The Pearl Company

Les Chiclettes & The Harlequin Singers. Monday, September 21, 7:30pm. $40.  Award Winning Toronto based vocal trio Les Chiclettes (reminiscent of the Andrews Sisters with a French twist) joins forces with acclaimed Hamilton choir, The Harlequin Singers, to present an evening of music and fundraising.
Meet these adventurous and fiercely determined Franco-Ontarian women, with a thirst for novelty and a desire to experience life differently. Les Chiclettes: comprised of Nathalie Nadon, Julie Kim Beaudry and Geneviève Cholette will be presenting their second album entitled, “Voyage à Trois”.  For the occasion, they have joined up with acclaimed community choir The Harlequin Singers to help raise funds for their 2015-2016 season. “Everytime we perform in Hamilton, our show is sold out! … So when the opportunity presented itself to raise funds for The Harlequin Singers upcoming season, we said YES immediately” explains the trio. Michael Barber, Harlequin’s choir director and Les Chiclettes musical director is the common thread between the two groups.  “The Harlequin Singers have been performing for over 45 years in and around Hamilton and the idea of sharing the bill with a professional French vocal trio can only mean two things for us and our audience: fun and more fun!” www.leschiclettes.com   http://www.harlequinsingers.com/  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2lhgd4DljQ

Dala: Saturday, September 19. 8:00pm. Tickets: $30 / $25 Students/Seniors. Juno nominees and winners of the 2010 Canadian Folk Music Award for Vocal Group of the Year, Amanda Walther and Sheila Carabine of Dala write and sing in harmony best described as angelic. Darlings of the Canadian music scene, Dala are poised to bring their fresh brand of acoustic pop music to the world. Drawing upon influences like The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and Bob Dylan, Dala write songs that are both catchy and insightful. Amanda’s ethereal soprano voice blends seamlessly with Sheila’s velvety alto, creating the lush harmonies that have become their trademark. The sheer joy with which they perform is infectious; they are equally entertaining between songs, telling funny and down to earth stories that make every show unique. Dala have opened for artists such as Tom Cochrane, Richie Havens, Arlo Guthrie, and joined Stuart McLean on the CBC’s Vinyl Café. They have performed at The New Orleans Jazz Festival, The Edmonton Folk Festival, California’s Strawberry Festival and Mariposa. In 2009, they were the only Canadian act invited to play at the 50th Anniversary of the Newport Folk Festival. www.dalagirls.com (more…)

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!

Sophia/Adrean/Ross/Jeff at the Pearl Company! Friday, July 24 at 9:00pm. Doors at 8:30. Tickets $20 ($15 st/sr). Sophia Perlman (voice), Adrean Farrugia (piano), Ross MacIntyre (bass) and Jeff Halischuk (drums) have been playing music together and in various combinations for more years than are worth keeping track. Four musicians who know each other really well, playing songs they really love, just to see what happens. Join them! Tickets available at www.thepearlcompany.ca or by calling 905.524.0606 www.sophiaperlman.com www.adreanfarrugia.com www.rossmacintyre.com Jeff Halischuk: https://www.facebook.com/jeff.halischuk?fref=ts Listen! http://youtu.be/APu1KnTLz0M?list=PLg_IEAnbcRZtAfREQZlg1WW69m06vsbsT

Ladybird Sanctuary Fundraising Concert! Featuring: Suzie Vinnick, Treasa Levasseur, Ladybird Sideshow! Friday, July 10, 8:00PM. $30. The Ladybirds have transformed their musical friendship and mutual love of animals into a non–profit organization to rescue homeless animals from high-kill shelters and find them forever homes in the community. Right now Melissa McClelland, Janine Stoll and Lisa Winn are focusing their talents on raising money. Joining them are: Suzie Vinnick; Bringing her powerful and award winning voice and presence. 10 Maple Blues Awards, 3X Juno Nominee, with a new album Live At Bluesville, a collection of roots, blues and gospel tunes. Treasa Levasseur; This self-proclaimed “classy broad” and transplant to Hamilton sings powerful blues-based old-school soul, hook-laden songs of lost-and-found love, pride, and affirmation. The Ladybird Sideshow; Musical magic! Melissa McClelland, (Timeless and exquisite singer-songwriter influenced by blues and Americana, married to Luke Doucet and making up the duo Whitehorse classic.)Janine Stoll (Graphic and web designer, singer and songwriter, Janine offers design services to musicians, artists, organizations and small businesses. With three full-length solo albums, and three albums with her band The DoneFors.) and Lisa Winn; (Describing herself as a folk, roots, acoustic singer/songwriter/backing vocalist/photographer/animal rescuer.) www.ladybirdanimalsanctuary.com Hear Suzie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olM5w90hThU

