TOPIC FOLK CLUB Newsletter 56 - late August 2006
Greetings: and welcome to the start of the 50th Anniversary Season.
Tickets for each and every one of the concerts listed below are available in advance on club nights, or by post (initially by email) via john@john-waller.co.uk. We fully expect tickets for most gigs also to be available at the door as usual, but some gigs may sell out in advance. If so, this will be indicated on the website. We have kept to our normal ticket prices for as many of the evenings as possible; but some artists inevitably require an increase. With a few notable exceptions, all the money you pay goes to the artist, not to the club. See “membership deal” below.
Aug 31 Jim Malcolm. The season gets off to a great start with one of the finest singing voices in Scotland; and an award-winning songwriter as well. Playing guitar and harmonicas, Jim tours both solo and with a variety of bands (the best-known being Old Blind Dogs). “Quietly, unforcefully and undeniably stunning” Featured Support will come from Pillowfish, a duo from York combining guitar, fiddle and song. Tickets available at the door: £4 members, £5 non-members.
Sept 7 Paul Downes. Paul is an incisive guitarist who has developed a smoothness and depth to his singing voice in support of his estimable songwriting skills. He has worked solo and with such artists as Phil Beer and Pete Seeger, and has three solo albums, eight albums with bands, and over 150 session credits, as well as an impressive touring record. Expect a consummate performance. Featured Support slot still available. Tickets available at the door: £4 members, £5 non-members.
Sept 14 Vin Garbutt. Probably nothing left to say about this great performer, a stalwart of the folk scene over many years. People will remember his off-the-wall humour; but he is also notable for his strong, uncompromising songwriting. He has, over the years, kept many a folk club financially afloat through his generous contract terms, which allow clubs to keep 20% of the door take. Tickets are £10 / £8, and are still available in advance at club nights or by post (see above): any unsold will be available at the door. There will be no Featured Support as such, but anyone who’d like to perform a floorspot in the presence of the great man is welcome to get in touch.
Sept 21 The Queensberry Rules. A trio playing guitar, percussion and double bass (and occasional mandolin and bouzouki); which instruments they combine with stunning vocal harmonies. Their self-written songs tackle subjects both historical and contemporary; especially relating to their home area of Stoke on Trent and the Potteries. They now have four albums out, and this will be their second visit to the Topic. Featured Support slot still available. Tickets available at the door: £4 members, £5 non-members.
Sept 28 Steve Gillette and Cindy Mangsen. A delightful and smoothly professional duo on tour from the USA. Steve is an accomplished songwriter: having written songs for (among others) John Denver and Tammy Wynette. Both he and Cindy sing and play guitar, to which Cindy adds banjo, English concertina and mountain dulcimer. Expect a tremendously entertaining and satisfying evening. Featured Support slot still available. Tickets available at the door: £4 members, £5 non-members.
And Onwards:
Oct 5 Beck Sian. Traditional folk songs with a Celtic / new-age twist. Beck is touring from her base in Australia, promoting the launch of her first CD. She also happens to be Kate Bush’s cousin, and brings the same strength and individuality to her performance. Featured Support from rising Leeds-based trio Mulberry Blue. Tickets: £5 / £6.
Oct 12 David Moss and Gordon Tyrrall. This double header evening brings together two of Yorkshire’s finest and most accomplished musicians and performers. David will be best known from his work with Banoffi, while Gordon is one of the best guitarists (and flautists) around, who brings real interpretative passion to the songs he sings. Tickets £4 / £5.
Oct 19 Phil Hare. Another brilliant guitarist and songwriter; often with a social cutting edge. Featured Support from the Lancashire-based Jill Fielding Band. Tickets £4 / £5.
Oct 26 Eddie Walker. Seasoned entertainer from the north-east, making a return to the Topic after 20 years, and promising something a little different. Tickets £4 / £5.
Nov 2 Allan Taylor. Precision guitar and well-crafted songs delivered with a distinctive voice. This concert is supported by the Arts Council England Musicians in Residence scheme. Featured Support will be from local duo The Hall Brothers. Tickets £6 / £8.
Nov 9 Dana and Susan Robinson. Magical rural-America duo on tour. Tickets £4 / £5.
Nov 16 Julie Felix. What more needs to be said! Tickets £8 / £10.
Nov 23 Singers and Musicians. Time for anyone to have a go. Entry free.
Nov 30 Wizz Jones. Legendary blues guitarist who first played the Topic in 1958. Featured Support (to be confirmed) exciting young guitarist Simon Stephenson. Tickets £5 / £6.
Dec 7 Tom Kitching and Paul Sullivan. Fiddle, guitar and song. Tickets £4 / £5.
Dec 14 Kieran Halpin. Superb songs of deceptive simplicity and emotion from this Topic regular. Featured Support from Aidan Jolly and friends. Tickets £5 / £6.
Dec 21 Scarlet Heights: the original duo. Pat Sherry, Nigel Broadbent and friends. Featured Support (we expect) from the Holbeck Mummers. Tickets £4 / £5.
Dec 28 Singers and Musicians. Performers, audience, all welcome. Entry free.
MEMBERSHIP DEAL: Membership normally runs from 1 November each year, and costs £5. However, anyone wishing to join between now and this coming November may do so now for a fee of £8, to last until 31 October 2007. With ticket price discounts of £1 or £2, you don’t have to attend many concerts to get your membership fee back!
See you all some Thursday at the C.ock and Bottle at one or more of the above events. 8.30 start (we are getting better at starting on time). Be there by then if you want a floor spot, which are available every night even where a Featured Support artist is booked.
No smoking in the club room.
John Waller Topic Newsletter Editorwww.topic-folk-club.org.uk Topic Newsletter No 56: late-August 2006
|