Tyneside Dialect Songs

(By Roly Veitch).

As many of you know I've a longstanding interest in our tradition of local dialect songs, the history, the composers etc.

Also its soon to be the 150th anniversary of The Blaydon Races song and the legendary meeting of 9th June 1862.

The Races actually started in 1811 ending in 1916 (not continuous though) - I've put a history of the Races on my website as well as some other aspects of Blaydon area history - the amazing story of Sir Ambrose Crowley and Crowley's Crew, of The Cowens (Joseph Snr & Jnr), of Blaydon Burn (possibly the most industrialised patch of land in England prior to the industrial revolution) and other bits and pieces plus photos now and then etc. Visit www.rolyveitch.20m.com.

A new CD 'Gan Canny' has been issued now to coincide with the anniversary, including a history of the races in the CD sleeve notes. Full details on the website - it contains innovative new arrangements of many of the favourites of the repertoire (eg. 'Wor Geordie lost his Penker' with a calypso feel).

I'm arranging a few concerts by The Blaydon Aces over the coming months - - -

Mon evening 28th May - The Cherry Tree Restaurant, Jesmond.

Wed evening 13th June - The Lit & Phil, Newcastle.

Further concerts are being arranged.

Please visit the website for more information.

Thanks

Roly

Here's some interesting links for any proud Geordie - -

Radio Tyneside - Gary Hoggs 'The Geordie Hour' on a Sunday 5pm

http://www.radiotyneside.co.uk/2010/RTiPhoneApp.php

Gary's own website: http://www.garyhogg.co.uk/GeordieHour.htm

BlaydonRaces150: http://www.blaydonraces150.co.uk/