At: Hullabaloo, 41 Westgate, Shipley, BD18 3QX

Est: 1956

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Topic Newsletter Archive

TOPIC FOLK CLUB, BRADFORD

At the Bradford Irish Club, Rebecca Street, BD1 2RX                    a wheelchair-friendly venue

Newsletter No. 110 June/July 2011

Guest Nights start at 8.30pm, Singers & Musicians Nights start at 8.15pm

June 2 Singers & Musicians Night - Admission Free
Our ever popular monthly 'do it yourself' night. Why not come down and get in some practice for next week's GU4 concert where your voice will be required for the choruses?!

Part of the SolaMatik Festival

June 9 GU4 - Entry: £6 (£5 members)
GU4 are a four part a cappella harmony group based in Leicestershire. Armed only with a set of pitch pipes, they perform a wide variety of material ranging from gentle and sensitive love songs that can hold an audience rapt in silence, to raucous chorus numbers delivered with such verve that even the most reticent are encouraged to join in.

Their repertoire comes straight from the English tradition or from contemporary writers such as Peter Bellamy, Graeme Miles, Benny Graham, George Thomas and their own Miggy Campbell. Their renditions are carefully considered and well-crafted, but carry a spark of spontaneity and are delivered with enthusiasm and a healthy slice of good humour.

The Topic is the place to be tonight if, like us, you love the pure sound of the human voice lifted in song.

Part of the SolaMatik Festival

June 16 Andi Neate - Entry: £6 (£5 members)
Andi Neate has been described as “angel-voiced” and “street tough” and compared with Suzanne Vega, Ani Difranco and the Cranberries. Her childhood on a remote west coast island encouraged her natural affinity with nature, and the strong sense of independence which has taken her, and her music, to far corners of the world.

Andi is an expressive performer, with a gift for melody, memorable hooks and delightfully offbeat lyrics. Her voice ranges from powerhouse to wistful sweetness and her music style covers folk, rock and jazz.

Her songs are a traveller’s tales of endings and beginnings, journeys and homecomings. songs about circuses and rocketships, night driving and fairy tales, peopled with colourful characters – sharply observed and lightly drawn, with an emotional honesty which makes them easy to connect with.

Andi's last visit to the Topic, as one half of a 'double header' evening, so impressed us we knew we had to have her back as soon as we could fit in to her busy schedule and tonight is the night!

Part of the SolaMatik Festival

June 23 Rebekah Findlay - Entry: £6 (£5 members)
Rebekah is a singer and multi-instrumentalist based in North Yorkshire whose debut CD, Northern Skies, has made a huge impression on reviewers and broadcasters alike. Rebekah's repertoire includes self penned and traditional songs, tunes and carefully selected covers. She creates a contemporary sound immersed in elements of traditional music and her songs will make you smile whilst breaking your heart. HYPERLINK "http://www.rebekahfindlay.co.uk/buy-northern-skies.html"

Rebekah will be joined by Joolz Cavell on percussion and they will occasionally be augmented by Iain Glover (Crofters) on mandolin.

"exceptional stuff" Mike Harding
"...sounds like Findlay's a performer already at her peak." Sean McGhee, R2 Magazine - 4 Stars ****

June 30 Roger Sutcliffe - Entry: £6 (£5 members)
Roger needs no introduction to Topic regulars as, formerly a long time club resident, he now makes an annual pilgrimage across the North York Moors to play us his unique take on blues and Americana.

For those who have not seen Roger before, you are promised both an entertaining and educational night as he shares his vast knowledge of the music he loves with his appreciative audience.

Welcome back Roger!

July 7 Singers & Musicians Night - Admission Free
Another chance to sing, play or just listen in a relaxing atmosphere

July 14 Robb Johnson / plumhall - Entry: £6 (£5 members)
Another regular visitor, Robb is the undisputed master of those unlikely bedfellows, protest and chanson, and tonight he makes the long journey north from his home in Hove. No doubt recent world and domestic events will have triggered the creation of a number of new songs that will inevitably get to the heart of the issues involved – and indeed to the heart of the listener.

As Robb won't be arriving until after our normal start time we are delighted to say that our great friends, the inimitable 'plumhall', will also be playing what is bound to be an inspirational set. Consequently, and just this once, the night will end a little later than our usual 11pm.

July 21 'Double Header' - Jon Harvison / Phil Cockerham - Entry: £6 (£5 members)
Popular local songwriters Jon Harvison and Phil Cockerham feature in our summer 'double header'.

Jon is well known to local and national audiences as a superb crafter of songs. His powerful delivery holds the attention and lodges the songs (The Gates of Eden Closing, According to Paul, Heavy Horses) firmly in the listeners' minds.

Phil is also quickly establishing a reputation for thoughtful and entertaining songs and a relaxed stage presence. He is winning new friends wherever he appears through the warmth of his character that shines through his words and music.

Two unique talents on one night at the Topic!

July 28 Gareth Davies Jones - Entry: £6 (£5 members)
Originally from County Down, Gareth now lives in the Tyne Valley in Northumberland. His music is both uplifting and entrancing and, after his performance at one of our 'Double Header' evenings a while ago, a return visit was inevitable.

Gareth is a seasoned performer, activist and campaigner often using his music to promote social justice and working with organisations such as Traidcraft. His music has been featured on BBC National and Local Radio and collaborations and support work includes Megson, Waterson Carthy, Spiers & Boden, Steve Tilston, Jez Lowe and Karine Polwart.

The magical blend of traditional and self composed material on his beautiful new CD 'Chasing Light' has attracted ecstatic reviews from both national and local music press.

“..intelligent songs which make a point gently and invoke sympathy……..someone to be taken seriously” fROOTS

A very special night in store then for those who love great music!

Best Wishes

Joe Grint