TOPIC FOLK CLUB, Bradford
Newsletter No. 92 - October 2009
At the Bradford Irish Club, Rebecca Street, BD1 2RX - a wheelchair-friendly venue
Another entertaining month ahead - just the thing to brighten up those darkening October nights.
1st October Martyn Wyndham-Read returns to the Topic after an 18-year absence so there'll be many people looking forward to welcoming him here again. He's one of the most engaging performers you're ever likely to see. He combines songs, humorous bush poetry recitations, stories and anecdotes of outback life and comments on Australian history and culture. To date his recording career spans 33 years and more than 30 albums, many considered classics of their genre. £5/£6
8th October Cathryn Craig & Brian Willoughby are an accomplished, professional, entertaining but also very personable duo. American singer-songwriter Cathryn Craig and accomplished British guitarist Brian Willoughby, who formerly played with the Strawbs, create an intimate atmosphere with songs about life experience, coupled with amusing anecdotes. Their 'Anglicised Americana' blurs music boundaries, showcasing Cathryn‚s fabulous voice, Brian‚s stunning guitar and their intricately crafted songs. £5/£6
15th October Rag Mama Rag are Ashley & Deborah Dow who play a 20s and 30s blues-based repertoire. Mark Newman, frequent Topic guest over the years, assures us that "they are brilliant and you will have a very good night". They incorporate a variety of regional styles with an interesting and wide range of instruments. Here's a list of them for those of you who know about these things: Henderson acoustic guitar, National & Dobro resonator bottleneck guitars, Weissenborn acoustic lap steel, ukulele, harmonica, washboard, Percussion and of course vocals. They're sure to have your feet tapping. £5/£6
22nd October Duncan McFarlane with Anne Brivonese. Popular local performer Duncan is well known to many Topic regulars. An accomplished singer and songwriter with an enviable energetic folk guitar style. In the words of Living Tradition: "Duncan has an obvious feel for the tradition and a deep-rooted belief that it has a place in the current folk scene, aspects which he puts across with lively showmanship. His own songs show a canny grasp of, and response to, the tradition, while his intrinsic seriousness of intent and approach is often laced with a healthy irreverence that happens to be hugely entertaining." Anne Brivonese expertly accompanies Duncan on fiddle. £5/£6
29th October Queensberry Rules are a band of three young men from the Midlands who perform mostly their own folk-based material with one or two traditional songs. Having played together for fifteen years they have developed a tight and distinctive full sound, aided by the fact that they all sing and between them play a variety of instruments. They have been described by Mike Harding as being destined for great things, and by Bob Harris as purveyors of great, modern folk music. They last appeared at the Topic as part of the 50th anniversary season in 2006. £5/£6
5th November Singers & Musicians night, incorporating Raise Your Banners Political Songwriting Competition Final. This will be a bit different from most evenings at the Topic. Please come along and help to make it a good one. During the first half of the evening you will be able to hear performances of the four shortlisted songs. After judges have made their decision the winner will be invited to perform his or her song again. The remainder of the evening will be open to any singers and musicians who would like to perform. So bring your instruments and have your voices ready. PLEASE NOTE the evening is set to start at 8:15pm. Entry is free.
12th November Marian Bradfield. Perhaps some members of the Irish club will be tempted to come and listen to Marian who has been voted one of Ireland's top ten female singers and described as one of Ireland's hidden musical treasures. Come on Irish Club, this is partly for you! Based in Donegal, Marian has three solo albums and one live album to her name and has appeared on several compilations including Celtic Woman 1 & 2. A newcomer to the Topic, so no doubt many people will come out of curiosity, but she also has admirers here. If you know any of them please remind them of her Topic date. £5/£6
And coming later:
November: Broom Bezzums
December: Gwyneth Keen & Scarlett Bazaar, George Papavgeris, Scarlet Heights
More details in the next newsletter or see http://www.topic-folk-club.org.uk
AGM - Advance notice to Topic members This year's Annual General Meeting will be held at the Irish Club on Monday 16th November at 8.30pm. If you're not a member there's still time to join (see below). Members will receive a personal reminder nearer the time.
Hope to see you sometime at the Topic. You don't have to be a member, but if you would like to join you may do so any Thursday evening at the club. Usually £5 but as it's getting towards the end of the year we can offer a reduced membership fee to take you up to the 31st December this year if you wish.
Everyone is welcome every Thursday at the BRADFORD IRISH CLUB. 8.30pm start. (Singers & Musicians nights start at 8.15pm)
Floor singers are always welcome, especially in the first half. Please get there by 8.15pm if you‚d like a slot ˆ it helps the MC to plan the evening.
Rahel Guzelian, Topic Newsletter Editor rahel@blueyonder.co.uk www.topic-folk-club.org.uk
Topic Newsletter No 92 October 2009
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