The Pearl Company

Mike Malone & All-Star Sextet! Thursday, November 3^rd. Doors: 7:30 / 8pm start. $15 General Admission. The all-star sextet is made up of Michael Stuart and Darcy Hepner on saxophones, Pat Collins on bass, Kevin Dempsey on drums and Adrean Farrugia once again on piano, performing music from Miles Davis’ seminal 1959 album ‘Kind of Blue’. ‘Kind of Blue’ is regarded as one of the greatest albums (jazz or otherwise) of all-time, and not just because of the quality of the players. Miles’ (and Bill Evans’) compositions have all proven themselves to be worthy standards; each responding capably to multiple interpretations and recordings. The band Mike has assembled to delve into this material is certainly up to the task, featuring a line-up of Canadian jazz veterans who over the years have played with jazz luminaries such as Oscar Peterson, Diana Krall, Tony Bennett, Lee Konitz, Elvin Jones and more.
Online ticket sales @: https://www.bruha.com/  

The Jazz Connection Big Band: Friday, November 4. Doors at 7:30, Jazz at 8:00. $15 General Admission. They’re back!!! Catch the powerful sound of this fabulous big band in our relaxed and atmospheric venue. The JCBB is a well-established 17-piece jazz ensemble comprised of professional and semi-professional musicians, performing only the best modern big band charts from the books of Goodwin, Martin, Menza, Rich, Basie, and many other great contemporary composers. Jazz Connection delivers high energy, uncompromising and straight ahead jazz, funk, and Latin, combining the highest level of musicianship and great charts in an entertaining show that engages both the jazz enthusiast and the casual listener. The incredible acoustics at The Pearl easily accommodate their very cool (or hot!) surround-sound. “This is one of the most exciting, entertaining and musically interesting jazz ensembles to come along in many years – the musicianship, the repertoire and the energy are all of the highest level!” Nick Deutsch – Mohawk College, Faculty of Music.  www.jazzconnection.ca  Listen: http://epresskitz.com/index.php?u=2691
Online ticket sales @: https://www.bruha.com/  

“Scenic”: Graduating Students from Mohawk’s Contemporary Music Program: Saturday, November 5. Doors: 7:30 / 8pm start. $15 General Admission.  After their sold-out show at The Pearl Company last spring, “Scenic”, comprised of graduating students from Mohawk’s Contemporary Music program present songs from the American Songbook and the songs that they believe should be added to the list! “Scenic” is: Alyssa Giammaria, Aoife-Louise Doyle, Leah Korkowsi, Chanille Blair, Summer Mortimer, Stephanie Sloss, Chris Power, voice, plus: Ian Brown – piano, Keegan Larose – guitar, Zach Bennigner – bass, Nigel Stewart, drums.  Each musician in the band offers something unique to blend and balance their sound. They are looking forward to showcasing their growth to the music community! Online ticket sales @: https://www.bruha.com/  

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.

Bob Wegner – One Man Show: Saturday, August 13. Doors: 7:30. Show:
8:00 pm. $20.  Bob Wegner is a seasoned performer, songwriter, and composer. Career highlights include playing with Classic Albums Live, performing on Canadian Idol, and playing in several productions of the west end musical ‘We Will Rock You’ after auditioning for Queen’s Brian May. He also performs as a solo artist, with an extensive repertoire ranging from Indian classical music to Bach to flamenco, as well as many of his own compositions covering a broad range of genres. Bob’s one-man show is an evening of both great music and storytelling. This is a unique chance to catch this master at his best! http://www.bobwegner.ca     Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkonqO5LHXY

