The Pearl Company

The Jillian McKenna Quartet: featuring Mike Malone with Adrean Farrugia (piano) & Ayman Boujlida (drums): August 31. Doors: 7:30pm. Show: 8:00pm. $15 / $10 students/seniors/wage-challenged. After spending the past two years in New York City, Jill is back to lead her own project at home. Her band combines two of Hamilton’s finest musicians, Adrean Farrugia on the piano and Mike Malone on the trumpet, with award-winning, New York City-based drummer Ayman Boujlida. The evening will consist of two sets of both Jill’s original music, and some new takes on some old standards.
A great night of music with these truly talented musicians makes this an event you should not miss! “

Fin de Fiesta Flamenco: “LIÁNDOLA”. Friday, September 1. Doors: 7:30. Show: 8:00. $22 in advance/ $25 at the door. Acclaimed flamenco ensemble Fin de Fiesta brings Spanish inspiration to Canadian soil with their Summer/Fall 2017 Canadian Tour. Comprised of award-winning artists from Canada and France, the electrifying music and dance ensemble will bring stages to life nationwide with their spirited new production, LIÁNDOLA. The show takes its name from a popular Andalucian figure of speech used to describe boisterously unrestrained behaviour, a playful fearlessness that cannot be contained. Simply put, Liándola means taking an ordinary experience and making it extraordinary. In Liándola, the searing vocals of Alejandro Mendia (Noces Gitanes, France) are accompanied by the intricate guitar arpeggios of music director Dennis Duffin (Ventanas, Canada) and the haunting flute melodies of Lara Wong (Canada). Dancer and artistic director Lia Grainger (Canada), brings the stage to life with fierce, sensual choreography and improvisation.
Tickets: online at www.ticketscene.ca  www.thepearlcompany.ca or 905.524.0606 For more info please visit: www.findefiestaflamenco.com

Alyssa Giammaria: Farewell Concert: Sunday, July 23. Doors 6:30; Show 7:00pm. $20 / $15 students. Alyssa Giammaria will be moving to New York City for school in the fall, and is putting on one last show for her friends and family as a chance to gather with everyone before leaving her hometown. She will be joined by Adrean Farrugia (piano), Pat Collins (Bass), Adam Inrig (Drums), as well as Aoife-Louise Doyle and Leah Korkowski on back up vocals.
The above is Alyssa’s plain (and true) statement about her concert. One of her Mohawk music teacher, Sophia Perlman (jazz-singer, songwriter, etc) flipped at the humility of the above, polled Alyssa’s fellow student’s for comments, and added her own. Most have to be under “Read More” but check this out: “Alyssa Giammaria (‘the humble prodigy’) is a beautiful soul with outstanding talent.”  “I can’t wait to see what New York does for her, and what she does for New York.”  “a willingness to not only foster her already impressive understanding of her craft but to also continually seek out new challenges and opportunities…”  “I’ll miss her creative mind and her impeccable musicianship and integrity.” See more below… (more…)

The Shari Vandermolen Quartet: Friday, June 23, Doors: 7:30. Start: 8:00 $20. Shari Vandermolen, an award-winning local performer and vocalist, has been entertaining audiences in the GTA and southwestern Ontario for the last 15 years.  Prominent in the Hamilton arts community, Shari has performed in numerous musical theatre productions – recently wining acclaim for her portrayal of “Norma Desmond” in the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Sunset Boulevard.
This passion is only equal to her love of jazz and the blues. Shari makes a song her own, giving it emotional depth and edge by imbuing the best of contemporary influence into classic songs; paying homage to such legendary vocalists as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Etta James, Nina Simone and Sara Vaughan.
The Shari V Quartet features Mohawk College Jazz program alumni Steve McRae on piano, James Gannett on bass, and Michael Yates on drums.  (Shari Vandermolen’s debut CD is available through iTunes as well as other music streaming outlets and features these three talented musicians as members of her 6-piece band Quarter To Nine.)
“She takes a song and gives it emotional depth and edge.  She not only sings it magnificently she acts the heart and soul out of it….” The Hamilton Spectator “…hear Vandermolen make jelly of your emotions with her voice and her art… one example is Stormy Weather… I barely weathered that storm intact.” – View Magazine
Join Shari Vandermolen and her band for an evening of jazz and blues that will make you want to snuggle up to that special someone in oh-so-many ways. www.Q29.ca    http://swingline.webs.com/

Morgan Davis: An Evening with the Blues: Thursday, June 22: Doors: 7:30. Show: 8:00. $20 / $15 students/seniors/wage-challenged.  For a man who’s dedicated his life to the blues, Morgan Davis seems like a pretty happy guy. But then he’s won a couple of Junos (Best Blues Albums) and four Maple Blues Awards for Painkiller.  Born in Detroit, Davis caught the blues bug in the time-honored way – covers by rock bands led him, via album credits, to the music’s originators. He writes original songs that easily withstand comparison to the classics he’s re-interpreting.His insistence on mostly solo performances highlights his singular attention to detail and he never disappoints. http://www.morgandavis.com

