Our August Concert

Due to myself and Rebecca having to work away last month we were unable to run a concert and instead changed what would have been a concert night to a practice night. We were working for two weeks near Winchester but from what we heard a good time was had by all. Thanks go to to Colin Ensor for over-seeing the running of the night and Ann Parker for setting up the Tea and Coffee facilities. Myself and Rebecca were working at a Technology Summer Camp for kids teaching Games Design and yes I did take my accordion with me. For one of the evenings I played in the communal area, some of the kids were fascinated by the accordion with one boy asking if I really was playing it and I had to remove my hand from the keyboard to prove that I really was playing the accordion, most other kids were clapping along to the music and really enjoying the sound. I think it was an eye opener for the kids who are normally brought up on music arriving via CD’s, downloads or on tv. With having a break from a concert for a month I have booked Walter Perrie to play for us at Leyland this week with a special concert featuring a wide range of music but also a tribute to the late Gervasio Marcosignori which promises that some great well known Italian music will be heard. I am looking forward to Wednesday night and hope you can make it to support Walter

David Batty

 

This Wednesday

This Wednesday we have a great night of accordion music featuring Walter Perrie playing a wide range of music including a tribute to Marcosignori. This is going to be a great night of music and one not to be missed. Please bring along any family or friends who might like a night out. The doors are open at 7.30 for 8pm. If you see someone you don’t normally talk to then please introduce yourself, you might make a new friend.

 

Christmas

Its now that time of year when its time to brush up on your Christmas tunes in time for all those bookings, parties and requests for someone who can play Christmas carols. Its better to start now than to get to December before you start thinking about dusting off those annual favourites ready for the festive period.

 

New Sunday Train Service To Ribble Valley

A new winter Sunday train service is set to be launched between Preston and Hellifield in North Yorkshire. Northern Rail, in partnership with Community Rail Lancashire, have organised the ‘Ribble Valley Rambler’, which will operate from Sunday, September 15 through to Sunday, May 11 next year. The service operates two return trips between Blackpool North and Preston and Hellifield via Clitheroe and connects into services on the Settle to Carlisle line at Hellifield. It will offer passengers the opportunity to enjoy the scenery of the Ribble Valley and Yorkshire Dales from autumn through to spring. The Ribble Valley Rambler has been designed to provide a short day out and allow enough time to enjoy a walk or to explore towns such as Blackburn, Clitheroe, Settle or Appleby. Richard Watts, partnership secretary, said: “This is an exciting new service offering the opportunity to see the beautiful Ribble Valley and Settle Carlisle line during the picturesque seasons. “A supporting programme of events has been developed including tours around Whalley Abbey and Ribblehead Viaduct, guided walks, food markets, storytelling and Christmas lights. Look out for details and we look forward to welcoming you on a train very soon.” Craig Harrop, client and stakeholder manager at Northern Rail, said: “We are really pleased to build on the success of our summer DalesRail service. We have worked closely with our colleagues at Community Rail Lancashire in developing this seasonal alternative, which will give the people of Lancashire a wonderful opportunity to explore the Ribble Valley and the Dales throughout the winter months.” Community Rail Lancashire and Northern Rail thanked Ribble Valley Rail, Lancashire Rail Ramblers, Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line and Friends of DalesRail for their help in preparing for the launch of the service. Full details of the service including the timetable, special fares and a full events programme can be found by visiting the website at www.ribblevalleyrambler.wordpress.com

Russell Watson Holds Concert in Preston

(Article from LEP) Opera singer Russell Watson has announced a special charity concert in Preston in aid of the Katy Holmes Trust. The bestselling classical artist, who himself battled two brain tumours, first met the parents of 10-year-old Katy Holmes (who died of a brain tumour last year), at Preston’s Christmas lights switch-on. Since then, Russell has become heavily involved in raising awareness of the Katy Holmes Trust which raises funds for research into paediatric brain tumours and he is a patron of the cause. Russell has now revealed he will hold An Evening With Russell Watson, A Concert For Katy at Preston Guild Hall on Friday, December 6, which will be his final UK show of 2013. Russell says he has put together the concert in aid of a charity that is very close to his heart. He said: “The Katy Holmes story is one that has deeply touched my heart. “After the loss of their daughter Katy, her parents Paula and David braved the grief and formed the Katy Holmes Trust . “In fact, they have tirelessly fought to find a cure for the horrible illness that took Katy from them at such an early age. “They are remarkable people and I am proud to be involved with their charity.“Every single penny made from this special evening will go towards the Katy Holmes Trust.” Paula Holmes said: “We are overjoyed at this announcement and are so grateful to Russell.” Tickets on sale at www.prestonguildhall.com or www.gigsandtours.com

