Directions

At: The Merchant Bar, 25 Peckover Street,
Little Germany, Bradford, BD1 5BD Tel: 01274 721100

Est: 1956

Map

Topic Newsletter

TOPIC FOLK CLUB, BRADFORD

At The Merchant Bar, 25 Peckover Street, Little Germany, BD1 5BD

Newsletter No 213 

March 2020 

Well, I'm sure we're all glad to see the back of February: springtime beckons at last, but don't hold your breath in these meteorologically tumultuous times....

A reminder that this is the month the increase in the entry price comes into effect (see the February newsletter): we trust that a visit to the Topic will still be considered  good value for an evening of quality live acoustic music.

5th March:   Singers and musicians. £1. 

12th   March: Bandersnatch.

Bandersnatch perform a wide range of traditional and contemporary folk, roots and acoustic songs from the UK, North America and beyond.

The Band members originate from varied musical backgrounds, and have throughout their individual careers, been involved in all genres of music (opera withstanding). “Multi-instrumentalists” is an understatement: between them they play too many to mention here.

All five members contribute to the unique sound of the band playing a variety of instruments and seamlessly changing from lead vocal to harmonies, a strong feature of the band’s performances. £6/£7

http://www.bandersnatch.co.uk

-----------------------------------------------EDIT

STOP PRESS COVID-19: The Topic programme was interrupted at this point, as this special email explained:

Hello all, I'm sure you knew something like this was coming, sooner or later.....

In the light of the government advice about social distancing, and the need to avoid unnecessary gatherings in pubs and clubs the  Topic has reluctantly decided to suspend its advertised programme with immediate effect. 

There will be no performance this Thursday 19th March, nor for the following Thursdays until further notice. We don't of course know for how long this will be, but we will be keeping the situation under review as far as it affects the club and will of course keep you updated as to any changes.

There's nothing much else to say really at this stage, except to wish you all well at this most difficult time and hope you manage to keep in good health.

Tony Charnock
Topic Folk Club
17th March 2020

-----------------------------------------------EDIT

19th  March: Odette Michell

Odette Michell is a British folk singer-songwriter, guitarist and bouzouki player with a bold new take on the acoustic tradition and a voice capable of demonstrating the finer points of both folk and traditional song with genuine craftsmanship. Her vocal style has been described as "warm, intelligent and sitting comfortably amidst folk guitar in a timeless songwriting style" - and has been compared in similarity to the likes of Sandy Denny and Joni Mitchell.

Born in Yorkshire with an Irish heritage, Odette grew up in a musical household and first picked up the guitar at fifteen. Inspired by the resurgence of folk and acoustic songwriters at the time, she began writing her own songs at the tender age of sixteen.

A dynamic live performer, Odette has recently opened for Phil Beer, Martin Carthy, Reg Meuross and BBC R2 Folk Award Nominees Ninebarrow, and is currently embarking on her first national solo tour in support of her debut album. £6/£7

 One of the brightest new names to have emerged full-grown on the country’s folk scene in recent years – Folk Radio UK

 Odette Michell has the potential to be one of this generation's comparison points... an inspiration – Fatea Magazine

 https://www.odettemichell.com/

26th   March: Steve Pledger

Born in Cambridge, England in1971, Steve grew up in the nearby market town of St Neots. From a very early age, one constant in his life has been music; a love for it, a need to express himself through it and - in more recent years - the opportunity to share his own songs with a growing, wider audience.

His musical influences are many, varied and not always obvious. They include - in no particular order - Graham Parker, Cat Stevens/Yusuf Islam, Rush, Sam Cooke, Martyn Joseph, Van Morrison, Don McLean, Elvis (both of them) and Bruce Springsteen. Add to this a liking for most musical styles - when executed well - and it would be fair to say that he has a wide spectrum of influences informing his own distinct style and approach.

In February 2019, Steve launched On Trust Events, his live music initiative to help make gigs more affordable and accessible to people who may otherwise be prevented from attending gigs due to financial difficulty. You can find out more about this on the OT website. (OT is also on Facebook and Twitter.)  £6/£7

Someone to point out across a crowded room... (his songs are) so authentically expressed, in a voice with genuine appeal, they take a direct route to the heart. (R2)

http://www.stevepledger.co.uk/

NON-TOPIC STUFF

Ryburn 3 Step are holding a Spring Sing event on March 28th at The Malt House, Rishworth, HX6 4QB from midday to 10.30 pm. This will take the form of 3 afternoon sessions of 90 minutes followed by a folk club-style session from 7.30 till 10.30.

Vic Gammon and Will Duke will be special guests but the main business will be songs from the floor.

There will be no fixed admission charge but donations will be welcomed and any profit passed to local good causes.

More information will be available on  www.ryburn3step.org.uk as it becomes available: places can be reserved by emailing  ryburn3step@gmail.com.

The annual Yorkshire Folk Dance Weekend takes place this year from 3rd - 5th July at Drax. I have lots of information including application forms and programme so if you are interested you can contact me or visit http://yfdw.org.uk

Cornish/ Indian folk collaboration.

Here are some details of an unusual project that may be of interest:  

For the past year Cornish folk band The Rowan Tree have been exploring Cornwall's mining history in India as part of an Arts Council funded mixed media project. The band have collaborated with over 60 folk musicians in Cornwall and India to produce an album telling the stories from the mining community at the Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), Southern India. The album was released in February with all profits from sales going to the Cornwall Heritage Trust and the KGF Schools Foundation who provide an education for disadvantaged children at the Kolar Gold Fields . As part of the project the band have released a mini documentary, which is available to watch here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lzg2eqYMcDk 

If anyone would like further information you can contact Laura Fosten: laurafosten@hotmail.co.uk

www.therowantreemusic.com

TOPIC STUFF

MEMBERSHIP

If you would like to become a member of the Topic Folk club it still only costs only £5.00 for the year. Membership 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 The Merchant Bar, 25 Peckover Street, Little Germany BD1 5BD, 8.00 pm start. 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 (though may be limited when we have a booked support act - please check). Please arrive by 7.45 pm if you’d like a slot – it helps the MC to plan the evening. Would-be floor singers please note that for the time being we may change the format of the evening slightly and have all the floor singers at the beginning of the first half to start the night.

It's not set in stone, but it may help the evening run smoothly and ensure that the finish time is strictly adhered to, so that  the necessary furniture moving etc can be attended to. 

To find the Topic on Facebook search for "Topic Fc".

Best wishes

Tony Charnock

Topic Newsletter Editor