Guitars Alive Quartet: Saturday, June 17. Doors: 7:30. Show: 8:00. $20. The “Guitars Alive Quartet” is a unique ensemble; 3 well-known recording artists, and virtuoso performers all playing completely different types of guitars in a wonderful variety of musical styles including original! Philip Candelaria plays Latin-classical guitar (As a soloist, he has performed and taught throughout the world and produced 10 recordings praised as: “dazzling”, “distinguished”, and “masterful”.) Gary DiSalle provides electric guitar. (He’s one of Northern Ontario’s premier guitarists. His versatility on the instrument includes blues, jazz, R&B, pop, folk and country. He also writes, records, and performs.) Paul Dunn is on acoustic guitar and dobro. (He’s the roots man, playing finger-style as well as bottleneck; delta blues to Chicago shuffle to ragtime guitar strut, or his own well crafted songs, all done with class.) The 3 are joined by bassist Tom Linklater (Equally at home on electric and acoustic stand-up bass; working in every musical genre from country, to blues, to rock, to gypsy jazz). http://www.guitarsalivequartet.com/  Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYcDm02OSWQ

Big Johnny Blue & Special Guest Alfie Smith: Friday, June 16. 8:00pm, $20 / $15 students/seniors/wage-challenged…. Big Johnny’s a Hamilton guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and founding member of The Hamilton Blues Society. He is committed to supporting local music and musicians, especially by supporting efforts to tell Hamilton’s blues history, and the power of music to improve the life of every man. Special Guest: Outstanding local blues blaster Alfie Smith joins Johnny and Strange Cargo in the impressive acoustics at The Pearl.  https://www.facebook.com/john.m.crawford

ALEXR In Concert: Friday, June 9. Door 7:30PM. Show 8:00PM Sharp. Tickets $20 Hurry! Only 130 Available!
Catch the Hammer’s new, exciting music talent.  Come, see and hear what all the buzz is about! ALEXR have been purposely flying under the radar of Canada’s music scene honing their magic. Now, it’s time to share their breakout, original tunes crafted by Alex DeRoo, poet/ singer/ songwriter from Hamilton. Producer/Presenter Glen Marshall says, “It’s exciting to be around a group so passionate on taking their natural talents to the next level. They’re young, creative, and put their full focus on music that entertains. Alex, the group leader has a wealth of original material with beautiful lyrics. The stories are powerful and poignant.”
“Chance-to-Win Dinner with ALEXR” at their rehearsal space. www.alexrmusic.com

Summer Songs Fundraising Concert: Saturday, June 3. Doors: 7pm | 8pm Show: $25 General Admission. All proceeds go to Ladybird Animal Sanctuary animals. Join us for a fantastic night of music featuring a very rare performance by Hamilton’s own Jamie Oakes (The music of Jamie Oakes is soul music for the mind. Spawned from the blues, raised on folk and honed by rock, country and R & B, he is a ‘musician’s musician’…). The openers are Ladybird co-founders, Lisa Winn and Janine Stoll (They are playing with Andrew Aldridge and come with impressive musical pedigrees themselves!) Don’t miss this night! Cash Bar. www.ladybirdanimalsanctuary.com/

FLAMENCOS OF JEREZ: A Mini- Flamenco Festival @The Pearl Company!  May 25, 26 & 27 Featuring Cantaor: Carpio Heredia Juanillorro, Guitarist: Juan Manuel Moneo Carrasco, with Flamenco Dance Artists Kim Macedo and Hédi ‘La Forge’
Mini-Festival Program:
Thursday May 25: Lecture & Film Screening: 7:00pm – $10:00 Admission (Including refreshments). Kim Macedo & Gary Santucci will present a lecture and discussion on the history of Flamenco, followed by the notable film Latcho Drom.
Friday May 26: Workshops for would be Flamenco singers & guitarists: 7:00pm – 8:00pm. Juanillorro will lead a workshop where participants will learn to sing a basic Flamenco song.  He will also introduce the Art of Palmas (specialized flamenco rhythmic hand clapping). Juan Manuel will lead a workshop for guitar, teaching a basic Flamenco toque (rhythm).
The workshops will be followed by a Recital of Guitar & Cante by our two guest artists beginning at 8:30pm
$20.00 per workshop, $30.00 for the workshop and the recital.  Recital admission: $20.00 if not attending the workshops.
Saturday May 27: TABLAO FLAMENCO: @ 8:00pm. $25.00
Juanillorro – Cante. Juan Manuel – Guitarra. Kim Macedo – Baile. Heidi “La Forge” – Baile.
Tickets & Info: 905 524 0606. info@thepearlcompany.ca
Presented by Kim Macedo & Gary Santucci www.thepearlcompany.ca

KEVIN DEMPSEY TRIO: Friday June 2. Doors: 7:30. Show: 8:00. $20 / $15 students/seniors/wage-challenged. Sensational drummer Kevin Dempsey has been a leading figure on the Toronto jazz scene for the past 25 years. He has also toured internationally. He is a founding member of the Dave McMurdo Jazz Orchestra, and frequently performed with Peter Appleyard’s quintet and big band.  Kevin Dempsey Trio features jazz masters John Sherwood (piano) and Mark Godfrey on bass, in the up-close-and-personal ambience of The Pearl Company. Trombonist/bandleader Dave McMurdo calls him “an explosive musical force; an exquisite purveyor of colour and groove; a beautifully rounded player”. He is a member of the Music Faculties of both McMaster University and Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario.

