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

Est: 1956

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Topic Newsletter Archive

TOPIC FOLK CLUB, BRADFORD

At Glyde House, Glydegate, Bradford BD5 0BQ  

Newsletter No. 146 - July 2014

Hello all,

Well, all this sporty stuff: the World Cup, Wimbledon, Tour de France, Test matches, Commonwealth Games coming up etc etc, you'll be needing to chill out with some good live acoustic music. So get down to Glyde House for some top quality entertainment during July.

3rd July:    Singers and Musicians.
8.15 pm start. Free entry. No theme, but we could, er, do a song cycle or two...

1Oth July:  Dave Ellis and Boo Howard.
A truly superb duo visiting us for the second time, Dave and Boo are based in London, a musical partnership that began in 1979. In the early days, Dave came to prominence with national exposure on the Old Grey Whistle Test and some high profile gigs, notably opening for Rod Stewart at the Reading Festival. In 1998 Dave’s electric band slimmed down to a duo, and in 1998 they reinvented themselves as a more acoustically sounding act, combining Dave’s intricate guitar work and Boo’s mellow vocals to create something different for folk and acoustic clubs. Their self-penned songs are intelligently constructed and elegantly articulated, and the honing of their live act has brought them a large and faithful following in the South of England. Their previous foray to test the northern waters brought them instant accolades and at least one festival booking: this time they are doing a seven-night tour which will no doubt be just as successful. £6/£5

As good as it gets – musicianship is second to none, vocals spot on, intelligent songs, stage presence disarming...- Bothy Folk Club, Southport.

17th July:  Bella Gaffney
There can be few followers of the local acoustic music scene who haven’t heard of Bella Gaffney.  Bradford born and bred, but now studying at Nottingham University, she has gone from strength to strength in recent years, developing each aspect of her craft: her singing, guitar playing and songwriting as well as her stage presentation and delivery. Her recent appearances at Saltaire Live events in Victoria Hall supporting the likes of such well-established artists as Altan and John McCusker,Michael McGoldrick and John Doyle  are testament to her talent and the regard in which she is held by local promoters. With a mix of her own songs and well chosen covers a quality night is guaranteed: don’t miss. £6/£5

Great singer, great guitarist, really interesting songwriter – Mike Harding.

24th July: Plumhall
Nick Hall and Michelle Plum continue the theme of outstanding local talent this month with a too-rare appearance at the club. Nick of the Hall Brothers (!), Magna Carta, and probably a host of other collaborations, and his wife Michelle (Waking the Witch, Chumbawumba, The Accidental Tourists) combine to present quality self-penned songs, some covers, exquisite harmonies and superb guitar playing.  Bradford is indeed blessed with talent, and this is another night not to be missed. Their debut album "Thundercloud" is now available. £6/£5

A superb duo...a wealth of talent...a real sense of passion and attack – Fatea Showcase

Like Bella, Nick and Michelle appeared on the Topic stage at the recent Bradford Festival.

31st July:  Robb Johnson
A perennial favourite at the club brings this remarkable month and season to an end, with his songs of social comment and observations on all aspects of life. Robb missed his usual summer appearance here last year due to prior commitments, so this will be a sort of homecoming. He is now recognised as one of the finest songwriters working in the UK today, having  played pubs, clubs, pavements, pickets and benefits, arts centres and festivals, local radio, with airplay on BBC Radio 3 and 4 and a host of international radio appearances. This will undoubtedly, as always, be a busy night, so come down early. £6/£5

The real deal when it comes to songwriting – Mike Harding

An English original – Robin Denselow, The Guardian

TOPIC NEWS

Topic  Round and About in Bradford 2014.

The second Shuttle Shuffle Festival will take place over the weekend of 9th/10th August. The Topic will again be well represented at what promises to be even better event than last year's inaugural festival.

More details in the next newsletter, or visit www.theshuttleshuffle.co.uk 

Bradford Festival

As mentioned previously, the Topic had its own stage at this year's festival: thanks to favourites Plumhall, Bella Gaffney and Roger Davies who brightened up a grey afternoon in City Park under (or rather, over) the Topic banner with excellent sets, bringing the best in acoustic music to many festival goers and displaying some of the amazing talent that abounds in our city.

Non-Topic stuff which may be of interest.

The Cleckheaton Folk Festival runs from 4th - 6th July and is as usual packed with lots of Good Things: not just a stunning line-up of concerts - headlined by the one and only Dougie McLean - but singarounds, sessions, street entertainment, workshops and more. Even if you don't have a ticket, don't let that stop you going along and taking in the atmosphere and enjoying the free events.

More details from www.cleckheatonfolkfestival.org

A Folk Dance Weekend consisting of dances and workshops is to be held in Drax, Yorkshire over the weekend of 4th, 5th and 6th July. This is the inaugural event of what is hoped will become a regular weekend of dance. Visit http://yfdw.org.uk for more information.

A reminder that Tykes News is available to purchase on club nights at the price of £2.00 This excellent magazine contains articles, features, new items and full details of folk-related events and clubs in our area. Please support the hardworking team who produce this quality publication for the benefit of acoustic music followers in West Yorkshire by buying a copy.

Usual Other Stuff

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 Glyde House, Glydegate, Little Horton Lane, BD5 0BQ  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"

Best wishes

Tony Charnock, Topic Newsletter Editor  

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