The Pearl Company

CANCELLED! 123 DANCE! September 10, 11 & 12. 8:00pm. Doors 7:30 $15/$10Srs/Stdnts/Artists.  A Call for Dance Artists of all Disciplines and Audiences of all kinds! 123 Dance is a dance festival that offers a platform for choreographers, dancers, and dance companies of all disciplines to perform their work, new ideas, research, and movement explorations. 123 Dance comes from the need to encourage and foster the development of dance in our community, Gary Santucci, Artistic Director of The Pearl in collaboration with John Gerena (Dance Artist, Choreographer, and dancer), Artistic Director of the festival and of his own company – “Grado Cero”, are opening the doors of The Pearl Company for this innovative dance event.  The Festival invites its participants to explore dance and its limits, and to try out new ideas in public.
Ballerina Sarah Murphy-Dyson will be performing as one of our guest artists as will John Gerena.
We are pleased to announce that 123 Dance is introducing a fundraising component to the festival. We couldn’t have found a better fit than the charitable organization DANCING WITH PARKINSON’S.
Why 123? All proposals are: maximum of 3 minutes performance time; Up to 3 elements of props; Up to 3 participants on stage. All proposals must involve the body as a main element of the piece.  https://www.facebook.com/events/972950422726007/

FIN DE FIESTA FLAMENCO: Saturday, July 4. 8:00pm. $20 /$15 students/seniors/arts workers. This esteemed flamenco collective brings Spanish inspiration to Canadian soil. The musicians and dancers divide their time between Canada and Seville, Spain. The name FIN DE FIESTA translates to “End of the Party”, a reference to the open jam session that occurs at the end of a traditional flamenco show in Spain when the true improvisational and spirited nature of flamenco shows itself.  It is this lively spirit – unpredictable and unrestrained – that inspires their work. FIN DE FIESTA is lead by artistic director and dancer Lia Grainger and accompanied by guitarist Dennis Duffin and wide range of talented guest artists from the United States and Canada. For this performance, in Hamilton for one night only: El Caracolillo, song; Fernando Gallego Torres, song.  “Simply Awesome!” – The Kitchener-Waterloo Record  Watch on YouTube: http://bit.ly/1ciqkLK    Read Gary Smith’s article about Lia and Fin de Fiesta: http://bit.ly/1636orM   www.findefiestaflamenco.com Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23TlPjZN5vw

Presented by Love Letters Cabaret: CABIN FEVER: Friday, April 17. 8:00pm (Doors 7:30pm) Admission: $25 Advance/ $30 @ Door/ $45 Ringside seat.  It’s cold out and we’re going batty! Enjoy a hysterical evening of nonsense, singing & burlesque! Get over your winter blehs with comedy, dance and music from “Toronto’s edgiest, most sexually charged dance theater company”. This innovative and interactive company is the creation of Artistic Director and Choreographer Pastel Supernova (dubbed by Flare magazine as One of Canada’s most influential women). She is a former international dancer for Nelly Furtado with appearances on the David Letterman Show and more. Pastel packs the stage with beauty and talent, using elements of vaudeville, contemporary dance, and burlesque to tell stories, explore primal instincts. Witness a cast whose collective credits include: the National Ballet, the Canadian Opera Company, Mirvish Productions and Second City Productions just to name a few. You’ve never seen them? Here’s a peek: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yV3nObw-7wk     www.loveletterscabaret.com   Adult content.

