Black Swan Folk Club

E-Newsletter 183

6th December 2014

 This is a short newsflash bulletin, mainly to remind you about the extra Churchfitters show on Monday, and to pass on news of three other events which reached me just too late for the last full newsletter.

 
CHURCHFITTERS EXTRA, MONDAY 8th DECEMBER
Anglo-French folk group The Churchfitters are one of our all-time favourite bands, combining top-class musicianship and singing with a wicked sense of fun.  They have royally entertained us twice before at our club venue and have also appeared at the NCEM.  Not surprisingly, their upcoming Thursday night return to the Black Swan Inn sold out several weeks ago, and as they were in the area anyway and had a free night, we agreed to put on a second show this coming Monday.
 
So do consider giving your ears a treat by coming along to see The Churchfitters on Monday, 8th December.  It will run like a normal club night, doors open at 8pm (or sooner), with Phil Cerny acting as MC and a couple of floor singers as well as two full sets by Rosie, Chris and Boris.
 
There will be tickets available on the door on Monday night, or you can guarantee entry by booking in advance through the WeGotTickets online box office.  The price is £11 full or £10 concessions.
 
OTHER REMINDERS
Remember also our special seasonal concert at the National Centre for Early Music on Wednesday, 17th December.  A Medieval Christmas is a light-hearted selection of songs, carols, tales and drama from Yuletides past, performed by historical entertainment troupe Blast From The Past.  Tickets are still available from the NCEM Box Office (01904 658338/www.ncem.co.uk), priced at £12 full, £10 concessions and a family-friendly £5 for under-18s.  It is a 7.30 start and with no support act lasts about ninety minutes plus interval.
 
The club’s customary Christmas Party takes place on Thursday 18th December, running very much like a singers’ night, but with many performers opting to do something seasonal.  Entry is Free, and there is a sociable bring-and-share buffet supper during the extended interval.  There will also be a grand charity raffle in aid of Heart Research UK’s Sing For Your Heart appeal.  Donations of raffle prizes will be much appreciated.  Incidentally, the charity’s fundraising manager is a man called Brian Curran who writes “as an ex York resident I was introduced to music at The Lowther Folk Club many, many years ago”.  Do any old York folk hands out there remember this gentleman?
 
We reopen after the Christmas and New Year holidays on Thursday 8th January, when our guest will be Kieran Halpin.  All our events to June 2015 are now listed on the club website.
 
OTHER YORK EVENTS THIS MONTH
Earlier this year I reported on the setting up of a York Irish Association (E-News 176).  Organiser Brendan Tannam now tells us “we are planning to celebrate Christmas in style with our first ever York Irish Christmas Party, which will consist of a three course meal, an Irish raffle and live music from the brilliant Two Bob”.  The venue is the Bay Horse on Marygate on this coming Friday, 12th December. Tickets cost £19.95 each which covers both food music. For last minute bookings, contact Brendan on yorkirish@yahoo.com or on 07456 327101.
 
Remember also that the very next night, Saturday 13th, the same Bay Horse venue hosts Soundsphere’s tribute to late band member Angela Michel.  Featuring also York’s world music choir Chechelele, the evening is a fundraiser for Medecins Sans Frontières and sees the launch of Heart Felt, a CD of original songs written by Angela before she passed away.  Doors open at 8pm and admission is by donation.
 
Union Jill present their “It’s a Girl!” alternative Christmas show at City Screen Basement Bar on Sunday 21st December.  Opening for Sharon and Helen will be Miles Salter from Root 64.  Doors open at 7.30pm and entry will be £6.
 
The folk club may be closed over the Christmas holiday, but club organiser Chris Euesden will be in action with Bob Dylan tribute band Blonde on Bob.  Always a fun evening, their annual Bob’s Xmas Bash takes place at the Black Swan Inn on Sunday 28th December from 7.30pm.  Tickets are £8 in advance (WeGotTickets or 01904 628442) or £10 on the door
 
That really is all for now. I must go and do those Christmas cards!  You can expect a full length newsletter sometime during the holiday break.