The Pearl Company

Shari Vandermolen with QUARTER TO NINE: Friday, September 19: 8:00pm. $20 /$18 students/arts workers/seniors. A sexy, sassy, jazz-soaked treat! 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

Troll and Gnome: Wednesday, September 17: 8:00 pm.  $15 / $10 Students/ Seniors/ Artists. Shirley Gnome is a musical comedian/songwriter. Armed with only a guitar and a sassmouth, she belts out original tunes about the embarrassing, profound, and hilarious adventures that happen when bodies collide. Her music, while smothered in unambiguous language and racy humor, is sung with the voice of “an angel dry humping a cloud.” This divine yet profane combination has found her a devoted audience with her shameless renderings of sex and romance. Sometimes tongue-in-cheek, other times insightful and honest, Shirley weaves a live show that has people in hysterics – often in spite of themselves. With two albums under her belt, and a live album to be recorded later this year, Shirley continues to delight, shock, and amuse audiences wherever she can. Shirley Gnome has been nominated for a Canadian Comedy Award for Best Variety Act 2014!
“…gut-busting funny… Onstage Ottawa. “This is everything you want from a comedy show; frivolous, embarrassing and simply brilliant. ….. equipped with the voice of a goddess, the burlesque comedy singer-songwriter takes the audience on a musical journey…” -Three Weeks  http://www.shirleygnome.com

DANIEL CHAMPAGNE Live at The Pearl: Thursday, September 4, 8:pm. $15 / $10 Students/ Seniors/ Artists. This exhilarating Australian one-of-a-kind guitar virtuoso/singer-songwriter first picked up his instrument of choice as a five-year-old following in the footsteps of a musical father. He began writing songs at 12, training classically throughout his teens and performing solo wherever he could; he honed his craft and developed what would become the dynamite live show that he is renowned for today. Now regarded as a leading light in acoustic music, with a firm reputation for making festivals buzz, holding crowds in his palm, dropping jaws, and breaking guitars wherever he goes. Daniel Champagne has recently signed to US booking agency Fleming Artists and relocated to North America where he continues his exciting career as an international touring and recording artist. “In the short time he’s been out there, Champagne has proven that he’s a talent you can’t possibly ignore. His live shows have drawn rapturous responses from all corners”. Rhythms Magazine.  http://www.danielchampagnemusic.com/ Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7soZ9irnAZo#t=15

Jeff Giles: Live at The Pearl! Wednesday, August 20: 8:00pm. Tickets $15 at the door. Fresh from a month-long engagement in Berlin, Germany, Actor/Singer-Songwriter and Hamilton native Jeff Giles returns home for a unique night of music. Join him at the Pearl Company where he will be playing songs from his upcoming debut album. Designed as a “pre-recording party”, in addition to listening to some great music, audience members can also vote for their favourites of the night, and be involved in selecting which songs will make it to the album.
Whether you’ve heard his own music before, seen him play Buddy Holly at Theatre Aquarius or somewhere across Canada, or attended his successful solo theatre show “Letters To Hope” at Theatre Aquarius last fall, or if you’re just looking for a great night out, you are cordially invited to come join Jeff in celebrating the love and power of live music and intimate songwriting. Jeff’s work is influenced by many styles, though it is the threads of blues and roots music, both old and new, that hold his songs together.  www.jeffgiles.ca  Listen:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMxQ9xtS00M   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3-iF69Yjzk  See more at: http://www.ticketscene.ca/events/11172#sthash.tz2K8Phf.dpuf

Paul Reddick: Friday, July 25: 8:00pm. $20 /$15 students/arts workers. He’s back by popular demand (and ours)! Paul Reddick calls Toronto home, but his reputation is spreading internationally. The award-winning (phenomenal!) harmonica player, bandleader and songwriter described his most recent CD, Wishbone, as “a soundtrack for dancing and sex.” (!) The January ‘12 issue of Mojo, listed the CD in the #3 spot on its annual list of the Top 10 blues records of 2012. And if those accolades weren’t enough, here’s internationally renowned Scottish crime writer Ian Rankin, a long-time Reddick fan, “Wishbone is terrific!”  When Reddick, nominated for no less than five Maple Blues Awards, was asked “What is the blues?” the answer: “The Blues will always provide a soundtrack, a language, an endless landscape. It offers an unlimited means to express, explore and experience everything and every question that matters most.  It can be the heart singing its deepest song.” http://www.paulreddick.ca  Listen:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dcae11Tx0w

Robin Benedict’s “By the Seat of Her Pants Fun Raiser” at The Pearl: Friday, July 18: PWYC (Pay What You Can). Doors at 7:00 pm (Hang out, check the auction items…) Show at 8:00. In conjunction with Rebels Rock! Robin, bless her generous heart (although she’s just making sure she can still sing here!) is pulling together a show that will blow our wee minds.  We have Erin and Nara hosting; Cindy Dell and Sue Leonard performing as Perfect Strangers; Robin will sing, of course. Music happening both here and at Rebels.  Added to the final lineup are! Lori Yates and Duane Rutter, Social Animals; aka Chris and Christa Bradbury, Annette Green on piano. There will be a silent auction, 50-50 Draw. Who knows what all might happen! Wow, all you marvelous women. You really know how to get things done – by the seat of your pants!