An Evening with Garnet Rogers & Peter Paul Van Camp:  Saturday, May 20, 8:00pm. General Admission $20: Garnet Rogers: “A brilliant songwriter. One of the major talents of our time.” — The Boston Globe  “The greatest interpreter and vocalist performing in the contemporary folk scene.” — Sing Out.  Since His brother, Stan’s death, the resolutely independent Garnet has established himself as a formidable solo artist.  He sings extraordinary songs about people who are not obvious heroes and of small every-day victories; his over-the-top humor and lightning-quick wit move his audiences from tears to laughter and back again. He is delighted to bring PETER PAUL VAN CAMP: Gentleman Rhymester. He’ll Steal your Heart, but Return it Cleaned and Pressed…..” The Rhymester writes: “From Coffee Houses to Folk Festivals, adopting the slogan ‘Appearing Wherever Poetry is Welcome – And Elsewhere’, I have trod some of the show world’s stonier pathways. That’s why, when called upon, it pleases me no little to tighten my collar, straighten my shoulders and expound anew my Aunt Katie’s fervent pledge: ‘I’ll be there with lard in my hair, and my ears pinned back!’” (See for yourself if I’m not…)  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Garnet-Rogers/24500364751  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHyTxGwAdnk   https://www.facebook.com/peterpaul.vancamp   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibrmnMDh1nk

Big Johnny Blue & Special Guest Jerry Johnson; Thom Adkins Opens: Friday, May 19. 8:00pm, $20 / $15 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 is committed to supporting local music and musicians, especially by supporting efforts to tell Hamilton’s blues history, and the power of music to improve the life of every man.
Special Guest, guitar genius Jerry Johnson joins Johnny and Strange Cargo in the telling acoustics at The Pearl….  Thom Adkins: Big Johnny tells me you have to hear this young man to believe him…  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XE8p_zRZeIs&index=1&list=PLB3320D903F7A1FCE https://www.facebook.com/bigjohnnyblueandstrangecargo/

CRYBABY! Saturday, May 13. 8:00pm. $20 /$15 students/ seniors/ un(der)waged. CRYBABY is doing a show! Lead singer (and songwriter) Rae Billing has forced them back into the limelight! Rae’s voice and lyrics have been described as a touchstone that is rare on the Canadian landscape; her voice as “honest and pure, assured and desperate at the same time”; her lyrics and music as “full of wide open spaces and bittersweet emotions…handled with gutsy femininity.” The equally important rest of the band: Andrew Aldridge, Steve Koch, Greg Briscoe, James Henry, and Lucky Pete Lambert. “There is a depth to her songs few contemporaries have yet to hone.” Jason MacNeil, All Music Guide.  Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkI7OvCupvs   www.raebilling.com

LIBERTY SILVER & EDDIE BULLEN: Live at the Pearl Company: Friday, May 12. Doors: 7:30. Show: 8:00. $20. You’re invited to one of the best live club shows you’ll ever see! Multiple award-winning recording artist Liberty Silver will be joined by Eddie Bullen for an evening of classic soul, blues and jazz presented and hosted by Canadian music media icon, Michael Williams.
Winner of 3 Juno Awards and a Grammy Award for her musical collaborations, Liberty Silver possesses an astounding 6.5 octave vocal range. She has performed thousands of shows, sung at numerous Jazz Festivals, and performed for or with such prominent figures as Barack Obama, Celine Dion, Oscar Peterson, and Gladys Knight.
Pianist, composer, arranger, and producer for TV, radio, and film, Eddie Bullen has worked with Melba Moore, Deborah Cox and Dee Dee Bridgewater.  As a composer and arranger, his work can be heard on Citytv, YTV, and Love and Hip Hop (TV series). Eddie has produced over 150 albums and is currently working on several new ventures.
Event producer and host for the evening, Michael Williams is a dynamic, talented producer and host of talk radio and music-related radio and television programs. Probably best known as one of the founding VeeJays of MuchMusic and the host of its popular Soul in the City series Michael currently presents live weekly music events throughout Southern Ontario, and produces emerging Canadian recording artists.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9JeBSgmCvY   https://www.facebook.com/libertysilvermusic/    www.eddiebullen.com