The Comrades Club Regent Street Heckmondwike Friday 18th March Doors open 7:30pm Free Entry!

Join our party!

Hi YGG
The March BAND NIGHT is almost here, and will be a bit special because, although they are all well established, seasoned giggers, all three bands will be stepping onto the BAND NIGHT stage for the very first time!! Oh yes! This makes us very moist with anticipation here at Crown of Lights HQ cos we love having new bands on almost as much as we love pie. And we frickin' LOVE pie. And the bands we've secured for your aural pleasure are some of the very best the region has to offer:
The Bradford 4-pce The Rudiments, renowned for their outstanding, energetic live shows, will bring us indie with a rock'nroll edge.
One of the most popluar bands in the Yorkshire music scene, Ashes are an indie/rock force to be reckoned with. Receiving rave reviews wherever they play, we are very excited to have these talented guys playing for us.
Finishing the night off in lively style will be the irrepressible Geek. Currently recording an album with Alex Eden at the wonderful Factory Street Studios in Bradford, this highly original rock band are not to be missed.
All of this testosterone fuelled rock n such will be interspersed with the slight frame, yet MASSIVE talent of Miss Jade Helliwell. Making a name for herself on the local acoustic circuit, anyone who has seen Jade perform knows that she is bound for very big things. Jade will play both covers and her own fantastic songs between bands.
We've got the goods, you've got the legs, so use em to get down to this fantastic event. As usual, entry is free, yes, FREE I tells yer! Beer is cheap (including real ale) and the venue magnificent.
Be there, or be somewhere rubbish instead!
Pete x
The Comrades Club
Regent Street
Heckmondwike
West Yorks WF16 0HD - 01924 403672 
Friday 18th MarchDoors open 7:30pm   Free Entry!

ST PATRICK'S ACOUSTIC NIGHT SPECIAL THIS THURSDAY!

Join our  

Hi again YGG
ST PATRICK'S ACOUSTIC NIGHT SPECIAL THIS THURSDAY!
We're delighted at the quality acts we've attracted for this, our first ever, St Pat's Acoustic Night Special this Thursday March 17th with awesome fiddle players in two of the bands! Opening and closing the show will be the vibrant five piece THINGAMEJIG from Dewsbury and Holmfirth
Next up is the legendary local folkie BRUCE BAILLIE from Cleckheaton. Great voice, dry wit and beautiful finger picking guitar player.
Then from Leeds and York we have the hugely popular six piece MAHOGANY MONKEY with their own style of exciting folk rock.
And from Batley we have the glamorous JADE HELLIWELL with her distinctive powerful voice accompanied by PETE EARNSHAW and DALTON WRIGHT and performing a mix of modern and traditional Irish songs.
All in all a night to savour and enjoy either with a pint of Guinness or excellent real ale. Comrades Club has an excellent range of drinks to suit all tastes and all at cheap club prices!
As usual for our Acoustic Nights entry is entirely FREE and the venue is FAMILY FRIENDLY.Doors 7:30pm.
Comrades Club, Regent St, Heckmondwike, WF16 0HD. 01924 403672.
 Cheers, or rather Sláinte!
 

IT’S AN ACE WEEKEND…!- The Ace, Nelson

Saturday 19^th March 

Pocket Money Cinema:    Shrek Forever After  (U)

It ain't ogre... till it's ogre!

A bored and domesticated Shrek pacts with deal-maker Rumpelstiltskin to get back to feeling like a real ogre again, but when he's duped and sent to a twisted version of Far Far Away - where Rumpelstiltskin is king, ogres are hunted, and he and Fiona have never met - he sets out to restore his world and reclaim his true love.  Featuring Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz and Eddie Murphy once again!

(Not shown in 3D)

Running time:  88 mins.

Screening at 2pm

Tickets: £2 adults, £2 children.

Saturday 19^th March 

Yamla Pagla Deewana

Moving Pictures Presents: Bom-bazzled

From this month onwards, Moving Pictures will be screening a newly-released Bollywood film each month at The ACE Centre in Nelson.

Join us on Saturday March 19th at 8pm for our first Bom-bazzled evening: the fantastic new comedy 'Yamla Pagla Deewana'.

Authentic Asian snacks will be available from 6pm.

Screening at 8pm

Tickets: £5 each

Sunday 20^th March 

East Lancs Guitar Fair

Including a free draw for all participants!!