Henry Wagons: Friday, August 12. 8pm. $20/$15 students/seniors/ un(der)waged. Henry Wagons is an Australian singer/songwriter, musician, radio & TV personality and frontman of the critically acclaimed, raucous country-rockers, Wagons who have released six albums in Australia, and made their U.S. debut with 2011’s Rumble, Shake and Tumble. Henry is a true renaissance man, a charismatic raconteur, and an experienced broadcaster, having presented arts programs on every medium possible. The hirsute Melbourne singer-songwriter, is a showman with an eccentrically curated public identity: fan of psychedelic country sounds, Cormac McCarthy novels, and Las Vegas-era Elvis Presley, user of a gold-plated smartphone, and possessor of a larger-than-life personality. For 2016’s full-length solo debut After What I Did Last Night…, Henry Wagons traveled to Nashville to work with producer Skylar Wilson and some of the city’s most respected Americana musicians.   Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unrf_ffCN_4    http://www.wagonsmusic.com/

Big Johnny Blue & Strange Cargo: Saturday, August 6. 8:00pm, $15 / $10 students/seniors/wage-challenged….  Like the blues?  You’ll love them Big Johnny Blue style.  Big Johnny’s a Hamilton guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and founding member of The Hamilton Blues Society. He has written hundreds of songs, and played with countless local musicians over the years. He is committed to supporting local music and musicians, especially by supporting efforts to tell the story of Hamilton’s blues history, and the power of music to improve the life of every man. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XE8p_zRZeIs&index=1&list=PLB3320D903F7A1FCE        https://www.facebook.com/bigjohnnyblueandstrangecargo/

Irinéa Maria Ribeiro with Luanda Jones! CANCELLED! Saturday, July 23. Door 7:30pm; Concert 8:00. $20/$15 students/seniors/un(der)waged. The music of Rio native, fixture in the Brazilian music scene, songwriter, producer, music director, guitarist, artistic director, and guitar and vocal teacher Irinéa Maria Ribeiro has been recorded by an enviable collection of influential artists and musicians. Now, Irinéa Maria launches an album, 55 years of a Song, where she shows us the different paths her songwriting has taken through her 55 ­year career, in this special concert with her daughter, well-known singer and Toronto resident Luanda Jones.  “This album, Lições de Vida ­ 55 ANOS  de Canções, is like a present to myself, being the first full ­length album that I have written and  performed myself in my 55­ year career. My songs.  My voice. I sat down with all of the amazing people involved and chose a diverse repertoire that touches on blues, samba, waltz, march, and bossa nova….” ( Rio de Janeiro, Brazil­  March 15th, 2016)
Emerging Brazilian singer/songwriter Luanda Jones has been captivating audiences for over a decade with her unique blend of suave, jazz inflected vocals and stylized guitar harmonies. Luanda colours the expansive, encyclopedic sonic shades of her cherished South American influences with an unforgettable vocal charm and entirely welcoming onstage personality. https://www.facebook.com/Irinéa­MRibeiro­126736297341377/  YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSL_SFhpK6E http://www.luandajones.com/

LYY: Wednesday, July 6, 8:00pm. $20 / $15 students/ seniors/ un(der)waged: Lyy is a Swedish band playing “Swedish folk music that will soothe your mind, captivate your heart, and rock your socks off!” With great voices, fiddle, nyckelharpa (keyed fiddle), guitar and percussion Lyy performs shows characterized by playful communication, heavy grooves, joy and humour. “A Lyy concert is the complete entertainment experience. They play beautiful traditional music, poke fun at themselves, and make friends in the process.” Tim O’Brien (USA)
Lyy’s repertoire consists of traditional music and self-penned material with a swinging flow, beautiful love songs, medieval ballads, and comical stories in a highly entertaining show; all arrangements performed with energy, precision and humour.
Lyy was formed in 2006 and their third album will be released in January 2016. Baltic Briefing chose the first album as “Best CD of the year” and Lyy has been nominated for the Swedish Folk music awards

The Pearl Company Summer Kick-Off Fundraiser Art Show and Music! Saturday, June 25. 7:00 to 10-ish. Pay What You Wish at the Door. This is The new Pearl Company non-profit corporation kicking off the summer with an Open House Party and you are invited. Come and join us for food, drinks, music and art at this PWYC fundraiser and get-together. This is going to be all about fun. There will be lots of fun art as well as serious…. Ian Andrews & Matthew King are always a good musical time! You can drop in or stay for the evening. We are getting ready to celebrate our 10^th season in the fall and this is the warm-up. 7 to 8: Art Show & Sale: Very reasonably priced.  Live music at about 8 from Matthew and Ian and you never know who else may show up. Come out and join in the fun!