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

Shari Vandermolen with QUARTER TO NINE: Saturday, June 27: 8:00pm. $20 /$18 students/arts workers/seniors. A sexy, sassy, jazz-soaked treat for your ears! Quarter to Nine is a jazzy musical act with the remarkable Shari Vandermolen on vocals.  The name comes from the song “About a Quarter to Nine” from the musical 42nd Street. Incorporating the sweet soft jazz feel of days gone by, or the burlesque feel of risqué blues, Q2Nine influences include Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Etta James, Billie Holiday and the “big-band sound”. They’ll be bringing you Jazz Standards, naughty blues and torch songs peppered with just the right amount of show tunes for good measure. “Shari’s training as an actor imbues her music with an emotional edge that takes us places we have never been with these songs. Quarter to Nine is an experience as much as a concert.” http://www.q29.ca  Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyDlzfMzUkI

Kevin Breit with Rebecca Jenkins: Friday, June 26: 8:00. $20.  There is no doubt that two-time JUNO Award winner Kevin is one of the most innovative and enigmatic guitarists that Canada has ever produced. Known for his diversity, fluidity and creativity, Breit is at home performing Jazz, Blues, World and more. As one of the most in demand guitarists in North America, Breit has recorded and /or toured with Norah Jones, Rosanne Cash, k.d. Lang, Hugh Laurie…. He is bringing Rebecca Jenkins who is best known as an actor. As a singer, her voice carries a warmth that feels both real and ethereal. She is one of those rare multi-talented people who makes everything she does look effortless! Kevin Breit’s latest album, Ernesto & Delilah is garnering rave reviews. This epic double-CD set with two distinctly different albums, but both are distinctly Breit. The first disc, Ernesto, is fully instrumental and is bold with classic Brazilian sounds and atmosphere, with styles ranging from classical to jazz. The second disc, Delilah, is a gorgeous album of duets with Rebecca Jenkins. The 11 original tracks on Delilah are the stuff dreams are made of – highlighting the ethereal vocals of Breit and Jenkins as well as Breit’s mastery of his instruments and exceptional storytelling. All it takes are a few seconds of listening to realize the extent of the genius and talents of Kevin Breit. http://www.kevinbreit.com/  Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH0-0cXHHs4  http://www.rebeccajenkins.ca/ Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pof5lKWfoeQ

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THE HAMILTON FULL BAWDY COMEDY SHOW! Saturday, June 20. Doors 7:15PM, event 8:00PM. Admission: $20 advance; $25 door.  ShelleyMarshall, HAMILTON’S OWN world-renowned Comedienne for her One Woman Show “Hold Mommy’s Cigarette” brings us her production of the edgy and irreverent FULL BAWDY COMEDY SHOW with hosts, Erin & Nara. The FBCS is an always-SOLD-OUT vaudevillian variety show that celebrates the diversity of comedy through Music, Burlesque, Stand-up, Circus and more! This Show Features: Erin McFadden and Nara Elizabeth Farrell, with musical Guest Missy Bauman, featuring Burlesque Performer St Stella,  comedienne Andrea Murray, and more surprises! Advance tickets on TicketScene are $20 – use the code bestlifeever – Email Shelley for advance reservations and seating at shelley@shelleymarshall.com  Featuring original material from the funniest and raciest Stars this country (and beyond) has to offer. www.shelleymarshall.com Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=omL9gW9h04g

Harpdog Brown with “The Toronto Connection”: Saturday, June 13. Doors: 7:30. Show: 8:00. $20 /$15 students/seniors/all artists Big Johnny Blue and Strange Cargo Open. Harpdog Brown is a gifted singer and imaginative harmonica player of note that has been in Canada’s Blues scene since 1982. Born in Edmonton, Harpdog has been a familiar stage musician in Vancouver for over 20 years. His larger than life stature, energetic presence on stage and authentic blues sound make him a very popular act. Over the years Harpdog has issued 6 CD’s to critical acclaim. His Home is Where The Harp Is won the coveted Muddy Award for the best NW Blues Release of the year. It was also nominated for a Juno for the best Blues Release in Canada that year. The Toronto Connection is: Gary Kendall on bass, Mike Fitzpatrick on drums, (both from Downchild) and guitar wizard Teddy Leonard (with Fathead for many years). http://www.harpdogbrown.com/ Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WAjT4tdgio Big Johnny Blue & Strange Cargo Open. Big Johnny Blue is John M. Crawford, Hamilton guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and founding member of The Hamilton Blues Society. Johnny and Strange Cargo are 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/

The Jazz Connection Big Band w Carissa Kimbell: Friday, June 12. Doors at 7:30, Jazz at 8:00. $20 /$15 students/seniors/all artists. 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 from the Hamilton/Toronto area, 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 equally 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  Carissa Kimbell, , draws from a wide array of influences in her selection of material and in her own writing. Carissa’s repertoire ranges from Amy Winehouse to Joni Mitchell and lots more.