Celebrating Gerardo Mansang and Gallery “Casa Mansang”: Saturday, March 7: Starting at 8:00pm to midnight. Cost: $10 at the door. The Pearl Company and  Gerardo invite you to a Fiesta, featuring Gerardo Mansang’s vibrant art. This Colombian artist (trained as an architect) understands colour, warmth, and symbolism! He paints from very large to small canvases, all in brilliant acrylics.  We are planning dancing, great food and perhaps some breakout guitar sessions! A splendid evening of cultural entertainment with a Rumba Loca (Mad Party!). You can win an original Gerardo Mansang art piece.  All proceeds from the evening will go to help Gerardo maintain his gallery and his dream of  a successful life in Hamilton as the brilliant and creative artist he is. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Casa-Mansang-Gallery 

Love Letters Cabaret: SMOKE: Friday, February 13. 8:00pm (Doors 7:30pm) Admission: $25 Advance/ $30 @ Door.  Smoke is a romantic and seductive show; perfect for a couple on Valentines weekend! SMOKE is a glimpse into the fantasies of a woman… Toronto’s edgiest, most sexually charged dance theatre company infiltrates the passionate minds of cigar factory workers in the 50s. Take a peek as each member takes a private moment from their mundane task to daydream about love affairs, secrets and desires.
This innovative and interactive company is the creation of Artistic Director and Choreographer Pastel Supernova (dubbed by Flare magazine as “One of Canada’s most influential women”). She is a former international dancer for Nelly Furtado with appearances on the David Letterman Show and more. Pastel packs the stage with beauty and talent, using elements of vaudeville, contemporary dance, and burlesque to tell stories, explore primal instincts. Witness a cast whose collective credits include: the National Ballet, the Canadian Opera Company, Mirvish Productions and Second City Productions just to name a few. You’ve never seen them? Here’s a peek: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yV3nObw-7wk    www.loveletterscabaret.com

Come Fill Your Soul with Jazz & Dance Your Heart Into The New Year @ The Pearl!

Wednesday, 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 will arrive throughout the night.
• There will be two sets from the incredible collection of jazz artists assembled for the evening and
• 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!

Featuring: The Spanjazz ensemble! Check out the all-star line-up! The Spanjazz Quintet includes Jay Burr – trombone, James Gannet – bass, Bruce Tournay – keyboards, Sal Roselli – reeds, 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.

THE NAUGHTY NUTCRACKER! Presented by Love Letters Cabaret: Sunday, December 14. 8:00pm – 9:30pm (Doors 7:30pm) Admission: $20 Advance/ $25 @ Door.  Ever wonder what happened to all the toys too naughty to make it into Santa’s bag? Immerse yourself in Pastel Supernova’s fantasy world, as she invites you into Santa’s naughty toyshop. Witness how unruly toys behave when left to play unattended. Enjoy Burlesque from Toronto’s most edgy, exciting and sexually charged theater dance company! This innovative and interactive company is the creation of Artistic Director and Choreographer Pastel Supernova (dubbed by Flare magazine as “One of Canada’s most influential women”). She is a former international dancer for Nelly Furtado with appearances on the David Letterman Show and more. Pastel packs the stage with beauty and talent using elements of vaudeville, contemporary dance and burlesque to tell stories, explore decadence & primal instincts. Witness a cast whose collective credits include: the National Ballet, the Canadian Opera Company, Mirvish Productions and Second City Productions just to name a few. You’ve never seen them? Here’s a peek: http://youtu.be/1MvSqS1uscY  www.loveletterscabaret.com

Nightmare on Steven Street! HaLLoWeeN PaRtY and ShoW: Friday, October 31…Show starts at 8. Doors at 7. Limited Seating; Tickets $25/ $20 advance. MF Arts Productions presents… Partner’s in love and laughter, Erin and Nara are pleased to announce their HALLOWEEN SHOW! This SCaRy… ok… FuNNy SHoW is comprised of Comedy skits, Song and Dance will have you lol-ing and possibly even rofl-ing. Maybe even a blood curdling scream!! With CREEPY GUESTS~ Robin Benedict, Brennagh Burns, and Stevie Pea. Severed Finger Foods, Refleshments! This couple is best known for their original song “Sexy Cuz We’re Lesbians” and for hosting Shelley Marshall’s The Full Bawdy Comedy Show. Open Mic and Karaoke after the show. COSTUME PRIZES AND HAUNTED HOUSE!! ORDER TICKETS ONLINE (coming soon) Reservations recommended. ADULTS ONLY (Nara excluded).  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZH-In4G53bo  https://www.facebook.com/erinandnara 

