Following is a list of opportunities that my students and visitors to this page might like to grasp to get on stage and perform over the coming academic year (2022-23). Some of these are quite formal events such as music festivals while others are open mic nights and sing-arounds. They’re all within a short drive of Skipton in North Yorkshire.
Wharfedale Festival of Performing Arts : 11th – 14th October 2022
The closing date for this one has now passed, but keep an eye out for it next year – this is a competitive festival of piano music. You might, of course, want to attend some of the festival as a member of the audience to get a feel for what goes on and the standard of performances given. You can find out more by visiting the festival website HERE.
Carleton’s Choirs in Concert : 15th October 2022
This is the first time since lockdown that the Carleton Ladies Choir has been able to put on a public concert, and we’re really excited to be joined this year by the Carleton Man’s Shed Choir. Together we will be putting on a really entertaining show that includes songs from musical theatre, arrangements of folk songs and of upbeat pop and rock numbers. There will also be performances from select musicians invited from the village and from the pool of talent that I teach. If you would like to ‘do a turn’ at this event, do message me or mention it at your next lesson.
There’s more information about this event on the Carleton Ladies Choir Facebook Page.
The ‘SMT’ Students’ Charity Concert : Date in Nov 2022 TBC
In years gone by I’ve put on afternoon concerts specifically as opportunities for my students to showcase the pieces and songs that they’ve been working hard on. This year I plan to do something similar – an event in Skipton (probably at the Methodist Church Hall on Newmarket Street, hopefully incorporating some small group performances. It will be open to all my youngsters and adult students, irrespective of ability level etc. I’m just waiting to get the hall booked then I’ll be able to confirm the finer details here.
Again, if you would like to participate, just mention it in your lesson. Your musician friends and family members are also welcome to play and/or sing.
Skipton Music Festival : 13th – 18th March 2023
This is a week long event held at Christ Church in Skipton comprised of a series of competitive and non-competitive classes for children and adult musicians. There are a wide variety of classes covering all types of instrumentalists, and the week concludes with a concert in Christ Church on Saturday 18th March. Participants pay a small fee to enter, and all performers are given encouraging and often quite detailed feedback.
This year you will be able to book online (booking opens on 1st Nov 2022), and you can find out everything you need to know about the festival, rules etc by looking through their syllabus HERE. The deadline for booking your place is 14th Jan 2023.
Bradford Music Club : 3rd Sunday of Every Month
According to THEIR WEBSITE, Bradford Music Club offers:
An opportunity for musicians and singers of all ages and abilities to perform in a friendly, supportive setting. Every evening is unique as choirs, singer/songwriters, instrumentalists, soloists and groups – from their teens to their seventies – share their love of music. From accomplished players to first timers, all are welcome to join in or just listen and enjoy.
They meet at the Friends’ Meeting House, Rawdon, LS19 6HU. I’ve attended this club quite a few times over the years and have always enjoyed listening to the wide variety of musical talent on show, and occasionally joined in.
‘Open Mic’ Sessions in the area
- The Royal Shepherd, Canal St, Skipton, every Sunday.
- The Mess Room, Coach St, Skipton, every second Sunday.
- Miss Victoria Emporium, Kirkgate, Settle, local musicians are invited to drop in and play anytime, weather permitting.
- The Boat House, by the canal basin in Skipton, every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month.
- The Fleece, Keighley Road, Skipton, ‘Panaoke’ Karaoke session from 8pm every Thursday.
Local Folk Clubs
- Harrogate Folk Club
- Club Nights are on the First Wednesday of each month upstairs at Roosters Brewery. Doors open at 7;00 for a 7:30pm start, Admission £3
- The club puts on regular folk concerts, mainly at Henshaws Arts Centre, Knaresborough.
- Their website is HERE.
- Skipton Folk Club
- Held at The Narrow Boat, Victoria Street, Skipton, on the 3rd Monday of each month from 7:30pm.
- Their website declares that “Singers, musicians, poets, and people who just want to come and listen are all welcome.”
- The Topic Folk Club
- This club in Bradford claims to be the oldest folk club in the world.
- Their Facebook page is HERE.
- They have lots of regular sing-around sessions and scheduled performances by accomplished folk musicians.