Glyde House, Glydegate, Bradford BD5 0BQ
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Topic Newsletter

TOPIC FOLK CLUB, BRADFORD

At Glyde House, Glydegate, Bradford BD5 0BQ

Newsletter No 196  - October 2018 

Hello all, 

Mellow fruitfulness abounds, the nights are drawing in rapidly now and there's a cracking line-up at the Topic over the next month. Well, isn't there always....?

4th October : Singers and musicians.  

11th  October  : The Hometowners
A return visit to the Topic from these four lads (er, let’s say mature lads) from over t’border (the Lancashire/Yorkshire border, that is). A new line-up (well, slightly) but expect the same songs, humour and anecdotes, some of which may have a grain of truth….banter, and some serious and not so serious musical offerings, particularly of the Irish variety.

18th  October  : Bella Gaffney & Polly Bolton
Bradford’s own Bella has teamed up with superb mandolin player Polly from East Yorkshire to form a stunning duo that is taking the acoustic music scene by storm, and deservedly so.

Celtic Connections Danny Kyle Award winner Bella Gaffney writes folk inspired songs which she performs along with her own original arrangements of traditional pieces. Bella released her second album Heaven Knows in the summer, and has supported folk luminaries including Jon Boden, Cara Dillon and Altan. She has appeared at festivals including Celtic Connections, Southwell Folk Festival, Bromyard folk festival, Moseley Folk Festival, Beverley Folk Festival, HebCelt and many more. She is known for her solo performances and until recently has been part of the energetic and talented young folk band, Midlands-based Bric-a-Brac.


York-based Polly Bolton first picked up the mandolin as a child and has been touring internationally in various line ups since her early teens. She is one third of progressive bluegrass / acoustic trio Stillhouse and she has performed at festivals including Wilderness, Boomtown Fair, Deer Shed, Festa do Avante! (Portugal), Beverley Folk Festival, Musicport, Towersey and Broadstairs Folk Week, as well as support slots with Tcha Limberger & Mozes Rosenberg, LAU and Hot Club of Cowtown.  

This is without doubt a partnership made in heaven: as well as their outstanding musical talents they exhibit a joy of playing together which transmits itself to their audience. 

Bella and Polly are joined tonight by Sarah Smout on cello and Holly Brandon on violin. This is set to be a superb night.

25th October: The Foxglove Trio
The Foxglove Trio seek out lesser-known traditional and contemporary folk songs and, with care and creativity, transform them into moments of breathtaking beauty. Since forming in 2010 these talented musicians have built a powerful signature sound based on Patrick Dean’s bold melodeon playing, Cathy Mason’s intricate cello lines and Ffion Mair’s clear, soaring vocals. They add variety through vocal harmonies (in English and Welsh), guitar, bodhran and an extra cello. The trio have been captivating audiences around the country with their imaginative arrangements, passionate performances and an intriguing repertoire which ranges from subtly political contemporary songs to jaunty Yorkshire tales and soulful Welsh laments.

A fresh, modern folk sound... this is a group that uses tradition in the best way possible - to create something new and beautiful -  Songlines (Tim Woodall)

The Foxglove Trio are one of the most distinctive of today's young ensembles - fRoots (David Kidman) 

NON-TOPIC EVENTS: THE BRIAN LAWTON LEGACY PROJECT.

A reminder about this ongoing project concerning photographs taken by Brian Lawton which cover much of the history of folk music and folk festivals in West Yorkshire. It’s well worth visiting the website http://www.brianlawtonproject.org.uk, to which new material is being added on a regular basis.

TOPIC STUFF

(You will hardly need reminding again about the club's new start/finish times, 8 pm to 10.30 pm.....)

In September we bid farewell to Guy Killingbeck and Steve Carr who have gone to live in Wales. Guy served the Topic indefatigably, as committee member and door-person for many years,Steve was a regular attender on club nights. We wish them well in their new home and hope we will see then again from time to time if they visit Bradford.

USUAL 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 Glyde House, Glydegate, Little Horton Lane  BD5 0BQ, 8.30 pm start. (Singers & Musicians nights normally start at 8.15 pm). 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, though may be limited when we have a booked support act - please check. 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