Erin and Nara: Breast Friends! SPECIAL GUEST~ Robin Benedict: Saturday, July 5. 8:00pm. Advance $15/ $20 at the door. MF Arts Productions presents Erin and Nara with their NEW SHOW “Breast Friends”! Partners in love and laughter, Erin and Nara are best known for their original song “Sexy Cuz We’re Lesbians” and for being the over-the-top hysterical hosts of Shelley Marshall’s The Full Bawdy Comedy Show at The Pearl. Robin Benedict: Placing in the top contenders of Canadian Idol, and being scouted by NBC’s The Voice, She’s the REAL THANG! No auto-tune here folks. ADULTS ONLY (Nara excluded) Limited Seating, Reservations recommended. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZH-In4G53bo  https://www.facebook.com/erinandnara

Shari Vandermolen with QUARTER TO NINE: Saturday, June 28: 8:00pm. $20 /$18 students/arts workers/seniors. A sexy, sassy, jazz-soaked treat! 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

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 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

Dave Gould’s AUDIOTORIUM Sound/Art Show! CLOSING PARTY/SOCIAL: An Open Invite to Improvise with Sound…. June 14th 8:00pm (Pay What You Can) Dave Gould has created an exhibition at the Pearl Company Gallery featuring his entire collection of musical inventions. Are they musical instruments or sound sculptures? This will be a fun open jam/social that will include refreshments and food and where everyone will have a chance to explore the instruments and experience their sounds in a hands-on, collaborative live setting. The Pearl Company stage is an acoustically amazing opportunity to experience these sound inventions. The show will (of course) include Dave’s infamous toileteering on an antique toilet rigged with pickups, smoke, and lights. And, the audience is welcome to improvise their way around this array of cool sounding oddities.
More information and videos are available at: www.reverbnation.com/davegould  Please email or call Dave for more information: 905-537-0463 daverobgould@gmail.com
“Voodoo- influenced, maritime country with hints of electro-acoustic experimentation.” .BROKEN PENCIL MAGAZINE – Toronto. Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFOoCmBF-cc

Jazz Connection Big Band w Sophia Perlman: Friday, June 13. Doors at 7:30, Jazz at 8:00. Cover of $15 / $25 for couples. $10 for artists/students/seniors. The JCBB is a well-established 17-piece jazz ensemble delivering 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. Sophia Perlman has become a fixture of the Ontario jazz and blues scene. Her musicality, old-soul voice, and skill as an improviser have made her a first-call featured singer with some of the top ensembles and musicians in the country. In addition to performing and touring with her own quartet, she performs regularly with numerous artists and ensembles, including Adrean Farrugia, The Toronto Jazz Orchestra, and The Darcy Hepner Jazz Orchestra. “Perlman’s approach is all at once soulful, gut-wrenching, funky and provocative” WholeNote Magazine re JCBB “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 – Co-ordinator, Mohawk College, Faculty of Music www.jazzconnection.ca  Listen: http://epresskitz.com/index.php?u=2691  Listen to Sophia: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjzKseuIpa4

Social Animals: Saturday, June 7: Doors at 8pm, $10 cover. Band starts at 9pm. All ages welcome. Join Social Animals for the debut of their new album, Innominate. CDs will be available at the show. The band evolved from the song-writing of Chris and Christa Bradbury, a couple from opposite sides of the globe, who met by chance, fell in love and were drawn into sharing their passion for music.  The band is a collective of talent with the duo supported by the heavy groove of David Guild. The electro-acoustic instrumentation is perfectly balanced by the powerful and dynamic rasp of Christa’s bluesy vocals. The band’s stage presence elicits the use of superlatives.  For example: “larger than life”, “gave me goose bumps”, and “mind-blowing!”
Overseeing the development of the sound and the recording of their début album is the Spectrebox production team made up of David Guild, and Producer Jordan Abraham Social Animals are; Chris (Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Vocals) and Christa Bradbury (Lead Vocals, Keyboards), David Guild (Drums), Geoff Hlibka (Guitar, Vocals), and Jarrod Ross (Bass). Visit the Social Animals web site: www.socialanimals.ca  Brothers and sisters, you are about to be Socialized! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8L2AMn8BLRw

riot nrrd: Friday, June 6: Doors: 7:30; Show: 8:30; Opening act: Dave Gould. $15 door, $10 students/ retired/ fixed income. (With CD: $25 admission, $20 for students/ retired/ fixed income) riot nrrd: at 9:30. riot nrrd is a Hamilton-based musician, (aka Conrad Sichler, a holistic medicine practitioner) belting out his own folk-pop-punk on his own, or Can-rock with a band. This is music for people who think too much. Among his influences are Billy Bragg, The Weakerthans, The Replacements, The recording band is Bob Doidge (bass and more!), Danny Lockwood (Drums), Frank Koren (electric guitars), Amy King (back-up vocals, piano), Vince Rinaldo (keys), and Neil Nikafor (bass on some songs). And oh, Conrad Sichler (vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, percussion, back-up vocals, song-writing, masterminding). The album was recorded in Hamilton at Grant Avenue Studios with Bob Doidge producing. What’s particularly endearing about riot nrrd is that the music is not over-produced, dolled-up drivel. It’s raw, unadulterated feeling expressed through fun folk-rock. https://www.facebook.com/riotnrrdmusic

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…..