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

Est: 1956

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Topic Newsletter Archive

Newsletter No 261 - March 2024

_{Hello all, Spring is about to spring (hopefully!), that's not the only good news: there's our programme for the coming month as well.....}

_{Here it is:}

_{7th March: Singers and musicians   (£1 entry)}

_{14th  March  : Plumhall}

_{As most of you familiar with the acoustic music scene, especially Topic-goers, will know, PLUMHALL (Michelle Plum and Nick B Hall) are critically-acclaimed songwriters, who use a mesmerising combination of acoustic and electric instruments to create breathtaking soundscapes to their powerful original songs. They are renowned for their exquisite vocal harmonies and excellent musicianship.}

_{Their two studio albums, Thundercloud and The Ghost of Noise, earned the duo many plaudits including a “Hidden Gem” award from The Guardian/Observer.}

_{PLUMHALL's live prowess has seen the duo invited to sing onstage with Al Stewart on several occasions, including unforgettable appearances at London’s Palladium and Cadogan Hall. They have also performed alongside other such luminaries as Larry Campbell (Bob Dylan guitarist/Levon Helm producer/instrumentalist), Phil Beer (Show of Hands) and many more. Both Michelle and Nick have separately toured internationally as members of Chumbawamba/Chris Norman Band and Magna Carta respectively.}

_{In 2018 Nick and Michelle caught the attention of film-maker Richard Heap, who asked them to write an original song for, arrange live acoustic music for, and appear in the 2020 international feature film The Runaways.}

_{The duo have achieved incredible success during lockdowns by holding livestream shows, which brought together a worldwide online community that supported one another throughout the crisis. This same community helped to create a stunning accompanying video for PLUMHALL's song A Darkness That Won't Leave The House, which was featured on the late Janice Long's BBC show.}

_{A fine duo...go and see them if you get the chance - Steve Knightley - Show of Hands}

_{Their chemistry as a duo makes them special with sumptuous vocal harmonies and telepathic guitar interactions. Michelle is one of the UK’s leading chanteuses. Nick is a consummate storyteller, powerful vocalist and exceptional guitarist. - Dave Scott - Blues In Britain Magazine}

_{A superduo...a wealth of talent...a real sense of passion and attack - Fatea Magazine}

_{https://www.plumhallmusic.com/}

_{https://www.wegottickets.com/event/607913}

_{21st  March  : Singers and musicians   (£1 entry)}

_{28th  March  :  Joe Topping. Support Robert Lane (A change to the original programme as Crowes Pasture have had to cancel their UK tour)}

_{Described by Sir Tom Jones as “a Weaver of Dreams”, Joe Topping is a folk singer and multi-instrumentalist from Liverpool whose singing and guitar playing regularly moves listeners to tears. His charismatic stage presence and engaging stories have entertained audiences all over the country and across Europe, including live sessions on BBC Radio 2, ITV television, The National Film Awards and a showcase at SXSW in Texas.}

_{He has played on stage and in the studio with many legends of the British folk scene including Andy Irvine and members of Fairport Convention, toured as stand in lead vocalist in the BBC2 award winning “Best live Act” Home Service, and was a member of Ashley Hutching’s Rainbow Chasers.}

_{Joe had our capacity audience in the palm of his hand before the end of the first number. Great songs, fab voice and a very engaging manner - a highlight of our festival- John Watterson, Programme Director, Harmony Voyages/Costa Festivals}

_{https://joetoppingmusic.com/}

_{Support: Robert Lane}

_{Robert Lane is a musician, songwriter and actor based in the UK. He has toured extensively and released four albums. His most recent album Homeworking was released in late 2022 and was described by Fatea Magazine as “one of the best, and certainly most enjoyable albums of the year.”}

_{As an actor he works in theatre and film and is a founding member of short form comedy improvisation group Improv Wolves. Robert is also the host of The Robert Lane Creative Careers Podcast where he chats to creatives including musicians, songwriters, actors, writers, comedians and journalists about their careers and how they create their work.}

_{His momentum is building and his playing skills are very strong... an interesting release that enhances a growing reputation as Robert Lane continues to hone his signature sound - Lonesome Highway}

