Newsletter No. 97 - March 2010
At the Bradford Irish Club, Rebecca Street, BD1 2RX - a wheelchair-friendly venue
Some of last month's guest musicians had to battle through snow storms to get to the Topic, but get there they did. February was an amazing month of quality music coupled with healthy-sized appreciative audiences. March offers plenty more good reasons for the crowds to surge in, so look forward to seeing you all!
4th March
Anthony John Clarke. It's a welcome return to the Topic for Anthony John Clarke who last visited in 2007. These words from Clive Leyland give a good overview of what to expect: "Anthony John Clarke is a performer who comes across as totally sincere and his songs are from the heart. He establishes immediate contact with an audience, charming them with his stories, his humour and his effortless delivery and making everyone feel he's singing directly to them. He's a skilled interpreter of the songs of others and many of his own songs have become widely performed by other artists - a sure sign of respect by his peers. If you haven't seen him, you should do so without delay. If you have seen him, see him again. And again and again!" £5/£6
11th March
LightGarden, who are: David Moss playing fiddle, guitar, bouzouki and most stringed instruments, as well as doing amazing overtone-chanting - an ancient method used as a meditative and healing technique, and Masha Kaestner (piano, organs and harmonium) - creating a wonderful combination of sounds. David's songs have been described as "unusual and beautiful" and his voice as "magical and yearning". David has also played at the Topic on numerous previous occasions as front man of the very popular dynamic acoustic roots band Banoffi. £5/£6
18th March
Singers & Musicians with an Irish theme. This is the week of St Patrick's Irish Festival organised by Bradford Irish Club. The festival runs from 13th to 19th March and the Topic is pleased to be a part of it. If you have any Irish songs, tunes or any performable pieces with some kind of an Irish connection now's a good time to introduce them into the friendly and informal atmosphere of a Topic Singers & Musicians evening. Entry is free and we'll be there for an 8.15 start.
For more details of the rest of the week's events try the Irish Club's own website at www.thebradfordirishclub.com
25th March
Tattie Jam. Duo comprising Seylan Baxter, one of Scotland's best-known traditional cellists, and Ruaridh Pringle, accomplished singer and musician with a distinctive style.This will be their first visit to the Topic and perhaps they are not yet familiar to Yorkshre folk, so we hope you'll take this exciting opportunity to hear something new to you. Tattie Jam offer a distinctive brew of songs, from dark ballads and protest songs to off-the-wall humour, and tunes ranging from slow airs to kinetic jigs and reels. You can expect a varied and harmonious blend of reinterpretations of traditional Scottish songs and tunes, and songs and tunes written by Ruaridh. £5/£6
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. £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 'till Morning) and Ryedale Folk Festival 2009 (Hearth Song).
And coming later...
April: Mark Newman, Katriona Gilmore & Jamie Roberts
May: John Kirkpatrick, Grace Notes, Eddie Lawler, Pamela Wyn Shannon
More details in the next newsletter or see http://www.topic-folk-club.org.uk
Thank you to all who have renewed your membership of the Topic Folk Club. 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 - 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 97 March 2010
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