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. 153 - February 2015

Hello all,

Hope you're all keeping warm in the current cold snap. One thing you can be certain of is a warm welcome at Glyde House over the next few Thursdays, when the Topic will be  presenting some hot music. Take a look:

5th February: Singers and Musicians
8.15 pm start. Free entry

12th February: Jinski
Based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, Jinski are two highly individual guitarists/musicians, Dave Kennedy and Steve Wegrzynski with strong distinctive voices and a wealth of original songs that draw upon acoustic roots and the singer/songwriter tradition whilst remaining resolutely modern: intricate, soulful, beautiful songs, foot-stomping, sing-along, raucous songs, music for the head and for the heart, songs that tell stories capturing the mundane and magic in everyday life.  £6/£5

19th February: Gerry McNeice Band
Otley-based Gerry McNeice, a firm local favourite, has been performing for over 30 years in different genres, now firmly rooted in the local folk scene. He has appeared at the Topic in various collaborations: the band will, no doubt, be performing a mixture of Gerry’s own songs, traditional songs and some material written by his contemporaries. £6/£5

26th February: Broom Bezzums
Based on Anglo – Celtic traditions, Broom Bezzums’ music is flavoured by Andrew’s Northumbrian homeland and the formidable rock heritage of Mark’s Black Country roots. Andrew’s Northumbrian pipes are the most obvious local reference, while his fiddle playing is heavily influenced by neighbouring Scottish styles. Mark, a seasoned drummer, learned to play the guitar and mandola in his years as a stalwart of the Cork session scene. Live, the rhythmical element is expanded on more dynamic numbers with guitar-tapping, tambourine-stamping and a foot drum.

As singers, their full but very different voices harmonise to a surprisingly dense fusion. The tales in their own compositions and in their versions of traditional songs hark back to their itinerant lifestyles, political alienation and the love stories. £6/£5

TOPIC NEWS

A  SONG FOR THE TOPIC

As mentioned in the last newsletter, THE TOPIC SONG is a chance for fun and creativity, a cost free way of celebrating our 60th anniversary and would be a valuable shared experience for Topic members and others who patronise the club. We could include poems as well, short stories perhaps.

No rules no prizes (apart from praise).  These “Topic Songs” could played on Singers and Musicians nights and floor spots throughout 2015, even collaborated on so that it is a group effort.

We will have to set a cut off date which could be Spring 2016 and plan what to do with what we have, 

Maybe look towards a grand performance in the Autumn.

Food for thought: you can be sure that 2016 will soon be here. Just get writing, and amaze yourself. And us.

Other news

Topic stalwart John Waller has recently produced a CD of him "Covering the Classics" - 20 tracks in all, more than half which date from the 1960's or earlier, but with one or two slightly newer ones. He is making them available for a £4 contribution towards the cost of their production. If you'd like a copy just ask discreetly at the box office next time you're down for a Topic gig.

Holidays...an interesting idea.

If you fancy a short break with a difference, or are planning a holiday on the south-west in the spring you could spend two days on Dartmoor (14th/15th April) which will include, among many activities, folk singing, open mic and a gig with the legendary Phil Beer. For more details email Daf Edwards on dafedwards53@gmail.com or see the poster which will be on display on club nights from hereon.

Usual stuff

For performers who may be thinking of approaching the club for a booking, please note that the bookings organiser is 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 8.15 pm 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  
Topic Folk Club

tocharn@gmail.co.uk