_{https://www.robertlanemusic.co.uk/}

_{https://www.wegottickets.com/event/609426}

_{Topic ZOOMS}

_{Joy Leach has submitted the following}

                                                                                        _{SPRINGTIME ZOOM MARCH 2024}

_{This is an invitation to join the Topic Zoom on Monday March 18th, just ahead of the Spring Equinox. Performers and audience members from far and near are welcome. As previously, the digital doors will open at 7.30 for an 8pm start & the programme will run till 10pm. Singers, musicians and poets can all take part. Any further enquiries about participating, pass codes for each evening etc, please email:}

_{joy.utistugu.49.5.8@gmail.com}

_{For anyone interested in recent history – we are now into the 4th year of Zooming. Many thanks to all those who contribute to make them happen, month by month}

_{THE TOPIC AND BRADFORD CITY OF CULTURE 2025}

_{A reminder (there will be many!!) that we are involved in one of the cultural events in the run up to Bradford City of Culture 2025 as per the following:}

_{Folk Songs for Bradford District - Person and Place: Creating Songs about People and Places of Bradford District.}

_{This ambitious project is by no means limited to the usual participants in the acoustic music scene: if you know of anyone outside our orbit who might be interested in being involved, please let them know about it, nay, encourage them.}

_{NON-TOPIC STUFF}

_{On Monday March 4th 2024, Liz Narey's First Monday Folk welcomes Saskia Griffiths-Moore, creative singer/composer, creator of Talent is Timeless. Flyer attached.}

_{Venue:The Ryshworth Club, Keighley Road,Crossflatts, BD16 2HD.}

_{Doors 7 pm. No entry fee. Raffle and donation. Music from 7.30pm} 

_{As mentioned previously Cleckheaton Folk Festival is back this year,  with the usual star-studded line-up. make a note of the dates, 5th, 6th and 7th July 2024, visit:}  

_{www.cleckheatonfolkfestival.org for details and updates.}

 _{As things stand, it will be the final one, so don't miss!!}

_{Katie Spencer is playing at Black Dyke Mills Heritage Venue in Queensbury on Saturday 9th March at 7.30 pm.}

_{https://www.blackdykemills.org/}

_{Buck Inn: Muppett's next Buck Inn session is back at the Buck Inn on 10th March, 1pm - 4 pm. It's the last one until  October, though there is going to be a "Summer Reunion" on Sunday 9th June 2pm - 5pm to keep the pot boiling, as it were.} 

_{Other news from the Dales:}

_{Dancing in the Dales: On Saturday March 2nd at Grassington Town Hall 7pm - 10pm Traditional Dales Village Dancing with Buttered Peas, caller Terry Evans.}

_{On Saturday March 30th at Ripley Town Hall 7pm - 10 pm Dancing Around the Dales with The No Lazy Dancing Dance Band, callers Pete Coe and Peter Barnard.}

_{Flyers attached}

_{For details of all these Dales items visit https://dales-music-and-dance-collective.org.uk/} 

_{TOPIC STUFF}     

_{Many thanks to those who came along to Tom Bliss and Den Miller's charity night on 22nd February. It was a splendid evening and we raised over £500 on the night for Tom's charity, the MS Society. Tom was absolutely delighted with the sum raised.}

_{As I'm sure you're now aware, guest nights as well as singers & musicians  nights are now held in the downstairs bar. Please note that doors will now open at 7 pm to enable the seating arrangements to be completed for the evening.}

_{For those of you wishing to partake of drinks that are only available from the upstairs bar, would you please go upstairs to purchase them, as the bar staff are not able to leave their bar area. When doing so, it would be much appreciated if you would try to leave and come back between songs, as is normal folk club etiquette.}

_{Remember that we now accept (indeed prefer) payment by card, but you can of course pay by cash if that suits you better.}

_MEMBERSHIP  

_{Membership of the Topic Folk Club - still only £5 - runs from 1st January and entitles you 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. You can join or renew your membership on any club night.} 

                                                                                   _{---------------------------}

_{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.}

_{The Topic runs on Thursdays at Groove Pad, 48 Saltaire Road, Shipley BD18 3HN, doors will open at 7 pm with a 7.30 pm start and a target time of 10pm to finish. 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 are hoping we can count on you for your continued support.}

_{Floor singers are always welcome (though may be limited if we have a booked support act - please check). Please arrive by 7.15 pm if you’d like a slot – it helps the MC to plan the evening.} 

_{Please continue to take Covid precautions when visiting the club.}

_{Tony Charnock}

_{Topic Folk Club}