TOPIC FOLK CLUB, BRADFORD NEWSLETTER No 68a: October 2007
Greetings: and welcome to details of some big concerts coming up
Oct 4 THE MUSIC OF THE CARTER FAMILY The Carter family could be described as the US equivalent of Cecil Sharp: the first major attempt to organise and record the traditional folk and popular music of America. Between 1927 and 1943 they recorded over 300 sides, establishing them as the founding family of American roots music; recognised as such by Bob Dylan no less. Tonight the Topic is pleased to welcome five of West Yorkshire’s most diligent musical scholars and performers to tell their story and sing their songs. Nigel Schofield narrates, while Lynda Hardcastle, Alan Rose, and Mike and Helen Hockenhull provide the singing voices and music. This will be an evening of entertainment and information. Tickets £5 / £6: MC Tony Levy.
Oct 11 HOOVER THE DOG Last seen at the Topic back in the Melborn days, this intriguing and intelligent trio from the Welsh borders combine fiddle, accordion, guitar and bouzouki to provide a mostly-instrumental set full of wit and technical brilliance. Expect a combination of classical, European, Celtic, folk and jazz influences, with some English traditional tunes thrown in. Featured Support will be provided by Heather Dale, a Canadian duo on tour (Heather will be accompanied by Ben Deschamps); who weave ancient Celtic legends into original songs for the 21st century, supported by up to a dozen folk instruments. A rewarding evening in prospect. Tickets £6 / £8, MC Neil Etherington.
Oct 18 A Double Header evening Leeds-based ROSIE CLEGG will be well known to many Topic regulars for her occasional floor spots. Her speciality is interpretations of bluegrass and country music, with some Irish and English folk songs also in the mix, supported by banjo, guitar and Irish bazouki. Calderdale’s ROGER DAVIES is a rising local talent whose original songs tell of life and growing up in the bus-shelters and bars of Brighouse; all delivered with delightfully blunt professionalism and panache. You are guaranteed an evening of variety and entertainment: with two high-quality artists for the price of one. £4 / £5 to come in: MC Ian Gobbi.
Oct 25 BOB FOX One member of the rich vein of North-eastern folk artists, alongside Tom McConville, Jez Lowe and Vin Garbutt. Though his music and songs are deeply rooted in the traditions, society and history of his home community, his material transcends its immediate subject, and is truly universal. Amazing that he has not been to the Topic for years. A wonderful voice backed up by flawless musicianship: this will be an evening of high class. No Featured Support act: so here is an extended opportunity for floor singers to play in exalted company. Tickets are available in advance as well as on the door: just reply to this Newsletter for details. Price £5 / £6. MC Neil Etherington.
Nov 1 CLIVE GREGSON There’ll be more on this excellent Manchester-based singer songwriter, and the Featured Support Ceri-Mai Pedrick, in the next Newsletter. Tickets £5 / £6. MC Tony Levy
Nov 8 JULIE FELIX We haven’t sold out yet, but we will; and when they’ve gone, they’ve gone. Julie was an absolute storm last year, and ticket prices have been held at a very reasonable £8 / £10. Available now – just reply to this Newsletter for details.
Though not a formal part of it, Julie is effectively the “opening act” for the much-awaited RAISE YOUR BANNERS festival of campaigning song. http://www.raiseyourbanners.org/ for full details of the programme 5-11 November. Also worth mentioning the pre-Festival fundraising curtain-raiser on Saturday 7 October, at New Beehive Cellar Bar, featuring Attila the Stockbroker, David Rovics, Tracey Curtis and Voicemale. Details from the same website, above. The Topic is pleased to be associated with this important national festival that this year is coming to Bradford.
Coming later in the year: Nov 15 Sara Grey and Kieron Means plus Michael Rossiter Nov 22 Allan Taylor Nov 29 Lime Scurvey / Tony Taffinder / Mark Mawby Dec 6 Phil Hare plus The AllenSmith Dec 13 Christmas singaround musiciathon social party event (with mince pies) Dec 20 Scarlet Heights: the original duo plus Mummers
Bookings into 2008 visible on the website: www.topic-folk-club.org.uk
Keep coming to support the oldest Folk Club in the World; and to keep music live!
An apology to all those recipients of this Newsletter who have written asking for a gig recently, to whom I have not yet replied. Regrettably, I get more such requests that I can easily reply to (let alone find space in the programme for). I have made a list; and will try and fit in as many as possible sometime; but really, it is simply not possible to accede to everyone’s request. Sorry.
See you all some Thursday at the C.ock and Bottle at one, all or more of the above Topic 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 need to say no smoking any more!
John Waller Topic Newsletter Editor john@john-waller.co.uk
Topic Newsletter No 68a: October 2007
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