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. 148 - September 2014

Hello all,

Hope you've all had a good summer - OK, there's still a bit left, hopefully - but what's on offer at the Topic as the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness approaches? Plenty, as you'll see if you read on...

4th September: Kath Reade.
Kath Reade is no stranger to Topic audiences, having performed as part of a double header some years ago and last year she made a major contribution to the club’s charity night for Children in Need, but this is the first time she will be doing a whole evening in her own right, belatedly and deservedly. She is a prolific songwriter, with a voice and delivery to die for: these attributes, combined with an irrepressible and impish sense of humour when introducing her songs, guarantee an evening of quality entertainment. Many of her songs are autobiographical or concerning issues or people in her life that have stirred her emotions, and that’s exactly what an evening of Kath’s songs will do for you: stir your emotions.

Kath has produced 7 CD‘s, the latest of which Devotion to Song – a title which aptly describes her love and feeling for music, which are evident from start to finish of her live performance - is arguably her best to date, though this in no way diminishes the earlier ones. She hails from Burnley but is often to be seen at acoustic music venues around our part of Yorkshire. A fitting choice with which to start off our new season. (£6/£5)

...Kath’s status as a classy folk troubadour is assured – Fatea Magazine

Kath Reade’s live performance is unmissable – Tykes’ News

11th September: Ribbon Road.
Ribbon Road are : Brenda Heslop, vocals/guitar; Jill Heslop, vocals/keyboards; Geoff Heslop, vocals/guitar. Their repertoire consists of beautifully crafted songs drawing from folk music’s tradition yet relevant to our ever-changing modern times. Based on tight harmonies their sound has a powerful directness which covers all emotions in equal measure. £6/£5

... a rare and relatively unknown giant of songwriting and Ribbon Road’s album Roadside Dreams is an absolute gem – Mike Harding.

They sing in perfect balance and gentle close harmony on Brenda’s acutely personal songs. - froots

18th September: Bob Wood
Bob hails from the west coast of Scotland, but has long been based in London. An accomplished finger-style guitarist, his playing and song interpretations display sensitivity, lightness of touch and great technique. He has performed at clubs and festivals all over the UK and is experienced in organising guitar workshops which cover alternative tunings and song accompaniment.

Bob's repertoire retains firm links with the tradition, but includes an array of contemporary songs and some pipe and harp tunes on the guitar. (£6/£5)

24th September: James Findlay
James comes from a family of folk singers and his enthusiasm lies firmly within the English tradition. He is particularly passionate about songs from his home counties of Dorset, Somerset and Devon. He couples this with an extensive repertoire and love for song that shows through his knowledge and understanding of the material.

James has recently been involved in some high profile projects. These include the recording of songs from 'The New Penguin Book of English Folk Songs' with Lucy Ward, Bella Hardy and Brian Peters; playing 'Little Musgrave' in Jon Boden's folk-opera 'Little Musgrave and Lady Barnard', and also working with the British Council's Folk Nations project in India. James also has two highly acclaimed albums out with Fellside: Sport and Play and Another Day Another Story. The former was in MOJO's list of top ten folk albums of 2012 and the latter was nominated for 'Best Folk Album 2013' in the Spiral Earth Awards. £6/£5

TOPIC NEWS

We are delighted and honoured to tell you that the Topic has been awarded Outstanding Yorkshire Music Club at the Yorkshire Gig Guide Grassroots Awards 2014. We now have a nice engraved plaque which will be on display on club nights. Probably on top of the piano.

A reminder that the new edition of 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