 

Accordions For Sale

‘Victoria Duo Artiste’ (Black) 120 Bass Accordion – Acoustic and Electronic, Genuine Hand Made Reeds, Bassoon and Bass have lovely rich depth quality, 9 Treble, 7 Bass Couplers, 18 Elecronic Switches for Treble and Bass, Can be used with or without electronics or both together to give some very interesting sounds and combinations. Has been recently overhauled and is in good condition. Only £450 (amplifier included)
‘Hohner Virtuola III’ (Black) 120 Bass Accordion, 3 voice, 3 Bass, 5 Treble and a Wrist Coupler, Good Condition, Only £350 Contact Ann Parker Telephone:- 01772 864887 Email:- anncordion.parker@btinternet.com

 

Jimmy Shand Music Collection Sold

Last Month we wrote about Jimmy Shands Music Collection going up for Auction in Edinburgh, The collection was bought by The Friends of Wighton for £1,625. In an interview with The Courier The musician’s son, also Jimmy, 76, an accomplished accordionist, said he hoped the new owner would “rediscover” the music, as his late father had. He said: “My father collected these books over many years. Throughout his career he would hear about a book and go off in the car to find it, or if he was playing somewhere and had an afternoon off, he’d walk round the shops looking for one. “He enjoyed collecting them. Some of the melodies he would adapt for the accordion and his own use. “He would sit down in his chair and read the music in his head and if he liked something he would play it. “He’d look for even one old tune out of a book and when he played it, it would sound like a new song. “This collection is a part of his library. I’ve kept them in a big cupboard but they should be with someone who will enjoy them.” Speaking on behalf of the Friends of Wighton, Sheena Wellington said: “We are chuffed to bits. At one point during the bidding I got so excited that I bid against myself! “We felt it was really important that the collection was in Dundee.”

 

Martha Reeves Perfoms In Preston

Martha Reeves, who is now 72, plays 53 Degrees on 14th December in Preston’s Got Soul. The Christmas show will celebrate a career stretching back to the golden days of soul and a huge string of radio hits to her name. Tickets cost £20 www.53degrees.net

 

Walter Perrie

On Wednesday we have a special guest artist night featuring Walter Perrie. Walter will be playing a wide range of music including a tribute to Gervasio Marcosignori who died recently. Marcosignori was one of the greatest accordionists and was respected worldwide. Please come along on Wednesday for this great night of accordion entertainment with Walter Perrie and some great tunes.

 

Accordions For Sale

Excelsior 120 bass accordion (full professional model 940) Treble has 11 Registers plus palm bar, 5 bass registers and covered in Diamantes. It’s beautiful accordion and sounds brilliant with Musette tuning. The accordion is about 25 years old. I would like about £2,000 but I’m open to offers to the right person. Fontanella 120 Bass Accordion. Model No 0/2248, Red, Made in Italy This instrument is a ladies model and in really good working condition, with a beautiful sound. It has 41 keys and 120 bass. It is 3 voice accordion with 4 couplers as follows, 1. Clarinet, 2. Bandoneon, 3. Celeste, 4. Master. There are 2 bass registers and are powerful when played. I would like to get £300 but I’m open to offers to the right person. Please no agents to both accordion because they just bump the price up. Contact Norman Mclaren on 01706 225718 Mob. 07703067350 Please text my mobile because I’m hearing impaired and I’ll respond promptly thanks.

 

Lancaster Music Festival

The 5th annual festival is taking place this year over the weekend of 11th-13th October 2013, with over 100 performances at over 30 venues within walking distance across the city. Visit Lancaster to experience a huge variety of performances from local, regional, national and international acts ranging from classical to punk, electronica to blue grass, pop, indie, funk, rock, and world. Most of the shows are free. The brochures are free and looking at the schedule on their website there is an awful lot going on. For more information: www.lancastermusicfestival.com or email info@lancastermusicfestival.com For ticket bookings for some of the events visit www.shopccc.co.uk