The Pearl Company

Queens of Quirk: An evening celebrating unique quirky queendoms through music, comedy and a radio musical. Sunday February 19. 1.30 doors, 2:00pm start. Tickets: Pay it Forward, and sliding scale $10-$20
The Queens:
Hanna Bech is a professor of whimsy, and a diviner of hooks, whose muse is a white ball of fluff who does back flips. Mary Clements writes songs about #adulting, and has a smile filled with so much sunshine you’ll think she walked out of a Disney film. Pamela Gardner is a velvet voiced flying songbird whose mischievous eyes can make babies laugh and grown men cry. Radha S. Menon is an interdisciplinary artist who can stand on her head and drink Scotch.
This Queens of Quirk features the debut of Mary Clements, whose folky piano tunes will remind you of musicals.
It also features an original radio musical “Circles” – a satirical RomCom set in ancient Sicily about a deserting Roman soldier, an Archimedes groupie and a singing cyclops. Book and script by Radha Menon and Music composed by Hanna Bech.
TICKETS: Online: https://www.bruha.com/event/672 Cash at door, or for e-transfer details please contact queensoquirk@gmail.com  Queens of Quirk believes art should be accessible, and because of this we offer PAY IT FORWARD tickets. Please email queensoquirk@gmail.com  if you would like to Pay it Forward, or if you would like a PIF ticket.

The Shari Vandermolen Quartet: Chocolate & Champagne: Sunday, February 12, Doors: 7:00. Start: 7:30 $20 / $15 students/ seniors/ wage-challenged. We hope that you will join Shari Vandermolen and her exceptional band for an evening of jazz, blues, and songs of love that will put you in a snuggling mood. Make us your stop for a Dessert of Chocolate with a (reasonable, cash) Champagne Bar!
Shari Vandermolen is an award-winning local performer and vocalist who imbues the best of contemporary influence into classic songs while paying homage to such legendary vocalists as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Etta James, Nina Simone and Sara Vaughan. In doing so, she makes a song her own.
The Shari V Quartet features Mohawk College Jazz program alumni Steve McRae on piano, James Gannett on bass and Michael Yates on drums.  “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…  When she tackles such hurting songs and raw pain surges from her throat, that pain finds you in the dark and makes you shiver with pleasure.”   –  The Hamilton Spectator

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Elizabeth Shepherd and Michael Occhipinti: Artists as Activists: An evening of music with a social conscience. Friday, February 17. Doors: 7:30. Show: 8:00. Cost: $20. With a combined total of 14 JUNO nominations between them, Elizabeth Shepherd and Michael Occhipinti have been combining their unique voices, as they tour together over the past 4 years. Whether drawing on jazz, soul, folk, pop or world music, their sound is soulful and fresh.
For this show, in light of recent events, they’ll be framing the evening with the theme of “Artists as Activists: Socially Conscious Musicians”. From the music of Bruce Cockburn to Stevie Wonder, and of course some of their own original material along the way, they cover songs of protest of all styles, infusing each one with their own signature sound. Never has there been a better time to get inspired by the power of music to effect change.
Both exciting singer/songwriter pianist, and souljazz innovator Elizabeth Shepherd, and Michael Occhipinti, multitalented guitarist/ composer/ arranger have been toasted world-wide for their talent and versatility. For more about these two startlingly original musicians, see the “Read More” section below. www.elizabethshepherd.com   www.michaelocchipintimusic.com  Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klhLIuALpCc 

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THE TRAIN OF THOUGHT: Theatre of the Awakening Mind. Starts January 26 2017. Departure Time 8:00 pm; Please plan to arrive 30 minutes before boarding. Boarding Passes: $20.00 & $15.00. Schedule: January 26, 27, 28. February 2, 3, 4 & 9, 10, 11. Belief and Disbelief are confronted on “The Train of Thought.”  Four travelers embark on a journey to face the ultimate consequences of their beliefs. They engage in the most important conversation of our time!
Written & Directed by Gary Santucci. Cast: Tara Smith, Tony Di Casa, Rod McTaggart, Jay Shand, Robin Zee. Tickets will be available on-line @ ticketscene or by calling to reserve @ 905 524 0606 or by email info@thepearlcompany.ca  All performances begin @ 8:00pm