WIN a brand new guitar and a full day of recording

@ Studio 11, ACE Centre, Nelson.

+ Fantastic performance and workshop by guitarist Adam Palma

Check him out @:  http://www.adampalma.net/news,en.html

Don't miss out....it's going to be a great guitar fair !!!

And finally … for the singer in you….

Secret Singer’s Choir

No matter what your level of talent or experience, If you love to sing in the shower and are looking for a place to sing with your clothes on, there's a place for you in the Secret Singer’s Choir.

The group will be learning to sing in harmony and will use many different genres: folk songs, shanties, pop, gospel, African, etc

There will be no pressure to perform and all music will be taught by ear.

Singing is a great way to meet people, and to de-stress after the strains of the day, and is helpful in achieving and maintaining a sense of well-being.  !f you would like more information please call Olwyn Pearce, on 0789 1471 404, or email olwyn@naturalvoice.net

IF YOU CAN TALK, YOU CAN SING!

Every Thursday night,

7.30- 9.15pm,

£6 per session, with your first session FREE

 

Who knows, you could be a natural, so come and sing!

Run by Olwyn Pearce, a member of the Natural Voice Practitioners Network

From All of Us at The ACE

Nelson’s best kept secret…

www.acecentre.co.uk

01282 661080

Topic Folk Club Bradford- Gigs April

Floor singers  please sign in by 8.30 on guest nights. 

 Mar 24Lucy Ward

Lucy Ward, a proud Derbyshire lass, plays guitar and has recently taken up the concertina; however she considers her voice to be her first instrument. She has the ability to still an audience with the strength and purity of her voice, which she uses to great effect on the unaccompanied songs that sprinkle her set. Lucy also has a talent for taking songs and investing them with passion and feeling in order to bring about refreshed appreciation from her audiences. Perhaps more important than any of this, though, is that she strikes up an immediate rapport with the audience who remain in the palm of her hand for the whole of her performance. Little wonder then that she was a finalist in the BBC Young Folk Award 2009 – prepare to be entranced!

 

Mar 31 Darren Poyzer & Friends

A Singer and songwriter who combines loving emotion with socio-politics, humour and charisma, Darren Poyzer has starred alongside many great contemporaries to wide and outstanding acclaim. Raised on comedy, performance poetry and an understanding family, he turns the angst of a Thatcher-era teenager into a burst of musical theatre, using little more than voice and acoustic guitar. Working as a special needs music teacher by day has given his songs, stories and performance a new edge and vitality.

Darren works with a wide variety of excellent musicians and some of them will be with him at the Topic tonight to reinforce the message and beauty in his songs.
 

April 2011

Apr 07 Singers & Musicians
  Our ever popular 'first Thursday' Singers & Musicians night for those who like to perform or just listen

Apr 14 Tom Bliss and Phil Wilcox Tom Bliss and Phil Wilcox

Thankfully emerging from a short disappearance from the live music scene, superb songwriter Tom Bliss has teamed up with young accordionist Phil Wilcox to bring a new dimension to his stories in song.

Tom has been compared as a writer with Steve Knightly, Steve Tilston, Jez Lowe, and even Bruce Springsteen(!) with many songs already being mistakenly credited as Trad Arr. His sympathy and enthusiasm for ancient musical forms and language, and his understanding of the craft of songwriting, from show tunes to hymns to pop, coupled with diligent research and attention to detail, made him one of the handful of performers on the folk circuit today whose work is admired by modernist and traditionalist alike.

His live performance has been described as "Astonishingly moving and inspirational..." (Tykes News) so we are delighted to see Tom's return to the Topic and look forward to a very special night.

Apr 21 Jinski Jinski

Based in Newcastle Upon Tyne Jinski are Steve Jinski and Dave Kennedy, two highly individual guitarists/musicians with strong distinctive voices. They have a wealth of great original songs that draw upon acoustic roots and country music whilst remaining resolutely modern. Jinski play songs written by Steve that tell stories of love, joy, loneliness and longing. Intricate, soulful, beautiful songs, foot stomping, sing-a-long, raucous songs; music for the head and the heart, full of passion and originality.

Most importantly they are also consummate entertainers and leave their audiences feeling that the world is a better place!