Pearl Company “RENT” Party: Friday, June 27: PWYC (Pay What You Can). 8:00 pm. Help us survive the summer! Great music, great food, great vibe! Despite obstacles, in 8 years we have presented over 1000 artistic events. We now need to go public with our very ‘tight’ situation; we are launching a fundraising/refinancing campaign that will continue to build upon our past successes to keep our dream alive and thriving for years to come. This fun and fabulous “Rent Party” will help us make through our most difficult time, those summer months. This will culminate – or continue – with another glorious gathering in September. Now playing at this point!  Lisa Winn and Andrew Aldridge. Mimi Shaw with Orange McFarland and Tor Lukasik-Foss, Chris & Christa (All Local Musical Legends!).  The inimitable Charly Chiarelli is guaranteed to do something entertaining…. Not sure of what sort yet.  There will be even MORE entertainment and though Gary is cooking, he might even play a tune or two…. The possibilities are endless.

The film PINA will be shown: Saturday, June 21.  8pm. This a PWYC event. Pina is a 2011 German 3D documentary film about one of the most significant choreographers of the last 40 years, the contemporary dance choreographer Pina Bausch. The enormously well-respected Wim Wenders directed the film which premiered ‘Out of Competition’ at the 61st Berlin International Film Festival. During the preparation of the documentary, Pina Bausch died unexpectedly. Wenders cancelled the film production, but the other dancers of Tanztheater Wuppertal convinced him to make the film anyway. It showcases these dancers, who talk about Pina and perform some of her best-known pieces, inside the Tanztheater Wuppertal and in various outdoor locations around the city of Wuppertal. “Strikingly picturesque.” Discussion to follow. Refreshments available. See Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNuQVS7q7-A

THE FULL BAWDY COMEDY SHOW: Friday, June 20: 9:00pm. Admission: $20 advance/$25 door. Shelley Marshall, HAMILTON’S OWN world-renowned Comedienne and winner of Hamilton’s 2013 Best Local Theatre Production View Magazine for her One Woman Show “Hold Mommy’s Cigarette” brings her production of the edgy and irreverent THE FULL BAWDY COMEDY SHOW back to The Pearl Company. TFBCS is an always SOLD OUT vaudevillian variety show that celebrates the diversity of comedy through Music, Burlesque, Stand-up, Circus and more! Featuring original material from the funniest and raciest Stars this country (and beyond) has to offer. The show has featured some of the creamiest of the Canadian funny crop such as: Nikki Payne and Debra Digiovanni both Canadian Comedy Award and  Gemini Winners; Canadian Comedy Award Winner’s: Sandra Battaglini and Christele Bartalese; Fringe Festival Winners: Precious Chong, Rachelle Elie; Hamilton Music Award Winners: Ginger St James and Robin Benedict; Juno Award Winner Lori Yates and many more!  June 20 Line-up: Shelley Marshall Hosts: Phil Luzi Winner Canadian Comedy Award. Morgan Joy Toronto International Clown Festival 2014. Musical Guest: Mimi Shaw, Burlesque Performer: Fionna Flauntit, Stand Up: Amanda Day, Character Performer: Rachelle Elie.  Come with an open mind and you’ll leave with a Full Heart! Adult Content. www.shelleymarshall.com Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=omL9gW9h04g (905) 524-0606 CALL FOR RESERVATIONS or visit http://www.ticketscene.ca/events/10818/LF972

