The Pearl Company

Hammer Hoppers Presents: The Peter Shea Quartet: Wednesday, December 14. Doors: 7:00/Lesson: 7:30/Show: 8:00. $15 / $10 students or with a MacSwing membership card. Join us on the dance floor with The Peter Shea Quartet at our holiday dance. Peter Shea hails from the Niagara region and was trained at UofT in Jazz Performance and Composition. Peter has performed on keyboard with comedy groups such as Toronto Second City and Montreal Just For Laughs as well as the hit musical Jersey Boys and has played all over the world and now he and his band will be playing for us in Hamilton so we can dance our socks off. Come hear for yourself why Peter’s music gets the dance floor hoppin’!
Never danced before? We will show you how! We have a Drop-In Beginner Lesson at 7:30PM. Dancing isn’t your thing (yet) but good jazz is? We have lots of extra comfy seating at The Pearl Company. Come be serenaded by Peter’s stylish musical offerings and have a dance with us! The Theme: Silver & Holly. Hammer Hoppers offers dance instruction and socials for vintage swing dances, Lindy Hop, Charleston, Authentic Jazz, and Balboa.
7:30-8:00PM: Drop-In Beginner Lesson
8:00-11:00PM: The Peter Shea Quartet
Listen to Peter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAY1JiG1ZwA

The Naked Ballerina: A three week series of dance, theatre, and music!
Two shows per night throughout. All shows start at 8:00pm. $20 /$15 students/seniors/un(der)waged.

Naked Ballerina: Sarah Murphy-Dyson: Every night throughout this impromptu run! “Discover the darkness behind the curtain, as the former Royal Winnipeg Ballet first soloist & Gemini Award winner brings you backstage into her world of blood, sweat and secrets. Illusions of perfection onstage and off are shattered as she seeks the courage to expose her truth to herself and the world.” Glenn Sumi, Now Magazine   “…a heartbreaking performance in this almost autobiographical story of a dancer coming to terms with the pain of being perfect. Murphy-Dyson’s script was compelling stuff and her stunning performance rocked The Pearl Company nightly.” Gary Smith, Hamilton Spectator. What more is there to say?  The two quotes above say it all. This fabulously compelling story is an audience favourite and was named one of the top shows of 2015.

Back from the Brink: Aaron Berger: Friday, October 7. 8:00pm. $15 / $10 students/ seniors/ un(der)waged. Sharing stories can change the way we see and experience ourselves, others and the world. “Back from the Brink” is a play that tells the true life story of award winning speaker, Berger’s, healing journey back from a failed suicide attempt at the brink of Niagara Falls. Making peace with the past, singer/songwriter and actor, Berger is following his dream of inspiring others to see their interconnectedness. Link to video of personal story and this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYQY_8JyEic
Followed by Aaron Berger & The Blue Stars: “I think music is a way of life…. It colours and shapes the experiences of my life every day. I believe music has the power to open doors into the heart of the universe and that my songs are prayers for peace and understanding.”  The Blue Stars are: Aaron Berger, James Gizzie, Johnny Albers, Matthew James, Nathaniel Goold, T.J. Rogers… and you!  Aaron’s music is available to listen to and download here: www.aaronberger.bandcamp.com

Murphy-Dyson/Santucci: Pas de Deux: September 24, 30. October 1, 8.  An exceptional blend of choreography and improvisation from two major talents in their fields. Gary Santucci plays his original compositions for solo guitar; Sarah Murphy-Dyson dances. Sarah is known for both her dancing and acting chops! Gary Santucci (Flamenco, Classical & Jazz Guitar Artist) has become a consummate musician whose repertoire spans numerous genres. Among his awards is Best Classical Musician 1982 [Hamilton Wentworth Council of the Arts],  The City of Hamilton Arts Award for Music 2004, and together with Barbara Milne, The City of Hamilton Arts Award 2008 for Lifetime Achievement.  Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzKBk4LxbRU

Hammer Hoppers Presents: The Jump 5 Dance Band w BIG RUDE JAKE: Wednesday, September 14. Doors: 7:00/Lesson: 7:30/Show: 8:00. $15 / $10 with a MacSwing membership card…  Jake Hiebert (aka Big Rude Jake) is a lyricist, songwriter, singer, musician, bandleader and history buff with a diverse array of musical influences. Currently based in Hamilton, Ontario, Jake started in the mid 1990’s by forming a band that combined traditional jazz, jump blues, rockabilly, and punk. Since then he has toured Europe and the United States sharing his characteristic music and lyrics. Join us on the dance floor as we welcome The Jump 5 Dance Band ft BIG RUDE JAKE to get our dance year started off right. The Theme: Black and White (Back in Black). Hammer Hoppers offers dance instruction and socials for vintage swing dances, Lindy Hop, Charleston, Authentic Jazz, and Balboa.
7:30-8:00PM: Drop-In Beginner Lesson
8:00-11:00PM: The Jump 5 Dance Band w BIG RUDE JAKE
Listen to Jake: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oa1PBha7scs

