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. 144 - May 2014

Hello all,

Well, the sun's warm again, blossom is a-blossoming, Morris Dancers are a-dancing, spring is indeed a-springing: what's a-happening at the Topic? A grand mix of local artists, a new name from the deep south, and a class act of national repute are sure to make this a truly merry month down at Glyde House.

Here's the line up:

1st May:  Singers and Musicians.
8.15 pm start. Free entry.

8th May: Strid and Keystyone Acoustic
A rare double header, with two popular local acts who are to be seen performing regularly around the clubs, pubs and festivals in our region, both refreshingly different.

Strid are a man a woman and a guitar, aka Jennie Kiff, Simon Allan and a Lowden F12. They perform unique versions of songs by Richard Thompson, Paul Simon, Lennon & McCartney, Tom Waits and many others.

Keystone Acoustic are Peter Stone (acoustic guitars and bouzouki) and his wife Pam (vocals, tenor ukulele and even rainstick!) playing a mix of Americana, folk, jazz and blues across Yorkshire and beyond. Their repertoire includes songs by Steve Earle, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Bob Dylan and original material written by Pam. £6/£5
 

15th May:  Kate Denny
First time as a guest at the Topic for this fine musician from the deep south – our deep south, that is - who visited the club on a singers night whilst on holiday a year or so ago. Kate has been composing and performing music for over ten years, initially writing music and songs for the theatre. In 2007 she formed the band Kittywakes as composer, singer and fiddle player, touring clubs and festivals successfully, supporting such acts as Spiers and Boden and Show of Hands until 2011 when Kate decided to go solo. In 2012 she launched her first solo album Closer to Home which was described as a showcase of beautiful lyrics and evocative storytelling (Bright Young Folk). £6/£5

Kate is usually accompanied by Charlie Skelton, an excellent guitarist and Northumbrian piper.

A gently poignant and increasingly haunting musical delight  –  fRoots magazine. 

22nd May: The Young 'Uns
A Topic debut for this excellent group of gradually becoming not-so-young singers originally from Teeside: Sean Cooney, David Eagle and Michael Hughes who have become immensely popular performers over the last few years, playing clubs and festivals all over the country to universal acclaim. Wonderful harmonies, shanties, traditional and original songs, some a capella, some with guitar and accordion accompaniment. With their superb delivery and relentless banter in between numbers an evening of sheer delight is guaranteed. A real bargain at £6/£5

One of the most popular and entertaining live acts on the folk scene today – Jez Lowe

A fantastic repertoire, intricate and pleasing harmonies and fantastic patter to boot - Bromyard Folk Festival

Definitely a must-see act. We are delighted and honoured to be able to present the The Young ’Uns to the Topic.

29th May: Luke Hirst
No stranger to Topic audiences, guitarist/songwriter Luke appears for a full evening in his own right. Influenced by the likes of Michael Chapman, John Fahey and Jack Rose, his intricate and exciting guitar work is the perfect accompaniment to the cover songs of his choice as well as his own material. A five-year stint at Leeds College of Music resulted in a BTEC National Diploma and a 1st Class BA Honours Degree for Luke, who has appeared at the Topic as support and in other collaborations, now we are pleased to see him doing a full solo gig. £6/£5

Topic  Round and About in Bradford 2014.

The club will be well represented at various events around Bradford throughout the summer, as follows:

23rd/25th May   Threadfest

15th June           Bradford Festival 

9th/10th August  Shuttle Shuffle Festival

More details nearer the times, but make a note in your diaries.

Non-Topic stuff which may be of interest.

The Acoustic Festival of Britain takes place on May 30th/31st/June 1st at Uttoxeter Racecourse. Details from www.acousticfestival.co.uk

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. If you want to know anything about anything folk-wise, 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