 

Apr 28 Jason McNiff Jason McNiff

Jason McNiff is an enigmatic character. He is a troubadour and a renowned singer-songwriter. His vocal delivery, guitar playing and lyrical content invite comparisons with Dylan at his mystic best. Those familiar with his three albums tend to club him in with Americana, but there is also a underlying English sensibility - not surprising as he is returning to his home town tonight for an all too rare visit.

Jason is currently preparing a new album for release and will no doubt be previewing material from it

'One of the UK's best kept secrets ' **** MOJO

'Grossly overlooked' TIME OUT

Visit Jason's website www.jasonmcniff.com and come down to the Topic to see what the fuss is all about!

May 2011 
May 05 Singers & Musicians
  Our ever popular 'first Thursday' Singers & Musicians night for those who like to perform or just listen  

May 12 Brother Crow Brother Crow   

Brother Crow are an acoustic duo from Weardale, in the heart of rural North East England, who perform original narrative songs about the people, places and historical events of their local area and beyond. Andrew Davison, who plays six and seven string guitars and ten-string bouzouki, is the duo’s lyricist and main songwriter. He combines powerful rhythm and delicate finger-style to dramatic effect and uses his evocative lyrics and strong sense of narrative to paint imaginative pictures for the audience. Graeme Carroll is an accomplished mandolin player and accompanist. His playing has a complexity which combines affection for traditional tunes/playing with a modern melodic style.

Brother Crow’s live performances have been described as intense, captivating, haunting and passionate. The dark nature of some of their songs being counter-balanced by a strong stage presence, a natural sense of humour and fun and a deep knowledge of their subject matter.

Really nice guys too!

May 19 Hut People Hut People

The Hut People are Sam Pirt (accordion) and Gary Hammond (percussion). They started playing together in 2008 and perform tunes from around the world to the delight and astonishment of their audiences (they received standing ovations and were voted Best Band two years running at the major Musicport world music festival). Sam has been involved in folk music since childhood and is currently also a member of 422. Gary was a member of The Beautiful South and also features as a percussionist in a number of world music and jazz line ups.

Together they are unique and wonderful and we feel very privileged to be welcoming them to the Topic. Don't miss them!

May 26 Rodney Branigan Rodney Branigan 

Rodney calls his music ”progressive folk fusion,” but that doesn’t do it justice. Clearly, he’s invented a new genre –– one that blends rock, folk, flamenco, madrigal, classical, bluegrass and jazz –– and, it all works. Most of his performance features instrumentals that are driving, thumping monsters. Often playing three instruments at once –– two guitars (a 12-string and 6-string) and a tambourine –– his musical facility is so awe-inspiring it will leave you breathless. The vocal pieces are just as strong, but more reflective. Rodney plays music so compelling that you have to listen to it. It stuns the audience and hushes the room.

Witness a very rare talent indeed on his first visit to the Topic.

THE BAND FORMERLY KNOWN AS CHICKENHAWK ANNOUNCE CHANGE OF NAME AND FUTURE PLANS:

 Hi YGG,

THE BAND FORMERLY KNOWN AS CHICKENHAWK ANNOUNCE CHANGE OF NAME AND FUTURE PLANS:

Following a hugely successful 2010 which saw Leeds quartet Chickenhawk release their critically acclaimed debut album 'Modern Bodies' and play any stage and festival that the UK had available (including a storming tour with Alexisonfire), from this moment onwards, the band formally known as Chickenhawk are changing their name to Hawk Eyes. Below is a statement from the band:

 "When we named our band Chickenhawk after the book by Robert Mason, we never really, like most bands probably, thought things would go as far as they have done for us!," explains singer Paul. "So, only now that we have a possible US and European release of Modern Bodies forthcoming, a new album being recorded in March and us trying to get our own website up, it's appeared that we can't get certain rights and/or any of the domain names we wanted to for Chickenhawk!! Frustrating, but, these are the breaks! So with no further delay, we have simply chosen to drop the Chicken, move Hawk to the front and add Eyes! Simple! Everything stays the same."

The band start recording a new album this month at Ghost Town in Leeds with Ross Halden (Pigeon Detectives, Forward Russia) and then Jason Sanderson (The Plight and Rolo Tomassi).

"The new album will sound a lot different to Modern Bodies" says guitarist Rob. "There's heavier parts, lighter parts, more melody. Our intention is to make a progression not 'Modern Bodies' part two."