Festitalia & The Pearl Company Present: Festa Della Chitarra. Friday, September 9.  Doors open 7:00 – Show @ 8:00 – 10:00 PM. Tickets 25.00. Performance at LiUNA Station.  Music of the golden age of Italian classical guitar.  Neapolitan favourites and popular classics spiced  with the passion of Flamenco.
The Gary Santucci Trio & musical guests:
Emanuela Hall – Flamenco Dance
Kaz Simaitis – Guitar
Jordan Abraham – Accordion
Tom Bigas – Percussion
Kirk Harber – Voice & Guitar
Tickets 25.00 Available for purchase at LiUNA Station, by calling.905 525 2410 or on- line at the Pearl Company www.thepearlcompany.ca   For more information call 905 524 0606.

FIN DE FIESTA FLAMENCO: AUDACIA: Saturday, August 27. 8:00pm. $20 /$15 students/seniors/un(der)waged. Direct from Seville, Spain: Fin de Fiesta Flamenco dance and music ensemble presents AUDACIA, a bold new production that explores the many sides of one of the world’s most passionate and intense art forms: flamenco. Though they come from different continents, Fin de Fiesta Flamenco’s core members make their home base in Seville Spain while calling the world home, and collaborating with artists from all over the planet. Flamenco’s gypsy roots in Andalusia are echoed in their vagabond life, “We’ve chosen to live a life of movement… following the dance and the music where it takes us,” says guitarist Dennis Duffin. Ancient rhythms meet avant-garde ideas and converge in an explosion of staccato guitar, haunting flute, stunning vocals and percussive footwork. To the south of Spain and back again, AUDACIA will leave you breathless, with the pulsing rhythms of flamenco beating in your heart. Fin de Fiesta Flamenco is Lia Grainger (artistic director, dance), Dennis Duffin (musical director, guitar), Lara Wong (flute), Alejandro Mendía (voice), Davide Sampaulo (percussion, for select performances) and Jessica Hana Deutsch (violin, for select performances). www.findefiestaflamenco.com  Fin de Fiesta Flamenco in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n12IrFQCoCM

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Hammer Hoppers Presents: The Adrean Farrugia Quartet: Wednesday, June 1. Doors: 7:00/Lesson: 7:30/Show: 8:00. $15 / $10 with a MacSwing membership card…  Hammer Hoppers is pleased to present The Adrean Farrugia Quartet to perform for us at our last live band dance until the fall. Adrean Farrugia is a graduate of the Mohawk College Applied Music program and the University of Toronto Jazz Performance program. He has travelled extensively throughout North America as well as Europe and Japan with a variety of bands, and has appeared on over 30 recordings. Adrean’s own Juno nominated project RICOCHET debuted at the Toronto International Jazz Festival. We are excited to welcome Adrean’s experience and expertise to our dance floor. Join us for an evening of great music and fun dancing with The Adrean Farrugia Quartet.
The Theme: Yellow (Walking On Sunshine). Hammer Hoppers offers dance instruction and socials for vintage swing dances, Lindy Hop, Charleston, Authentic Jazz, and Balboa.
7:30-8:00PM: Drop-In Beginner Lesson. 8:00-11:00PM: The Adrean Farrugia Quartet. www.adreanfarrugia.com  Listen to Adrean: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KLw-2qz3W0

Murphy-Dyson/Santucci: Pas de Deux: Friday/ Saturday, May 27/28. 8pm. $20/$15 students/ seniors/ un(der)waged. An exceptional blend of choreography and improvisation from two major talents in their fields. The combination of duos (dance and guitar) will make this unique and exciting event a memorable one!  Gary Santucci plays his original compositions for solo guitar; Sarah Murphy-Dyson dances. We know Sarah for both her dancing and acting chops! Remember The Naked Ballerina? She danced and acted her way through “…a heartbreaking performance in this almost autobiographical story of a dancer coming to terms with the pain of being perfect. Murphy-Dyson’s script was compelling stuff and her stunning performance rocked The Pearl Company nightly.” Gary Smith, Hamilton Spectator. Gary Santucci (Flamenco, Classical & Jazz Guitar Artist) has become a consummate musician whose repertoire spans numerous genres. Among his awards is Best Classical Musician 1982 [Hamilton Wentworth Council of the Arts],  The City of Hamilton Arts Award for Music 2004, and together with Barbara Milne, The City of Hamilton Arts Award 2008 for Lifetime Achievement.  Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzKBk4LxbRU

