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

Est: 1956

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Topic Newsletter Archive

Newsletter No 233 - November 2021    

Hello everyone,

I'm sending this a bit early as we have some IMPORTANT NEWS FOR YOU.

At last, after a frustrating few months, we can tell you that the Topic has a new home, one that we hope our regulars will agree ticks most of the necessary boxes, and perhaps more besides. The venue will be Groove Pad, 48 Saltaire Road, Shipley BD18 3HN: it’s a bar/coffee lounge on two floors. The Topic will have exclusive use of the downstairs coffee lounge area on Thursday nights. The bar upstairs serves a fine selection of drinks and does table service to the cafe area if required.

Groove Pad Shipley is the second of Andy Parkinson’s establishments, the Otley Groove Pad having been open for some years. The Shipley site opened in August 2021. Passionate about all kinds of music, Andy is a musician himself (he is a member of the local folk-rock band Summercross), so is sensitive to the needs (and whims!) of performers. The venue hosts many music events: gigs usually in the upstairs bar, and teaching sessions and other musical activities downstairs on other nights. Andy has generously offered to help with organising on-site pa if it is ever required: he has really gone the extra mile for us on several fronts, nothing seems to be too much trouble, it's most appreciated. He will also advertise our events through his own channels. Hopefully this may well help generate some new interest  in the Topic.

Groove Pad is situated next to the Aagrah Restaurant on Saltaire Road. Easy street parking is available nearby and it’s only a few minutes walk from Shipley train station and the bus terminus.

Groove Pad Shipley facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groovepadshipley/

This has only recently been finalised, but thanks to a superlative effort on the part of our bookings secretary we can give you details of our hastily arranged programme for the rest of the year (see below). Rebooking cancelled slots and booking new ones will all take time as performers are no doubt hastily rearranging their scheduling and tours. 

For the time being at least we will be having fewer guest nights and more singers/musicians nights.

PLEASE NOTE WE WILL BE TRIALLING AN EARLIER START OF 7.30 PM, WITH A VIEW TO FINISHING LATEST 10.15 PM

Here is the programme for the rest of 2021: as you will see the focus is mainly on local performers.

4th November      Singers and musicians

11th November   Stuart Douglas
A fourth visit to the Topic for this unpretentious local favourite with his remarkable talent for heartfelt delivery of thoughtful songs. With his vast repertoire of classic, contemporary and occasionally comical material Well-received wherever he performs. He is an ideal local person to open our long-awaited return season. £7/£6

18th November:  Singers and musicians

25th November: Katie Spencer
Katie Spencer is a singer-songwriter and guitarist from Yorkshire who writes songs imbued with the Northern landscapes of her home. Originally from Hull, East Yorkshire, the grainy imagery of the industrial docks and sea-fronts seep into her deeply personal songs of nostalgia, loss and love.

The music, and most notably her guitar playing stems from a time when the steel-stringed instrument was truly finding its voice. Artists like Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and perhaps most evidently John Martyn, flow into her sound, carrying with them the warmth and idealism of the early 70’s folk and songwriter movements.   £7/£6
https://www.katiespencer.net

2nd December:  Singers and musicians (preceded by the club's AGM)

9th December: Painted Sky (Holly and George Brandon)
Painted Sky have only recently emerged onto the UK folk scene, but they have already made a lasting impression with their progressive acoustic sound. Original material thoughtfully balances the duo’s roots in traditional English music. They seamlessly blend tunes from further afield too, from the complex rhythms of Eastern Europe to the fiddle stomping tunes of Quebec, to create a distinct and borderless synthesis of contemporary folk.

 Siblings George Brandon (guitar/vocal) and Holly Brandon (fiddle/vocal) have been playing together for as long as they can remember. Recently both have worked on independent projects, with George performing solo and Holly, perhaps best known for being one quarter of transatlantic folk band, The Magpies. But the siblings are always drawn back to each other’s playing and their lifelong musical history is reflected in tight-knit instrumentals and harmonies. Their songs are characterised by honest vocals and timeless storytelling, underpinned by driving rhythms. Whilst their exquisite instrumentals weave delicate finger-picking guitar and soaring fiddle with a dynamic energy.  
 
Painted Sky have played live shows around the UK, with festival highlights including performances at Towersey Festival, Edlefest and Thame Town Music Festival. Painted Sky released their debut EP - Dawn - on August 1st a showcase of their live act and progressive blend of traditional and original material.    £7/£6
https://paintedskyfolk.weebly.com/

16th December: Singers and musicians

23rd December:  Crickmore Crewe (Christmas Show)
Crickmore: Crewe is a four piece band who, each December, perform a programme of Gallery Carols and Christmas Curios.The programme of festive songs they perform is drawn from different sources, many familiar, some not so, but all designed to conjure a rustic atmosphere. Their seasonal vocals are complemented by a selection of instruments including vintage harmonium, mandolin, guitar, whistle and percussion.  £7/£6
https://www.facebook.com/CrickmoreCrew/

---------------------------------------

On guest nights, floor singers are always welcome, especially in the first half, though may be limited when we have a booked support act - please check. Please try to get there by 7.15 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".

Topic Folk Club website: www.topic-folk-club.org.uk

 

NON-TOPIC STUFF

Peace & Craft Fair 27th November

I have been asked to pass this on to anyone interested in performing at this always enjoyable and worthwhile event:

QUOTE

Places left for Musicians to perform Sat Nov 27th, Peace & Craft Fair 2021 in aid of Yorkshire Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament at Victoria Hall, Saltaire. Fundraiser so no fee. Contact Keith via music@yorkshirecnd.org.uk; 

Peace & Craft Fair 2021 – Yorkshire Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament

Also see:

https://m.facebook.com/events/victoria-hall/saltaire-peace-craft-fair-2021/342279544172148/

Thanks for your support

UNQUOTE

 

Other stuff

The committee has had to make a few decisions: firstly the AGM will be held as previously stated on 2nd December. This will be in-person at Groove Bar. Information and the usual details will be circulated separately, a bit nearer the time.

Secondly, existing members will have their membership extended until 31st August 2022. This is to make up for the fact that they paid full subs just before the lockdown in 2020 and obviously haven't had the benefits of full membership since then. Any new members from now on will pay a nominal sum, then the full amount will be due from everyone from 1st September 2022.

(In the meantime however, a gentle reminder that donations however small to help our financial state in the intervening period are always welcome!).

For anyone who would like to join the Topic Folk Club, membership 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. 

For performers who may be thinking of approaching the club for a booking, please email: info4topic@gmail.com

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.

So, here we go, a new chapter for the Topic Folk Club. As always - but more so - we will be grateful for your support. Here's to the future of the Topic. It starts here....

Tony Charnock

Topic Folk Club

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