Coc.k and Bottle, 93 Barkerend Road
Greetings: and welcome to the late-May Newsletter:
May 24 Singers and Musicians
If this gets to you in time, do call in for an impromptu evening where everyone and anyone can have a go. The last one of these we had was described by a first-time visitor as “a smashing evening”, and he wasn’t wrong. No fewer than 17 performers (four of whom were new to the Topic) and a further 7 as audience. We had a real range of styles (and ages, from young teens to 80+), and a consistent level of quality. Free entry, free exit; but do buy a raffle ticket!
May 31 George Pavageris
The word “prolific” must have been specially coined for George, who, working in his second language, has turned out in excess of 200 songs in the past few years. Not just any old songs, but really good songs, about his Greek heritage, about English traditions, about friendship, you name it. Covered by major artists like Vin Garbutt and Roy Bailey, and with a warm bubbly unaffected personality to go with it all, George is a great act. Featured Support comes from youthful and highly talented duo of Katriona Gilmore & Jamie Roberts on violin and guitar respectively, performing some of Katriona’s own compositions. Tickets £4 / £5. MC Tony Levy.
June 7 Julie Ellison
Julie should not need too much introduction to Topic regulars: a virtuoso guitarist and passionate songwriter, with an evocative and distinctive voice: a tremendous performer. Neither should her Featured Support for the evening. Last supporting Wizz Jones last year, Ryan McGovern is back with a largely classical set which will complement Julie’s exuberance in a guitar masterclass evening. Ryan is raising money to fund his month-long trip to Ecuador this summer as a volunteer to teach English to young children, and the entire raffle takings will go to him: so buy your raffle ticket this week as well. Special prizes! Tickets £5 / £6. MC Gerry Cooper
June 14 Pete Abbott
Pete is a regular member of John Wright’s touring band, and is highly regarded by the great man. An excellent singer/songwriter, with a quiet but beautifully-judged playing and singing style. There’s a link here to the Featured Support which will come from the Mersey-based five-piece Elbow Jane Band, as this features another of John Wright’s sometime touring musicians, Joe Topping. A good full evening of contrasting styles. No special reason to buy a raffle ticket this week except that this is the only way the club actually raises its own funds. Tickets £4 / £5; MC Simon Alexander.
June 21 Singers and Musicians.
Everything said about 24 May applies here too; including the subtle suggestion that it is good form to make sure you buy your raffle ticket.
June 28 The Duncan McFarlane Acoustic Band
An enthusiastic, bright, breezy quartet featuring Duncan himself (and mostly his own songs) together with Steve Fairholme of Otley on melodeon, Anne Brivonese on fiddle, and Geoff on a hand-made cittern, inter alia. Featured Support comes from local balladeer and wit, the excellent Bruce Baillie. Tickets £4 / £5. MC John Waller.
July 5 Roger Sutcliffe
The start of July wouldn’t be the start of July without this evergreen Topic stalwart and his shiny Blues guitar. No Featured Support booked, so a Special Opportunity for floor singers tonight. Tickets £4 / £5. MC Gerry Cooper.
And onwards:
July 12 Double Header of FYRISH and Liz Ryder
July 19 Special Floor Singers Night: further details later
July 26 Robb Johnson * Featured Support YLEM
* I’ve been asked to remind you all that Robb Johnson will be appearing at a special charity event at the Royal Oak in Halifax from 7.30pm on Saturday 26 May. Full details from Steve Blackman at vdm@cvac.org.uk
(Apologies to other people who have since asked for their events to be publicised too: I really can’t start doing that for everyone, however worthy)
August is given over entirely to Singers and Musicians; but we open up in September with Roy Bailey and the brilliant Australian duo cloudstreet. Watch this space!
More on all these further acts later; and/or right now on the Website.
There was going to be a news section, but your editor has temporarily run out of time.
Keep on coming down. According to a note from our Treasurer prepared for a recent committee meeting, we are well on course to exceed last year’s financial throughput by a significant margin: and possibly to double our throughput from four years ago. Folk Music (and the Club) isn’t about money, but this represents an equivalent increase in people through the door and payments to artists; and both those are good things.
See you all some Thursday at the C.ock and Bottle at one, all or more of the above events. 8.30 start. Floor spots are available every night, even where a Featured Support artist is booked; though it helps if you arrive by 8.30. No smoking in the club room.
John Waller
Topic Newsletter Editor
Topic Newsletter No 65: late-May 2007
|
