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

Est: 1956

Map

Topic Newsletter Archive

TOPIC FOLK CLUB, BRADFORD

At the Bradford Irish Club, Rebecca Street, BD1 2RX                    

Newsletter No. 138 – November 2013

Hello again everyone,

Well, the clocks have gone back, the evenings are becoming darker and longer, but time moves forward and a light still shines down at the Topic. See what's going on as the turning of the year approaches...

7th November
Singers and musicians night. 8.15 pm start. Free entry.

14th November
Bill Adair
As well as being a fine guitar player Bill Adair is one of Scotland’s busiest and most respected singer/songwriters. Combining influences from folk and blues, Bill’s music addresses universal themes of love, work, loss and redemption. He is equally at home singing a traditional Scottish ballad, playing blues from the Mississippi Delta or performing one of his own songs, and his performances are complemented by a natural story-telling style that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. £6/£5

"A phenomenally powerful songwriter" – Folk Roundabout
"A fine mellow voice with a superb selection of songs"  - Partick Folk Festival

21st November
Dana and Susan Robinson
There are no finer exponents of Americana than these two superb singers/instrumentalists. Guitars, banjo, fiddle, mandolin and harmonica with subtle and exquisite harmonies are features of these most talented of performers  with their mix of traditional and original songs and tunes. A cruel twist of fate caused them to cancel their entire UK tour (which was to have included a visit to the Topic) last year, so we are delighted to welcome them for this belated return visit. £6/£5

28th November
Children in Need Night
The Topic usually makes a donation to this well-worthwhile national charity, but this year the committee decided to go a step further and hold a special night around the time of the national event and for this we've organised a kind of variety show, something a little bit different. This will take the form of a double header of two talented acts: Kath Reade, well known to our audiences, who will be showcasing her latest CD, the aptly-titled Devotion to Song, and Voicemail Harmony, a local 4 piece acoustic/a cappella group singing harmonious musical messages about the world. Visual excitement will be provided by Saltaire’s own Appalachian Clog Dance team Roll Back the Carpet. Plus there might even be a surprise or two.All performers will be providing their services free, so all the door take and the proceeds of the raffle will be going to the charity. £6/£5

Originally New York-based John Ewbank was to appear as the other act alongside Kath, as publicised, but illness has forced him to cancel his UK tour. We are sorry to hear this and very grateful to Voicemail Harmony for stepping in to fill the void.

This night will be more about the charity than the Topic: we hope many of you will feel able to support it in one way or another, and make it  a special night.

Topic-related news: 
Rob Martin is organising Songs for Peace which will take place at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday, 10th November, at 1 pm. Song sheets will be available: after the ceremony (about 1.30 pm) free vegetable soup and a roll will be served at Glyde House (just up from the Cenotaph). A full range of drinks including tea and coffee will be on sale at the bar and it's hoped that the singing will continue here in an informal atmosphere. At the same time Bradford Quakers are organising a kickaround in Centenary Square to commemorate the football match that was played during the Christmas truce in 1914. Apparently it will go on until 100 goals have been scored. Hmm...

The Topic AGM will be held at the Bradford Irish Club on Monday 25th November at 8 pm. Members will be receiving official notification separately.

For performers who may be thinking of approaching the club for a booking, please note that the bookings organiser is now Sue Gaffney, email address : sue.gaffney@btinternet.com

If you would like to become a member of the Topic Folk Club, it costs just £5.00 per year, running from 1st January. 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.

If you’re visiting the club for the first time, be sure to come and say hello, and if anyone has any suggestions for the club, for example if you would like us to try to book a particular artist, we’d like to hear them.

The Topic runs on Thursdays at the BRADFORD IRISH CLUB.  8.30pm start. (Singers & Musicians nights start at 8.15pm). Like all the clubs in the area, our aim is to provide good quality live entertainment to suit all tastes of those interested in folk music, and we thank you for your continued support.

Floor singers are always welcome, especially in the first half. Please try to 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"

Tony Charnock, Topic Newsletter Editor  

tocharn@gmail.com        
www.topic-folk-club.org.uk 

Supplementary Newsletter, 24th November:

A very brief reminder about this week's charity night for Children in Need...

Why bother to bathe in a  bathtub of burpy baked beans when you can trundle down to the Topic to take in the tremendous talent there?

This Thursday is a special night: a kind of a variety show, slick and fast moving (!) featuring Kath Reade, highly talented singer/songwriter: Voicemail Harmony, a local a capella harmony group, and Roll Back the Carpet, Saltaire's own Appalachian Dance Group, who do amazing things with their feet while they are still attached to their legs.

There will also be A Raffle.

In view of the packed programme, the opportunity for floor spots may be limited this week.

All performers are giving their services free,so all the money from the night will be sent to the charity.

Hope you can support this worthwhile event.