Learie McNicolls: RESURRECTION – May 22 (PWYC Preview), 23 & 24. 8:00PM. $20 Admission. Classical Dancer Learie McNicolls performs his magnum opus about Redemption and the Resurrection of one’s Soul.  The evidence is in the body.  The body never forgets.  God bless. “For 40 years I walked in anger, slept in anger, spoke in anger, danced in anger and no one noticed….not even me. We speak of the roots of a Culture….a Tradition….Source of a river. This then is my Source.  Where Anger hibernated for decades and caused untold grief and suffering.  So I beat myself up. This Dancer became internalized like a crazed Demon and pummeled me like a Boxer, who I recognized as The Trickster in us all. The voices in my head deserve a response.  I answer back.  They are silent.”  Written, Directed, Choreographed and Performed by: Learie McNicolls
Co-Director: Gary Santucci
Original Score: Learie McNicolls
Image: MaxxProducers: Myth Productions
Sponsor: The Pearl Company Arts Centre

Celebration of Latin American Art in Hamilton May 16, 17:  May 16, 8pm: Spanjazz….See Below….    

Saturday, May 17: 12:00 – 5:00pm: Opening! Casa Mansang: Casa Mansang features the art of artists and artisans from South and Central America; also guest exhibitions of local established artists. The gallery is packed with gloriously colourful and upbeat art, jewellery, ‘artwear’, and curiosities, perfect for gifts and for just plain decorating!  If you want to be cheered by a vibrant and eye-catching display, check out the Face Book site: http://on.fb.me/1erjrvw  or come on by!     

Saturday, May 17: 8:00pm. Music Gala with  Singer, Idalid Parra. Dancing to follow…. $15.00/$10.00 students/artists. Idalid Parra is a Colombian singer with a deep understanding of the roots of Ranchera music. She started singing at the age of 6, performing in social events, weddings, birthdays, shows, and competitions. This talented, friendly, and fun singer also loves to dance, and is an equally capable artist drawing faces and places. She is active in the AFH Fraternity Hispanic Association in Canada. https://www.facebook.com/lindaforever?fref=ts&ref=br_tf  
This is an event with Latin American artists….  Dancing can break out at any time but especially after Idalid sings! Or maybe during…..

FIN DE FIESTA FLAMENCO: Friday, March 28. 8:00pm. $20 /$15 students/seniors/arts workers. This esteemed flamenco collective brings Spanish inspiration to Canadian soil. They are four musicians and dancers, (guitarist and singer Dennis Duffin, singer and dancer Tamar Ilana, and dancers Lia Grainger and Alexandra Talbot) who divide their time between Canada and Seville, Spain. The name FIN DE FIESTA translates to “End of the Party”, a reference to the open jam session that occurs at the end of a traditional flamenco show in Spain when the true improvisational and spirited nature of flamenco shows itself.  It is this lively spirit – unpredictable and unrestrained – that inspires their work. FIN DE FIESTA FLAMENCO is currently touring their latest production, Mala Yerba Nunca Muere (“Wild Flowers Never Die”). The name is taken from an old Spanish idiom that describes the capacity to endure. At the core of this show is an exploration of flamenco’s capacity to invoke striking contrasts, from delicate beauty to a fierceness that borders on carnal. From refined to raw, Mala Yerba Nunca Muere incorporates the traditional and the contemporary to create an electrifying portrait of an art form that shatters traditional stereotypes of beauty. They will perform in Hamilton for one night only. “Simply Awesome!” – The Kitchener-Waterloo Record  Watch on YouTube: http://bit.ly/1ciqkLK   Read Gary Smith’s article about Lia and Fin de Fiesta: http://bit.ly/1636orM  www.findefiestaflamenco.com

Michael Williams Dance Party! Saturday March 8. 8:00pm. $15/$10 students/artists/seniors. Michael Williams (whom you may know from his days as a VJ on Much Music) has been our go-to DJ, with his sidekick Paul Chin, for many an event at The Pearl.  If you’ve been here, you know that they get us moving! We are hoping to make this a regular thing, happening every few months, since there are lots of people out there who love to dance (who me?).  Michael and Paul are very open to musical requests and they are such fun to have around.  Let’s Party!