 New Hawk Eyes links below:

WebFacebook
Bandcamp Myspace Twitter Youtube Blog Soundcloud

www.brewrecords.net

--
I'n other news we have a large array of live gigs coming up, check them out:

1st April 2011 - Earth & Sabbath Assembley - The Well, Leeds
6th April 2011 - Crippled Black Phoenix & Gallops - 6th April - Brudenell Social, Leeds
15th April 2011 - Retox (The Locust), Chickenhawk & Humanfly - The Well, Leeds
19th May 2011 Narrows & Special Guests - Brudenell Social - Leeds

Thanks!

Tom

A thrilling exciting night of music at BOMnight, Pulse Bar, Barnsley, March 10- review

What an exciting thrilling night at the Pulse Bar on Thursday, 10th March, with four brilliant bands pounding out furious loud indie rock and an audience that stamped and pulsed, the wooden floor vibrating with the solid rhythmic gyrations. Audience and bands alike fused into one awesome performance.
 First up was The Northern Swagger, young and raw with an appreciative screaming jostling audience, then came Scarlet Sunset and the crush of crowd pressed into the band, the lead singer disappearing into a screaming gyrating mass of bodies. The band responded engaging with its fans  throwing out energetic optimistic and uplifting rock harmonies. The lead singer on a knife edge state of hyperactivity then drummer Amanda cranked up the rhythm as the band connected with the crowds energy arms waving bodies writhing the audience just lost in love with Scarlet Sunset.
Manchester band Still Down Gill were next, with a versatile earthy bluesy psychedelic sound, with changes of pace from full throttle rock to subtle slow harmonies and melody and a lovely blend of voice harmonies.
The Tipsy lions finished the night in style taking the screaming crowd to a thrilling climax, with subtle guitaring rhythmic percussion and powerful gritty expressive vocals that had depth, height and soul the band combined with a full throttle presence.
A brilliant night at BOMnights, The Pulse Bar in Barnsley, definitely- definitely- definitely a place to visit!!

Andrew Sugden
YorkshireGigGuide

BOMnight Facebook

Lancashire Hotpots coming to Leeds

The Lancashire Hotpots are currently in the studio recording their new album and are also touring, including a gig in Leeds:

Sat 23 April @ The Well, Chorley Lane, Leeds , LS3 1AB
TEL: 0113 244 0474
www.thewellleeds.com
Doors at 19:00 Expected finish time 22:30
Ticket price - £12

www.myspace.com/thelancashirehotpots

The Lancashire Hotpots are now complete and recording a new album with their new 5 piece line up.

Joining Bernard, Bob and Dickie on stage are new band members Kenny Body and Billy McCartney.

The all new line up sees them expand their fold as they promise more quality parody tunes and top-notch performances.

Audiences never leave a Lancashire Hotpots gig disappointed, with a top night of quality entertainment guaranteed, and had, by all!

“Genuine wonderful comedy….they really are the best comedy band on the circuit.”  Music News

“You won’t find another band like this, I promise!” BBC R2 Steve Lamacq

” If the world, radio and charts had these boys on a bit more often, this grumpy and wet country might just be a brighter place to live.….Top performance.”

All Gigs live review

Last years “Ooh Me Knees Tour”, a sit down theatre tour for those with creaky joints (!), was such a success playing out to sell out audiences at venues across the NW, that an “Ooh Me Knees Tour II” another was confirmed for this summer. This again was a success and saw them play to massive crowds at Blackpool Pier and Lancaster Grand Theatre to name but a couple.

With 4 successful albums behind them, ‘Never Mind The Hotpots’ and ‘Pot Sounds’ both having reached No. 1 in the iTunes comedy download charts and No: 2 in the BBC6 Music album charts, the fabulous and funny ‘Christmas Cracker’ and their most recent (May 2010) and best album so far that seen them raise the bar once again “Criminal Record”, a live DVD and numerous singles to their name, an appearance on GMTV and Granada TV, a live session with BBC6 Music Steve Lamacq, the Lancashire Hotpots continue to draw massive crowds and national support from all quarters of the musical spectre.

They also supported ardent fan Paddy McGuinness on his 2008 ‘Paddy McGuinness Plus You’ tour, taking in 18 dates and performing to more than 20,000 people. 

