Thursday 21st June 2018 at 8:30
Entry - £6 (£5 members)

Bob Wood

Bob Wood hails originally from the west coast of Scotland but has long been based in London. An engaging solo singer and performer with an easy going sense of humour, he’s known also as an accomplished finger-style guitarist. Exploring a range of open tunings, his playing and song interpretations have been described as displaying rare sensitivity, lightness of touch and great technique.

Bob's repertoire nowadays retains firm links with the tradition, but includes an array of contemporary songs as well as a smattering of pipe, harp and other tunes on guitar.

An artiste with an eclectic and entertaining repertoire of song which he accompanies with an innovative and always sympathetic guitar style – Archie Fisher

Bob Wood is one of the deftest pickers and tastiest arrangers of songs it has been my pleasure to hear...a real delight - Steve Tilston
 

News - IMPORTANT - EARLIER START/FINISH 
Having considered the response to the proposal for earlier start/finish times, the committee has decided to implement a starting time for Guest Nights of 8 pm to finish at 10.30 pm.

This will start in SEPTEMBER 2018 and will be closely monitored. Comments about the new arrangement will always be welcomed. Tony Charnock will be reminding Topic-goers relentlessly in future newsletters, and it will also be mentioned on club nights

Topic Historic Photo Gallery
In 2016 The Topic had its 60th anniversary. Each week during that autumn we posted a different historic photo taken in or relevant to the club during the 60s, 70s, 60s and even 90s, with some historical context. Many photos were by Eddie Saxton and Brian Lawton, and others centred on the 21st and 25th anniversaries. Finally they are on the website in a single gallery here.

The Topic at 60
The view from 2016, by John Waller. This is not a comprehensive history - instead John has put together a snapshot of the Topic as it is now, telling the story of how those currently responsible for the club's running came to be involved.

Topic 60th Song Lyrics
Club members and attenders were invited to write a song to mark our 60th birthday. Those who did were able to sing them at a special Singers' and Musicians' Night on the 3rd of November 2016. The lyrics of the various songs performed are now available on the website here.

Topic Club Membership
£5 a year from 1st January. That gives you £1 off concert tickets, and you can get more involved with running the club too if you are interested.

THE BRIAN LAWTON LEGACY PROJECT
This is an ongoing project during the next 12 months concerning thousands of photographs taken by Brian Lawton which cover much of the history of folk music and folk festivals in West Yorkshire. See more at http://www.brianlawtonproject.org.uk. Send in your stories and memories. You can help by identifying as many people, places and events from the past as you can.

PS: CASTLE HOTEL
Plenty of Topic regulars play and listen at the Castle Hotel in Bradford on Fridays - why not join them? Jun 15 Roger Davies; Jun 22 Jam (Dent Fest); Jun 29 Keystone Acoustic

Clicks since 03-2-2004:

Jun 28

Miriam Erasmus (formerly Miriam Backhouse)

Born in Lewes, U.K., traditional folksinger Miriam Backhouse made her professional start on the British folk club circuit in the mid-'70s, and released a solo LP, A Gypsy Without a Road, in 1977, which has become an underground British folk classic over the decades since. Miriam moved to South Africa in 1979 with her husband, keyboard player John Erasmus, and made her home in the Valley of a Thousand Hills region there. She released a series of recordings in South Africa which earned her the title of "the African Rose". A clear, expressive singer, Miriam also plays several instruments, including guitar, viola, autoharp, and recorder, and has written hundreds of children's songs, but her forte remains the traditional British, American, and African material that forms the center of her live shows. She tours Britain annually while continuing to make her home in South Africa.

Miriam is celebrating her 70th birthday by making this a special tour of places that have meant a great deal to her over her lifetime.. She was involved in the folk revival of the 60’s, eventually being dubbed “First Lady of Folk”, and gained a reputation as one of the foremost interpreters of British folk songs. Miriam started her folk career at Bradford University.
 

Jul 05

Roger Sutcliffe

This is Roger’s 55th year of playing at the Topic: there is very little we can say about him that his army of admirers don’t already know. But for any newcomers to the world of acoustic music Roger stands on his own as ragtime picker extraordinaire, blues supremo, and singer of songs of those genres. There are invariably a number of guitarists in his audience who have learned their craft first hand from Roger, so whether you pick, play or just listen, get down early for another packed night.

Jul 12

Singers and Musicians

A chance to come and sing a song or play a tune or just listen. (Change from usual 1st Thursday to accommodate Roger who by tradition plays the Topic on the first Thursday in July).

Jul 19

The Quiggs

The Quiggs are the new husband and wife duo that has emerged on to the Scottish folk scene. Stephen Quigg is a long established folksinger and former member of the legendary band The McCalmans and Pernille Quigg, originally from Denmark, is a folksinger and songwriter. Stephen and Pernille share a common feeling for the folk tradition and both know a good song when they hear one.

A concert with The Quiggs is a chance to hear folksongs in their simple yet highly expressive form, with beautiful harmonies and songs that seek the audience’s participation. A Topic debut.

Jul 26

Steve Dan Mills

American singer songwriter Steve Dan Mills was the co-founder of Speed Limit 35, one of the first folk rock bands in the American South.

He has been enjoying a solo career since the mid 70's and has performed at the Sark Folk Festival, Cornwall Folk Festival, Kerrville Folk Festival, London Folk Festival, Belfast Nashville Songwriter's Festival and the UK's Top Folk and Acoustic Clubs. His music has been described as "the real thing, sensitive, moving, cathartic and healing." He couples his very powerful vocals with acoustic guitar and harmonica. His masterful story telling, based on his rich and challenging life experiences, lays the groundwork for each song in a most engaging manner.

Steve has recently moved to London and has begun performing in folk clubs throughout the UK.

2rd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th August - Summer singers and musicians nights

Several chances to come along and sing a song or play a tune or just listen.