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_{TOPIC FOLK CLUB, BRADFORD
http://www.topic-folk-club.org.uk
Newsletter 45, Oct 2005}

I'll write you an October Programme... for there is no prog before it (ISB).

Oct 6   Dave Gibb.  We are pleased to welcome Scottish-based singer, guitarist and songwriter on his first visit to the Topic.   Dave has a distinctive but varied guitar style, and a clean, clear voice; which he uses to present a mixture of his own songs and more traditional material.  His songs (and material) is rooted in the history of Scotland; but his repertoire includes wry, cynical investigations into the vagaries of the human condition.

Featured Support will be provided by Sam Dunkley, a young Huddersfield-based singer and musician described by others as "...a man with hair dyed red, wearing hyper-coloured clothes, multitudinous beads, a guitar, a bike and a beautiful voice was busking nearby..."  which is all true except the guitar.

Oct 13  Brian Peters.  One of Britain's best solo performers of traditional folk songs and music. A compelling singer, and one of the finest squeezebox players in all England.  He mainly concentrates on classic songs and ballads, but with the occasional excursion into ragtime or blues (and last time he came to the Topic, Robin Williamson's superb October Song: hence the top line of this Newsletter).  

Oct 20  The Bisserov Sisters.  This is something of a departure for the Topic, as we've probably not had any Bulgarian folklorists before.   But these are top-drawer performers on the world stage, singing the traditional songs of their region (Pirin, near the borders of Greece and Macedonia) celebrating harvests, weddings and rural life.  They will be accompanying themselves on authentic instruments: tambura, tarambuka, daire.   Slav music is distinctive, with complex rhythms and harmonies, and has provided inspiration for several performers (Banoffi, for example).   So do come and sample the music of one of our European neighbours.  And if you know anyone of Slav origin who may be interested, let them know.

Oct 27  Winter Wilson.  Dave and Kip have been performing together since 1995: mostly Dave‚Äös own original material: songs with a broad appeal that often relate to the sounds and sights of everyday local (in this case, Lincolnshire) life.  Kip‚Äös voice is one of the best in the business, combining power with emotion.  Powerful lyrics, superb harmonies: songs (and an evening) to remember.         
Featured Support will be provided by Dave Camlin; a singer, songwriter and guitarist based in Cumbria.

Nov 3   Singers and Musicians.  Theme: 49, the passage of time.  This will be the start of the Topic's 50th continuous year in operation.  That's worth a song or two!

Plus, into November

Nov 10     Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakemen.  Traditional songs alongside more contemporary favourites, these former members of Equation are returning to their folk roots.          
Featured Support from Otley-based Gerry McNeice, with his own songs in the traditional idiom.

Nov 17  AGM  members only, followed by Singers and Musicians if we stop talking in time.    

Nov 24  Steve Tilston.  Singer songwriter who needs no introduction to Topic regulars; and who is probably fed up with always being labelled as the man who wrote Slipjigs and Reels.  But he did.         
Featured Support: Bitter Shanty: well-known local worthies Ian Hill, Malcolm Deveraux and Jim Lawton.

Dec 1   Alan Reid and Rob van Sante.  Two members of the legendary Battlefield Band taking time out to tour as a duo.

See you all some Thursday at the Melborn (a real ale pub) at one of the above events.  8.30 start.  Be there by then if you want to perform a floor spot, which are available every night.  No smoking in the club room.
                                                                                        
John Waller    
 Topic Newsletter Editor
john@john-waller.co.uk         

Topic Newsletter No 45 October 2005