The Traditional Arts Team brings a very special guest to Birmingham on Sunday 13 May. Alistair Anderson is internationally recognized as the master of the English Concertina and one of the leading performers on the Northumbrian Pipes. He delights audiences with the lyrical slow airs and lively dance tunes of Northumberland and with his own music, which has grown out of his love of traditional music. He will perform at the music venue Tower of Song at 8pm, with support from local singers.

Admission £7, tickets from 0121 247 3856 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , more info at www.tradartsteam.co.uk/calendar.html?a=viewevent&id=352

Alistair will also lead a traditional music workshop for all instruments during the day. Tickets for the workshop are £20 and must be booked in advance. More info at www.tradartsteam.co.uk/calendar.html?a=viewevent&id=351

Notice to all members:

Please note that the whole label has to be printed in red to indicate that you have not paid this years subscription.

Labels with the address in black but with "Concertina #451" in red indicates you have paid your 2012 ICA subscription.

Many thanks,

Martin Henshaw, Membership Secretary

We are really excited about playing under our guest conductor, Paul Hornsby, after he came to one of J25's practices. He was very approachable and encouraging, and we felt he was bringing the best out of us.

It’s Swaledale time again! This year’s Swaledale Squeeze promises to be as good as ever – a convivial weekend of concertina playing, meeting friends, a concert, a ceilidh, sessions, Black Sheep bitter, walks, the comfort of Grinton Lodge and fantastic scenery – what more could one want!! As usual, everything will be centred on Grinton Lodge (a former shooting lodge), now a Youth Hostel, based just outside Reeth, in the picturesque setting of Swaledale in the Yorkshire Dales.