David Woodhead’s Confabulation: Saturday, January 21, 8:00. $20/$15. Bassist and multi-instrumentalist David Woodhead is one of the most accomplished of Canadian musicians and his genre-defying (mostly) instrumental supergroup, Confabulation, is a thrill-ride for players and audiences alike. David has played on more than 200 albums. He was the bassist for folk legend Stan Rogers. He’s played with Loreena McKennitt, Valdy, Sneezy Waters, Brent Titcomb, Scott Merritt, jazz ensemble Manteca. He regularly tours with James Keelaghan. Confabulation’s musical eclecticism features: harp-like fingerstyle ukulele picking, klezmer-like horns, a few intriguing time signatures and some unexpected chord changes. The line-up: keyboardist Doug Wilde (Leonard Cohen, Jane Siberry, Manteca), drummer Rich Greenspoon (Njacko Backo, Stewed Tomatoes, Betty and the Bobs), violinist / fiddler Anne Lindsay (Blue Rodeo, Toronto Maple Leafs) and guitarist Bob Cohen (Jesse Winchester,Tim Hardin).
The quintet combines Woodhead’s sophisticated-yet-accessible compositions with the odd dramatic interpretation of Rudyard Kipling and nod to Peter Gabriel.  Their shows merge outstanding musicianship with spontaneity, whimsy, and the musical chops to take them in whatever direction they’re moved to go. http://www.davidwoodhead.com/  The Confabulation : http://www.davidwoodhead.com/confabulation.html  Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m62zRUT9u4M

David McLaughlin/Gary Santucci: Prelude in Glass. Saturday, January 14, 8:00pm. One of the most memorable stops on the Art Bus tours comes to The Pearl. After forty years of arts and crafts, a Multicraft Gallery has been established for the marketing and disposal of the accumulated creative production of David McLaughlin of Hamilton Ontario. David first shows his works in glass. Forceful, eye-catching, and unique, these pieces are but a prelude to other one-of-a-kind furniture pieces. (His work is astonishing; completely unpredictable but just right.). David will space out the entry of his pieces into The Pearl over time, – in plays, behind concerts, and in the gallery.  You’ll know them when you see them.
Gary Santucci plays for this preview amid the glittering glasswork.
These stained glass panels will be listed for sale on the auction site Ebay. This auction will end early  February 2017. The second lot will be exhibited for the month of February. Free local delivery will be available. Payment will be made through Pay Pal. For more information contact David at  dmclaughlin1@sympatico.ca

Big Johnny Blue, Strange Cargo & Special Guest Charly Chiarelli: Friday, January 13. 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 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.
Charly Chiarelli is one of the world’s premiere storytellers, widely known for his trilogy of one-person plays. He may be an accomplished storyteller but he is also a songwriter and virtuoso harmonica player. Find out just how capable when he joins Johnny and Strange Cargo in the telling acoustics at The Pearl…. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XE8p_zRZeIs&index=1&list=PLB3320D903F7A1FCE https://www.facebook.com/bigjohnnyblueandstrangecargo/

Hammer Hoppers Presents: Craig Roberts and The Jumpin’ Jive Band: Wednesday, January 11. Doors: 7:00/Lesson: 7:30/Show: 8:00. $15 / $10 students or with a MacSwing membership card. We are going to shimmy and shake our way into the new year with The Jumpin’ Jive Band from right here in Hamilton. Craig Roberts and The Jumpin’ Jive Band perform the great hits from the 1930s and 1940s drawing from Hoagy Carmichael, Gershwin, Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Louis Jordan, and Fats Waller. Join us on the dance floor and let’s get moving in 2017.
Never danced before? We will show you how! We have a Drop-In Beginner Lesson at 7:30PM. Dancing isn’t your thing (yet) but good jive is? We have lots of extra comfy seating at The Pearl Company. Come listen have a dance with us! The Theme: Frozen in Time (White & Blue). Hammer Hoppers offers dance instruction and socials for vintage swing dances, Lindy Hop, Charleston, Authentic Jazz, and Balboa.

Another Jazzy New Year @ The Pearl! Saturday, December 31, 8:00 ‘til ?  $75 per person.  Fab entertainment, a great buffet, and a cash bar. The entertainment will be a brilliant collection of super-gifted jazz musicians. As always, 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, with major assistance from his son and chef Avery Santucci, will create a pan-global buffet with new dishes arriving throughout the night. There will be two musical sets from the collection of jazz artists assembled for the evening:

The 7-piece world-beat jazz ensemble, Spanjazz: Inspired by world music rhythms in a jazz context and featuring Alex Tomowich – keyboard, Simon Wheeldon – saxophone, Jeff Plumbley – trumpet, Aidan Sibley – trombone, James Gannett – bass, Steve Wilson – drums and Gary Santucci – guitar. All musicians are highly respected performers in their own fields; the juxtaposition of their different styles and approaches creates the unique sound and experience that is Spanjazz.
Dancing between sets and lots of food and interesting beverages will round out the evening.
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!

