play a few tunes or even just sit and be entertained.

2nd September - Steve Tilston
It's great to be having Steve back to the Topic again. He is one of this country‚s finest song-writers with many of his songs considered modern folk-song classics and covered by the likes of Fairport Convention, Dolores Keane, John Wright and others. He‚s also renowned for the way he takes a favourite traditional „old chestnut‰ and makes it his own. He's a greatly celebrated artist in Britain and abroad, winning accolades in Europe, Australia and the USA. Writer of the classic songs Slipjigs and Reels, The Naked Highwayman and Here‚s to Tom Paine, he's also a superb guitar player. This will be a popular night so come down early! £5/£6

And coming later...

September: Edwina Hayes, Sarah McQuaid, John Tams & Barry Coope

October: Tich Frier, Suntrap, Lynne Heraud & Pat Turner

More details in the next newsletter or see http://www.topic-folk-club.org.uk

Advance ticket sales: John Tams & Barry Coope on 30th September 2010 will be a ticketed event. Tickets are available from the club on any Thursday night. If you would like to purchase tickets by post please email rahel@blueyonder.co.uk <mailto:rahel@blueyonder.co.uk> for details of where to send your cheque. Cost: Members £9, non-members £10

If you haven't yet renewed your Topic membership, or would like to join for the first time, you're welcome to do so any Thursday night at the club. Membership costs £5 and runs up to 31st December 2010. Being a member entitles you to 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.

The Topic runs on Thursdays at the BRADFORD IRISH CLUB. 8.30pm start. (Singers & Musicians nights start at 8.15pm)

Floor singers are always welcome, especially in the first half. Please get there by 8.15pm if you‚d like a slot - it helps the MC to plan the evening.

To find the Topic on Facebook search for "Topic Fc"

Rahel Guzelian
Topic Newsletter Editor
rahel@blueyonder.co.uk
www.topic-folk-club.org.uk
www.myspace.com/topicfolkclub

Newsletter No. 101 - July/August 2010