Newsletter No. 99 - May 2010
At the Bradford Irish Club, Rebecca Street, BD1 2RX - a wheelchair-friendly venue
It was good to see the club so full on the night of Mark Newman's last UK folk club gig recently. Thanks to everyone who helped test the capacity of the room that night! There are plenty more reasons to fill the room coming up, so have a look below and come on down!
6th May
Singers & Musicians. It's always good to see some new faces and hear some new voices, so if you haven't been to a Topic Singers & Musicians night before maybe this could be the time you decide to come and give it a try. It's quite an informal gathering where all kinds of acoustic styles are welcomed. Start time is at around 8.15pm and entry is free.
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
20th May
Grace Notes - Helen Hockenhull, Maggie Boyle and Lynda Hardcastle make up this trio who are one of the folk scene's best loved female groups. Locally based and well known to most Topic regulars who know they'll be treated to a wonderful evening of a cappella and accompanied arrangements of traditional and contemporary songs in three-part harmony. £5/£6
27th May
Double Header: Perhaps an unusual combinaton for this month's double header, but one which is sure to be interesting and entertaining. New to us is Pamela Wyn Shannon who hails from the USA but is now resident in the UK. Her music is greatly influenced by the British tradition and her guitar playing has been compared to that of Bert Jansch. Her album Courting Autumn has received rave reviews, and as well as her own material includes beautiful arrangements of the traditional Ca' the Yowes and Cold Blows the Wind. Pamela is described by fRoots Magazine as having an "enchanting performing style and attractive, seductively sweet-toned singing voice." A more familiar face in our region is Eddie Lawler, Saltaire-based balladeer with a wealth of songs of wit and wisdom, notably about Bradford and its surrounding area. From the the mysterious Baildon sky rocket, to the scandal of the Hole in the middle of Bradford and, further afield, from the Tyne's Millennium Bridge to the massacre of Glencoe and much more. Listening to Eddie has been described as "...like sitting by the fire in the pub being entertained, his witty observations charming you more with every drink." This should be a really great night - it just needs you, the audience, to be there to add that finishing touch. £5/£6
3rd June
Rubus - A fairly new band that combines the talents of Emily Portman (voice & concertina, formerly of The Devil's Interval), Christi Andropolis (fiddle, viola & voice) and David Newey (guitar). With a unique repertoire rooted in the more obscure songs and ballads of the English folk tradition, Rubus also explore new ground with original songs, combining Emilyʼs striking vocals with exceptional finger style guitar, and responsive fiddle. Their debut album Nine Witch Knots is quickly gaining them attention, having already received airplay on BBC Radio 2 and Radio 3ʼs Late Junction as well as topping the fRoots magazine October ‘08 playlist.£5/£6
10th June
MelaMatik Singers & Musicians. We're pleased to be included in Bradford's MelaMatik festival this year. MelaMatik is the fringe festival of the well-known Bradford Mela and aims to incorporate the diverse genres of music to be found in venues all over Bradford and some of its surrounding areas. As usual everyone is welcome to come along and take a turn at singing or playing an acoustic instrument, or both. Please come and help make this a worthy event. Bring your friends. We'll aim to start at 8.15. Free. For more info about MelaMatik events please see: www.myspace.com/melamatik
And coming later...
June: Ewan McLennan, Larry Hanks
July: Roger Sutcliffe, James Bar Bowen, Zoe Mulford, Pat Sherry & Stuart Douglas, Robb Johnson,
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 – 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 99 - May 2010
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