Hammer Hoppers Presents: Alex Pangman & Her Alleycats: Wednesday, April 13. Doors: 7:00/Lesson: 7:30/Show: 8:00. $15 / $10 with a MacSwing membership card…  Hammer Hoppers is pleased to present Canada’s Sweetheart of Swing, Alex Pangman, to perform at the next social. Vocalist and band leader Alex Pangman knows exactly how to get the dance floor jumping. Her music has been showcased three times at the Montreal International Jazz Festival, on a national tour, and was recently recognized with a Juno Award nomination for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year with her album ‘New’. Join us on the dance floor and be serenaded by Alex’s stylish musical offerings. The Theme: Florals (April Showers Bring May Flowers). Hammer Hoppers offers dance instruction and socials for vintage swing dances, Lindy Hop, Charleston, Authentic Jazz, and Balboa.
7:30-8:00PM: Drop-In Beginner Lesson
8:00-11:00PM: Alex Pangman & Her Alleycats
Listen to Alex: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJcAQPyTkak

Hammer Hoppers Presents: Bertie & The Gents: Wednesday, February 24. Doors: 7:00/Lesson: 7:30/Show: 8:00. $15 / $10 with a MacSwing membership card…  Hammer Hoppers is overjoyed to be presenting Bertie & The Gents at their next social dance. Pianist and band leader Roberta Hunt is sought after throughout Ontario to bring her charismatic and dynamic music for swing dancers. Her music embodies the spirit of New Orleans jazz having participated in the French Quarter Festival in New Orleans among other jazz festivals. Roberta’s infectious energy and exuberant personality will be sure to inspire you on the dance floor so don’t miss out. The Theme: Blue (Broken Hearted Blues)
Hammer Hoppers offers dance instruction and socials for vintage swing dances, Lindy Hop, Charleston, Authentic Jazz, and Balboa
7:30-8:00PM: Drop-In Beginner Lesson
8:00-11:00PM: Bertie & The Gents

Another Jazzy New Year @ The Pearl! Thursday, December 31, 8:00 ‘til ?  $60 per person.  Fab entertainment and a great buffet. The entertainment will be a brilliant collection of super-gifted jazz musicians. We promise fun people, great conversations, musical magic, and lots of dancing before, between, and after the jazz sets!
To welcome in the New Year:
Chef Gary Santucci will outdo himself (as always) with a pan-global buffet; new dishes arrive throughout the night.
There will be two sets from the collection of jazz artists assembled for the evening:
Featuring: The Spanjazz ensemble! Check out the all-star line-up! The Spanjazz Quintet this year includes Aidan Sibley – trombone, James Gannet – bass, Jordan Abraham – keyboards, Jeff Plumbley – trumpet, Gary Santucci on guitar, and Steve Wilson on drums.  Wow is the word.  Dancing between sets and lots of food and interesting beverages will round out the evening.
Dancing between sets. (Musical requests?)

We need you to RSVP: Buy tickets online, via email, or phone.  We sold out last year so let us know as soon as you do!
In our warm, welcoming ‘lofty’ atmosphere!

Flamenco Tablao / Cante Plazuela: Saturday, December 5. 8:00pm. $20. Kim Macedo (an Oakville / Jerez de la Frontera based artist) brings a “LIBRE” Gyspy Flamenco style to The Pearl Company, the result of studying improvisational Flamenco with Andalusian gypsy artists and mentors.  Flamenco is the complex coming together of Moor, Gypsy and Jewish cultures of the Andalusian landscape. These cultures fused together lend each their own rich colour and emotion to the already rich folkloric art of Andalusia. At a time when repression was high in Spain , Flamenco thrived in private fiestas and in the caves of Sacromonte in Granada. This is the spirit that Cante Plazuela / Flamenco Tablao brings!
The players are : Manuel Moneo Carrasco a Jerez gypsy singer from the barrios of the Plazuela and San Miguel. Jose Vega Jurado a world class concert guitarist from Cadiz, based in Toronto. Carla Soto a viviacious and exhuberent Toronto based dancer with Venezuelan roots, and Kim Macedo an intense gypsy style dancer, inspired in the juergas (jam sessions) of Jerez – with their distinct love of Flamenco, invite you into their evening of heart wrenching song and percussive dance and guitar conversations. Take a look: https://youtu.be/JMeyl8dStjQ