With national radio play and support from BBC R2 Chris Evans, BBC R2 and 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq along with numerous regional radio support, and because of their no nonsense approach to comedy and fun, the band have acquired a massive national following. They have already graced the stages on many sold out venues including the 02 Academy Liverpool, Bull and Gate, London, Glastonbury, Solfest and Y Not Festivals to name but a few. 2010 looks set to be another cracking year with their recent album release, crowd pleasing summer festival appearances, their theatre tour and with more planned single and EP releases in the Autumn…the fun continues.

”The Spinal Tap of folk bands”  Paddy McGuinness

”Glastonbury 2009 performance - One of my most enjoyable gigs of the year”  Steve Lamacq – BBC 6 Music

'”The sexiest band in the world”  Arthur Smith, The Smith Lectures, BBC Radio 2

“Masters of parody” The Guardian

“It’s impossible not to giggle…and this CD (Christmas Cracker) will make a fine substitute for exchanging cracker gags”
BBC Music Reviews

“Parody tunes that leave you chuckling…the perfect antidote to the modern disease of cynicism….great comedy to brighten your day!” 5/5 Skiddle

“Pure comedy. The Lancashire Hotpots have mastered the art of comedic rhyming and have become experts of parody.”

Floatation Suite

“The group is a collection of expert songwriters in the parody genre….how talented these guys are…superb.

The UK’s premier parodic musical act.” The Line of Best Fit

“The Hotpots have all the right ingredients for a “reet” good laugh….good, old fashioned folk music which is hilarious throughout….sheer fun and exuberance.” Blackpool Gazette

”Britain's finest comedy musical act of the 21st Century" Designer Magazine

TOUR DATES

26th February 2011
Venue information
53 Degrees
Brook Street
Preston
PR1 7BQ
TEl: 01772 893 000
www.53degrees.net
Doors at 19:30 Expected finish time 22:45
Ticket price - £12
-------------------------
Sat 5th March 2011
Venue information
The Citadel
Waterloo Street
St Helens
WA10 1PX
TEL: 01744 735 436
http://www.citadel.org.uk
Doors at 20:00 Expected finish time 22:45
Ticket price - £10
------------
Sat 2nd April 2011
Venue information
The Witchwood
152 Old Street
Ashton Under Lyne
OL6 7SF
TEL: 0161 344 0321
www.thewitchwood.net
Doors at 19:30 Expected finish time 22:30
Ticket price - £12

---------------
Fri 15 April 2011
Venue information
The Soundhouse
Ash St
Bolton
BL2 1DG
TEL: 01204 389 360
www.thesoundhouse.co.uk
Doors at 19:30 Expected finish time 22:30
Ticket price - £12
---------------

Sat 23 April 2011
Venue information
The Well
Chorley Lane
Leeds
LS3 1AB
TEL: 0113 244 0474
www.thewellleeds.com

Doors at 19:00 Expected finish time 22:30
Ticket price - £12

-------------------
7 May, Holmfirth Picturedrome

Supporting The Bad Shepherds
------------------------------

Sat 14th May 2011
Venue information
O2 Academy Liverpool
11-13 Hotham Street
Liverpool
L3 5UF
TEL: 0151 707 3200
www.o2academyliverpool.co.uk
Doors at 19:00 Expected finish time 22:30
Ticket price - £12
-------------------
Friday 1 July

The Lowry Theatre
Pier 8,
Salford Quays
M50 3AZ
Tel: 0843 208 6000
http://www.thelowry.com
Doors at 19:30 Expected finish time 22:30
Ticket price - £12.50

--------------------------------
Sat 2nd July 2011
Venue information
Grand Theatre
St Leonardgate
Lancaster
LA1 1NL
TEL: 01524 64695
www.lancastergrand.co.uk
Doors at 19:30 Expected finish time 22:30
Tickets: £12.50/£10 conc.
--------------------------------------------
Sat 9th July 2011
Venue information
The Met
Market Street
Bury
BL9 0BW
TEL: 0161 761 2216
http://themet.biz
Doors at 20:00 Expected finish time 22:30
Ticket price - £12
======================
Fri 14th July 2011

Venue Information
The Grand Theatre
18 York Street
Clitheroe
BB7 2DL
Tel: 01200 421599
http://www.thegrandvenue.co.uk 

Doors at 19:00 Expected finish time 22:30
Ticket Price - £12 Standing / £14 Seated