BRAD ROBERTS Live in Concert: Thursday, June 16. Doors: 7:30 Show: 8:00pm. $25. Back troubles and the pressures of touring took Brad Roberts and the rest of the Crash Test Dummies off the road. But Roberts became restless. He missed touring more than he thought he would “There’s nothing like getting a crowd’s rapt attention. Turns out it’s habit-forming.”  Before it was about wanting to get back into the studio, now: “…it’s the live experience I cherish most.”
There is no mistaking Brad Roberts’ voice. When he opens his mouth his majestic baritone voice immediately conjures fond memories of the Crash Test Dummies hit “Superman”…. They are perhaps best remembered for the acerbic folk rock sound of their 90’s hits, but through it all, the band with Roberts at the helm has touched on funk and soul, folk, electronic music and even Christmas tunes. It is Roberts’ voice and offbeat lyrical sensibility that have been this beloved band’s calling cards since their founding twenty years ago. “I’m going to pull some old material out of the proverbial hat,” he says. “I’m looking forward to reinventing it.”  Welcome back Brad! www.crashtestdummies.com    https://www.facebook.com/brad.roberts.7545   Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPU0Bo-aTfQ

James Gordon: “Sunny Jim” CD Release: Saturday, June 11: 8:00pm. $20 / $15 students/ seniors/ un(der)waged. James Gordon has had a remarkably diverse 30-year career in the Canadian entertainment business. As a solo singer-songwriter and with the ground-breaking trio Tamarack, he has released over thirty-five albums, and has toured around the world. Gordon has written for symphony orchestras, musical theatre and dance works, film scores, and for more than ten years was heard on CBC radio as songwriter-in-residence for the Basic Black and Ontario Morning programs. “Sunny Jim” is the 7th album for James Gordon on Borealis Records. We think this new collection of songs brings him back full circle to his folky roots. There are a lot of echoes here of his acoustic trio days with Tamarack, and of the kind of music he was raised on. Recently elected as a city councillor in his hometown of Guelph Ontario, you can hear some of his progressive politics and activism seeping through as well.
Recorded sparsely in his new studio, there’s a lot of James on it: he plays piano, acoustic and electric guitar, trilele, banjo, accordion, harmonica, tin whistle, recorder and  trumpet. He was joined by his sons Evan and Geordie on bass, guitars, fiddle and percussion. http://www.jamesgordon.ca  Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIOH16wJWzg

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Christina Martin & Dale Murray: Thursday, June 9. 8:00pm. $20/$15 students/seniors/un(der)waged.  Nova Scotia Singer­ Songwriter Christina Martin’s musical journey has led from Austin, Texas, to Germany, from where she has cultivated a substantial following across mainland Europe. Along the way, she has earned multiple East Coast and Music Nova Scotia Awards, and had songs featured in television soundtracks. She performed at Rolling Stone Weekender Festival in Germany, and for the Queen at Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
Christina’s most recent release It’ll Be Alright won Pop Recording of the Year at the 2016 East Coast Music Awards. She is accompanied by her guitar player, acclaimed Nova Scotia producer and musician, Dale Murray. ‘It’ll Be Alright,’ is Christina’s most accomplished and accessible album to date. Martin made a conscious effort not to be bound by the expectations of others. Although she will never shed her alt­country and Americana influences, ‘It’ll Be Alright’ utilizes pop and rock sonic textures, allowing Martin to explore the many sides of her musical personality. “Always known as one of the area’s best lyricists, with an ability to get right inside the heart of her characters and listeners, Martin has translated that emotion in a bigger rock sound.” – Bob Mersereau, CBC. www.christinamartin.net  Official Music Video: https://youtu.be/SgFqXq5DYZw