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Erin and Nara: The Sound of a Premiere! Saturday, November 14. 8:00pm. Advance $15/ $20 at the door. Partner’s in love and laughter, Erin and Nara are pleased to announce their Latest Video Parody Release! They decided to have the talent involved in the parody put on a FULL SHOW to celebrate the event! Performers include: ERIN AND NARA; ROBIN BENEDICT; XTACY LOVE; BRENNAGH BURNS; SCOTTY BAKALAR; SARAH FARR; STEVE PARTON. Erin and Nara are best known for their original song “Sexy Cuz We’re Lesbians” and for being the over-the-top hilarious hosts of Shelley Marshall’s The Full Bawdy Comedy Show at The Pearl. They are unbelievably creative, hysterically funny, and just generally not-to-be-missed!
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_jiv6N2SCE   https://www.facebook.com/erinandnara   www.erinandnara.com

Hammer Hoppers Presents The Solomon Douglas Quartet: Wednesday, October 28. Doors: 7:00/Lesson: 7:30/Show: 8:00. $15 / $10 with a MacSwing membership card…  Hammer Hoppers is very excited to offer a special night of dancing to the live musical offerings of the Solomon Douglas Quartet. Musician and dancer, Solomon Douglas is currently based out of New York City and Seattle, and has played in Asia, Australia, and across North America for lindy hoppers at hundreds of dance events. Come find out for yourself why his music is sought after by dancers worldwide. The theme this night is Halloween; come in costume! Hammer Hoppers offers dance instruction and socials for vintage swing dances, Lindy Hop, Charleston, Authentic Jazz, and Balboa
7:30-8:00PM Drop-In Beginner Lesson
8:00-11:00PM The Solomon Douglas Quartet
info@hammerhoppers.com  http://www.hammerhoppers.com

Welcome to Our Season!  Friday, September 18: 8:00pm start. $20/$15. We have an exciting season of theatre and music in store for you in 2015- 
16! The Season Preview Gala, giving you a taste of our truly exciting season of theatre and music in 2015-16. What a show it will be!

Here’s the lineup!
Everybody’s favourite comical MCs, Erin & Nara will guide us through the evening (and we will need lots of guiding!)
Previews of upcoming theatre:
Tuesdays with Morrie
Dr. Faustus
Spirit of the Narrows
Music from some Pearl Company favourites:
Leonard, Burns & Dell
Duane Rutter
Rae Billing
Big Johnny Blue
Performances from:
Hammer Hoppers (Dance Nights)
Brenda Lennie (Wam Bam Comedy Workshops)

A new offering  this September is a Season Ticket Package for our Fall 2015 Theatrical Season.  The Season Ticket Package will cost $65 for all three shows — that’s a 15% savings over buying tickets separately!  As an extra benefit, Season Ticket subscribers will receive a pair of 10% discount coupons, which can be used at selected musical performances in the 2015-16 season!
As above, the three theatrical performances we will be presenting this fall are:
Tuesdays with Morrie  (Classical Theatre Company) with Peter Anderson
& Steve O’Brien
Dr. Faustus (Make Art Theatre) with Ryan Sero, Jay Shand, Sean Emberley
and more!
Spirit of the Narrows with Anne Lederman (Internationally respected fiddler with
a story to tell)
Season Ticket Packages will be available for purchase on TicketScene or at our box office from September 1, 2015 to October 2, 2015.
If you buy a Season Ticket Package before or on September 18th, for this jam-packed evening of theatre and music you’ll get in for a mere $10!

Tablao Flamenco Toronto: Thursday, September 17. Doors 7:30/Show 8:pm. $20/ $15 stds/srs.  On the heels of their sold-out show in Toronto, Tablao Flamenco Toronto brings  these vibrant flamenco artists to Hamilton in this tablao style show. Tablao is a colloquial Spanish term for the “floorboard” that represented the local establishments where flamenco artists performed their shows throughout Spain dating back to the 1960’s. The artists featured during this one-night-only Hamilton show are Ana Lia Arias Garrido (song), Nazanin Meshkat (dance), Dino Toledo (guitar), and Zingari Alejandra Garcia (dance). You are guaranteed a true flamenco experience here at The Pearl Company! Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9QC0_lTlWM&feature=youtu.be