Elizabeth Shepherd & Quintet! Sunday, May 31. 8:00pm. Admission: $20.00. Elizabeth is the only jazz vocalist/pianist to ever have been long listed for the Polaris Prize – Canada’s most prestigious music prize. The three-time JUNO nominee has received widespread praise for her original compositions, and Elizabeth’s fifth album The Signal has almost universally been hailed as the best of her career. It has also showed up on a number of “Best of 2014? lists across North America. “One of the most creative, inventive, and delightful albums of the year.” The Voice. Elizabeth showcases her skills as an arranger and interpreter, breathing new life – and soul – into songs both familiar and forgotten. The Toronto-based soul-jazz innovator has previously released five widely acclaimed records and toured extensively in North America, Europe and Japan. She has sold out legendary clubs from Tokyo to Detroit, and played festivals like Montreal and North Sea Jazz Festivals. www.elizabethshepherd.com “Stunning…. original and exciting” -Seattle Post (US) “Extraordinary talent” -RBBKulturradio (GER) “A hugely original musical mind at work” -Toronto Star (CAN) Listen: http://elizabethshepherd.com/home/music-player/

Roxanne Potvin & Band: Thursday, May 28. 8:00pm. $20/$15 Students/Seniors/Un(der)employed. There’s a new album in the works for Roxanne Potvin, the Montreal-based, bilingual, JUNO nominated singer-songwriter.  After a two-year hiatus from the road to learn the ropes of sound engineering, she’s picked up her notebook and guitar once again, and is working away at what will be her fifth full-length album. A spin through her discography will take you on a journey from blues, R & B, and folk (on JUNO nominated, Colin Linden produced, The Way it Feels), to bare-bones soul and pop (of No Love for the Poisonous) and the lush keyboard-laden, atmospheric folk and gnarly garage rock sounds (of Play). These days, she sums up her style as roots-pop.  Her new songs are intimate first person snapshots of life among friends and lovers (cyborgs in one instance!). With a JUNO nomination, seven Maple Blues awards nominations, international tours, major festival appearances, national television and radio appearances, Roxanne continues to carve her place in the Canadian roots music scene. She’s recorded with John Hiatt, Daniel Lanois, Colin Linden, Bruce Cockburn, done a duet with Colin James and has opened for John Hiatt, Blue Rodeo, the Neville Brothers among others. She plans to release her new album in early 2016. www.roxannepotvin.com  air! “A voice like melted butter on mashed potatoes.” – Rich Terfry (aka Buck 65), “Her smart and sassy new album Play, finds the Montreal-based artist pushing new buttons and continuing her evolution from a stylish, bluesy guitar slinger to a more tuneful pop-orientated performer.” – Brad Wheeler, Globe and Mail. Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gfnb-7yev9E

Christopher Clause’s GRACENOTES Showcase: Saturday, May 23, 8 – 10 p.m. Admission is FREE, but donations will be accepted for the 2016 Debbie Clause Recording Fund at the door. The finalists of the first ever Debbie Clause Recording Fund (named in memory of local musician Christopher Clause’s beloved sister) is performing a showcase on Saturday. The winner of the event (the name will be picked at random that night by Debbie’s daughter, Hanna) will receive $4,000 to help fund their current musical project. The fund will be handed out every year to a deserving Hamilton musician or group looking for funding for their recorded works. Application forms will be available in August for the 2016 awards at www.gracenoteshamilton.com  (website will be up and running in July 2015) This FREE showcase is an early show so that you can enjoy all that the HMA has to offer this weekend 🙂 The initiative was created by FERMATA HAMILTON, now renamed as GRACENOTES as part of the ministry and benevolence of Graceworks Baptist Church.
The finalists for this year are (in alphabetical order): Jen Budd, Frank Koren, Josh Lamothe!

ZULA PRESENTS: REMPIS/JOHNSTON/OCHS Trio: Wednesday, May 20, 8:30 pm. $15/12 Students/Seniors/Un(der)employed. Chicago saxophonist, free-jazz titan Dave Rempis is joined on tour by two Bay Area greats; composer, trumpeter Darren Johnston and ROVA Saxophone Quartet stalwart, saxophonist Larry Ochs. This free-improvising trio came together in the fall of 2011, when Rempis journeyed to the West Coast to discover his compatriots on the Bay Area improv-ing scene. Trumpeter Johnston, suggested this trio lineup for a performance at Oakland’s Uptown Nightclub. From the first few notes, that initial meeting flowed comfortably, yet in totally unexpected ways, with all three making logical structural decisions that gave their improvisations the feel of through-composed pieces. Eager to continue developing this language that the three later came to dub “invisible architecture,” Rempis made a follow-up trip for a studio recording session. Spectral, the first document of their work, shows an improvising trio playing out an audible game of chess. Not satisfied with simply existing in the moment, these three combine sensibilities to look many moves ahead, setting each other up time and again to capitalize on structural possibilities that give rare and meaningful form to an otherwise very spontaneous music. www.aerophonicrecords.com/rempisjohnstonochs-spectral    http://zulapresents.org/