Newsletter No. 98 - April 2010
At the Bradford Irish Club, Rebecca Street, BD1 2RX - a wheelchair-friendly venue
As Spring continues to blossom, so too does the Topic's schedule of quality guest nights not to be missed, punctuated by the increasingly popular monthly Singers & Musicians sessions - something for everyone. Hope to see you there!
1st April
Steve Ashley - A long awaited return visit to the Topic from this legendary singer songwriter. For 40 years, his songs have won the respect of critics and fellow-performers alike, with cover versions by many leading folk artists including: Fairport Convention, Anne Briggs, Martin Simpson, Dave Pegg and PJ Wright, Phil Beer and Grace Notes. Steve has played a significant role in the development of British folk-rock, performing as a lead singer with the first Albion Country Band, then with his own Ragged Robin and various line-ups of The Steve Ashley Band. Karl Dallas writes: "Steve is one of our best singer-songwriters and a model to all who wish to marry respect for tradition with a contemporary world view." £5/£6
8th April
Wendy Arrowsmith - Wendy first appeared at the Topic as part of a double header evening early last year, so we're pleased to be having her back for a full evening of her easy relaxed style and beautiful yet powerful voice, guaranteed to involve and entertain her audience. Expect a rich mix of traditional & self penned songs both accompanied and unaccompanied. Wendy's own songs have won awards at Saltburn Folk Festival 2007 (The Visitor), Scarborough Seafest 2008 (Sleep Well Œtill Morning) and Ryedale Folk Festival 2009 (Hearth Song). £5/£6
15th April
Singers & Musicians. An evening of free entertainment and participation. Come along with your songs and tunes and take your turn to perform your piece in an informal and supportive atmosphere. Equally important, if you're not a performer, you'll be welcome to come along simply to listen. We aim to start the evening at 8.15pm.
22nd April
Mark Newman - Popular and accomplished guitarist/singer Mark Newman has played at the Topic Folk Club regularly over the years. In fact his very first folk club gig was played at the Topic way back in 1958. 2010 is to be Mark's last year of playing in UK clubs, so it seems fitting that his very last tour date should be this one. In his own words: "I am really looking forward to guesting at the Topic one last time especially as it was at the Topic that I began my playing career. There is always a great atmosphere there and I am hoping that many friends and colleagues will come to what will be a very special evening for me." Don't miss it, there won't be another chance! £5/£6
29th April
Katriona Gilmore & Jamie Roberts - Katriona and Jamie have been performing together on the folk scene since 2006 and have appeared at the Topic on previous occasions, leaving the audience open-mouthed in wonder at the range and skill of their musicianship. Their self-penned material ranges from blazing instrumentals to heart-wrenching songs, to contemporary arrangements of traditional songs. Jamie‚s dexterous percussive and lap-style guitar work is a delight to see as well as hear, while Katriona‚s intricate fiddle playing shifts seamlessly from sensitive to fiery and back again in the blink of an eye. £5/£6
6th May
Singers & Musicians. Everyone welcome to come along and sing, play or just listen. 8.15pm start. Free Entry.
13th May
John Kirkpatrick - A welcome return to the Topic for an artist who has established an enviable reputation as an instrumental virtuoso and session musician, as well as a leading interpreter of English folk music. He has been a member of the Albion Country Band, Magic Lantern, The Richard Thompson Band, Umps and Dumps, Steeleye Span, Brass Monkey, Trans-Europe Diatonique, and Band of Hope, as well as numerous ceilidh bands. In the words of Shirley Collins: "...my favourite of all the English singers [is] John Kirkpatrick. He's the only singer who can move me to tears with a song. He's also the funniest man around. A great musician and performer, utterly without pretension". What more could you want? £5/£6
And coming later...
May: Grace Notes, Eddie Lawler, Pamela Wyn Shannon
June: Rubus, Ewan McLennan, Larry Hanks
More details in the next newsletter
Thank you to all who have renewed your membership of the Topic Folk Club this year. If you haven't yet renewed, or would like to join for the first time, it's still well worth it. Membership costs £5 and runs up to 31st December 2010. Being a member entitles you to the lower ticket prices shown in this newsletter, as well as the chance to become more involved in the workings of the club if you would like to.
The Topic runs on Thursdays 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.
To find the Topic on Facebook search for "Topic Fc"
Rahel Guzelian
Topic Newsletter Editor
rahel@blueyonder.co.uk
www.topic-folk-club.org.uk
www.myspace.com/topicfolkclub
Topic Newsletter No 98 April 2010
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