A chance to sing a song or play a tune or just listen.
£1 entry
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The graphic image we generally use for Singers' and Musicians' nights is based on a photo of John Waller in 1969 on the balcony of our family's flat in Beirut, which we had lived in for ten years by then.
Last week (Sunday 21st May) John was back in Beirut and on that balcony for the first time in 50+ years, though he had forgotten his guitar.
Photo credits are the same - me, Nicholas Waller, web-person - but the eyeline is different as back then I was only 11 and now I am 65 and a bit taller.
The Topic is at Groove Pad, 48 Saltaire Road, Shipley BD18 3HN. It’s a bar/coffee lounge on two floors. The Topic has exclusive use of the downstairs coffee lounge area on Thursday Singers' and Musicians' nights. The larger bar and room-space upstairs is now used for Guest Nights (from 9th February 2023). The bar serves a fine selection of drinks and does table service to the cafe area if required. Groove Pad is situated next to the Aagrah Restaurant on Saltaire Road. Easy street parking is available nearby and it’s only a few minutes walk from Shipley train station and the bus terminus.
Singers' and musicians' nights will continue to take place in the downstairs cafe bar.
Coming Soon
08 Jun
Lizzy Hardingham
As a folk singer-songwriter Lizzy Hardingham performs songs that drive straight to the heart, giving audiences a chance for genuine connection, empathy and empowerment. Hardingham is paving her way as a powerhouse performer with beautifully delivered songs, her wonderful voice grabbing the listener from the very first note and holding on until the last. Think Christine Collister, Joni Mitchell, Sandy Denny and KT Tunstall all wrapped into one.
In 2022 she celebrated a brand new full-band, Help Musicians UK-supported record, How Did We Get Here?. A 16-date tour with the likes of Katriona Gilmore, Jonny Wickham and Ellie McCann presented a jubilant, rich and full sound, but Lizzy’s powerful and emotive voice stole the shows as usual. In short: Lizzy has a dazzling combination of voice and songwriting talent that rarely appears.
One of the most distinctive voices since Sandy Denny - Celtic Music Radio
Gorgeously delivered self penned songs that pip everything else to the post - Northern Sky(★★★★)
A voice you could listen to on loop with songs that sing straight to the heart - Maverick Magazine
£7 (£6 members)
15 Jun
Singers and Musicians
Sing a song or play a tune or just listen.
£1 entry
22 Jun
Terry Hiscock
Back in the mists of time, Terry Hiscock along with Chris George and Doug Morter formed the legendary folk/rock band Hunter Muskett playing the circuit alongside Fotheringay, Fairport Convention, Pentangle and Steeleye Span.
Following their 1970 album release, Every Time You Move, recorded with Pentangle’s Danny Thompson, Rog Trevitt joined on bass. Thefour-piece then gigged at home and abroad and released a second album, produced by Keith Relf of The Yardbirds. After festival appearances and a successful UK concert tour with Ralph McTell, the band went their separate ways in but later reformed when Cherry Red released the albums on CD to great acclaim and they now tour every year.
When they’re not on the road, singer/songwriter Terry Hiscock performs acoustic songs from the Hunter Muskett repertoire both old and new and is now one of the most sought after musicians on the circuit. Having played up and down the land in countless clubs and concert halls, he has accumulated a wealth of stories and anecdotes to delight his audiences, but it’s the performances of his own songs which stay long in the memory.
£7 (£6 members)
29 Jun
John Ward Trio
John Ward has achieved an excellent reputation as a writer of powerful, thought-provoking and witty folk songs that often draw upon his life in a gritty port town and his wider travels in the world
After a life travelling on the road and making music, in 2014, Les Woodley joined forces with John and Lynne to bring a fuller sound to these excellent songs that often capture the spirit of the times, and to perform them at folk clubs and festivals across the UK. The John Ward Trio also draws on its wider repertoire of traditional and contemporary songs and tunes, particularly songs suited to chorus singing. The Trio majors on powerful 3-part harmonies, accompanied by acoustic guitar, bodhran, harmonica, double bass, mandolin, accordion and whistles. All self-taught musicians who are no strangers to busking, the Trio’s performances are authentic and from the heart. Their choice of material, variety of instruments, versatility and engaging humour, not to mention John’s blistering bodhran solos, blend to delight and entertain folk audiences in intimate venues and bigger stages alike.
What a wonderful evening this lively trio gave us, with well-crafted songs enhanced by their vocal harmonies and superb musicianship – Jackie White, Organiser, Dorking Folk Club.
….magnificent songs, killer harmonies – Grapevine
Great entertainers – gave us a brilliant night to remember – Michael Jaselsky, Waltham Abbey Folk Club
£7 (£6 members)
06 Jul
Singers and Musicians
Sing a song or play a tune or just listen.
£1 entry
13 Jul
Roger Sutcliffe
Blues guitarist Roger's legendary annual appearance at the Topic. It's 60 years now: on his Facebook page Roger says he first played The Topic in 1963 "and have done so every year since... Come along, especially if you knew me then!"
Support: Andrew Metheven
Andrew Metheven was born and raised in Bradford, a city he still calls home. His first EP - A Quiet Life - was released in March 2022 and is made up of six lo-fi folk songs
£7 (£6 members)
20 Jul
Singers and Musicians
Sing a song or play a tune or just listen.
£1 entry
27 Jul
Enda Kenny
Enda Kenny is an Irish-born songwriter who has made his home in Australia since the late 1980's. His thoughtful, descriptive stories of his adopted homeland have struck a chord with festival audiences here and beyond. His songs are always memorable and spiced with plenty of humour. Rock and Reel describes him as a cracking live entertainer.
Now residing near Mount Beauty in the Victorian Alps, Enda is touring extensively throughout Australia in 2023 as well as New Zealand, UK, Ireland and Germany. The year has started well, Enda was awarded Artist of The Year 2023 at Newstead Live Music Festival in January.
On small stages to intimate audiences or large stages to festival audiences he always holds the crowd in the palm of his hand. Witty and intelligent songwriting and a brilliant night's entertainment - Eleanor McEvoy
After a decade of juggling performance with a career in Public Housing, Enda returned to full-time music with the release of Kitchen Ballads in 2019. After the interval (COVID) he is happily back on the road and taking forward bookings for 2023 and onward.
The finest Irish songwriter living overseas - Colum Sands
£7 (£6 members)
03, 10, 17, 24 Aug
Singers' and Musicians' Nights
For the first four Thursdays of August. Sing a song or play a tune or just listen.
£1 entry
31 Aug
The Jigantics
The Jigantics are a band from the UK who have previously released three critically acclaimed albums on Rawtone Records. They are a four-piece unit with founder members Mark Cole and Martin Fitzgibbon being joined by Sarah Kelly on vocals and bass, plus master guitarist, songwriter and vocalist Keith Thompson. Throughout Europe this band enjoy rave reviews for their live performances The Jigantics unique eclectic sound folk, acoustic, country, rock and roll their way through a blend of musical influences melded into something that defies cliched categorisation.
They pack a mighty musical punch. Brimming with energy, confidence, style and an ear for a melody and an eye for a lyric
One of Roots music's "super groups" and “must see” live acts - Daily Telegraph
An awesome band, genuine, easygoing and very skilled musicians - Ken Brown Square Roots Promoter
Singers and Musicians