The Koren Family Christmas! Monday, December 19 at 7:00pm: $10 / With a Food or Cash Donation. The Koren Family with The Pearl Company will host an evening of music and much, much, more. I quote from Benjamin Washington …best deal of the year…the 2016 installment of the annual ‘Koren Family Christmas’…a full charity donation showcase in aid of HAMILTON FOOD SHARE…main stage at The Pearl Company… the musical line-up is awesome…room sound by Ron Chilton…lighting and effects Rob McArthur’s Niteline Productions…tech by Ed Sculthorpe’;s Birchway Sound and the show is being taped for television broadcast…ten bucks and a food donation…be there…best deal of the year!  The Musical lineup: Tomi Swick, Lisa Winn, Christopher Nguyen, Mississippi Bends, Doug Feaver and Ruth Sutherland, Danny Medakovic, The Vaudevillian, Elton Lammie Music and 2016 Blues Juno Award winner Harrison Kennedy perform!!! Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_4F90lmGQY

Ray Z Rivers: Sunday, December 18. 2:00 pm. $20 door/$15 students/ seniors/ un(der)waged. Ray Rivers is a songwriter, playwright, author and columnist. Join us for an hour-long afternoon concert of selected Christmas music starting at 2 p.m. Net proceeds will be donated to Mission Services in Hamilton. Ray plays guitar, harmonica and bass. He will be joined on guitar and vocals by John Loeprich, who recently released his first CD and goes under the stage name Johnny Fritz. Jim Jones, who is the keyboard player for the Gordon Lightfoot Tribute band, will be accompanying them on piano.  Tickets are available on-line (thepearlcompany.ca) or at the door. . http://www.rayriversmusic.com/

“A RIDE IN THE SKY” Friday December 9, Saturday December 10. 8:00pm both nights. $20 door/$15 students/ seniors/ un(der)waged. “A Ride in the Sky”  is a celebration of the 40th anniversary of the WINGS OVER AMERICA album and tour. Organized by Christopher Clause, proceeds from the two shows will benefit Gracenotes and the Debbie Clause Recording Fund. The two shows will feature the following artists (in alphabetical order): Andrew Aldridge, The Barr Band, Robin Benedict, Christa Bradbury, Bob Bryden, Jennifer Budd, Christopher Clause, Spider Costello, Sonny del Rio, Andy Griffiths, Bec Jamieson, Chris Jamieson, Frank Koren, Kim Koren, Fred Magie, Steve McRae, Lena Montecalvo, Jackie Scott, Michael Scott, Peter Taplay, Sharon Washington.

Hammer Hoppers Presents: The Peter Shea Quartet: Wednesday, December 14. Doors: 7:00/Lesson: 7:30/Show: 8:00. $15 / $10 students or with a MacSwing membership card. Join us on the dance floor with The Peter Shea Quartet at our holiday dance. Peter Shea hails from the Niagara region and was trained at UofT in Jazz Performance and Composition. Peter has performed on keyboard with comedy groups such as Toronto Second City and Montreal Just For Laughs as well as the hit musical Jersey Boys and has played all over the world and now he and his band will be playing for us in Hamilton so we can dance our socks off. Come hear for yourself why Peter’s music gets the dance floor hoppin’!
Never danced before? We will show you how! We have a Drop-In Beginner Lesson at 7:30PM. Dancing isn’t your thing (yet) but good jazz is? We have lots of extra comfy seating at The Pearl Company. Come be serenaded by Peter’s stylish musical offerings and have a dance with us! The Theme: Silver & Holly. 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 Peter Shea Quartet
Listen to Peter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAY1JiG1ZwA

Stephen Jenkinson & Gregory Hoskins: Ramshackling Concerts for Turbulent Times: A night of Grief and Mystery. Saturday, December 3: 7:00pm. $35 door. SOME SEATS STILL AVAILABLE.  On St. Patrick’s Day, 2015, Stephen Jenkinson’s new book Die Wise: A Manifesto for Sanity and Soul was published by North Atlantic Books out of Berkeley, California. Die Wise shares his stories and insights on grief and dying and the great love of life, and it recently won the 2015 Nautilus Award. Video link to Stephen speaking about DIE WISE:
Last year’s book tour brought Stephen’s work to audiences across essentially the world. By fall things gained a certain momentum, and Stephen invited a remarkable Canadian musician, Gregory Hoskins, to join him on the road. These concerts became storied nights of grief, mystery and orphan wisdom for a troubled time. Gregory’s music graced Stephen’s pleas for mercy and for grace under pressure with faithful cantos of muscular sorrow. People came, jammed doorways and stood on chairs and lingered long afterwards, unwilling it seemed to go back to a home unchanged by an unlikely evening of mortal mysteries.
Award-winning filmmaker/media activist Ian Mackenzie joined them on the road in N.Y.C., Boulder, Berkeley and Austin to record those unlikely days and nights. A new film, DIE WISE: The Lost Nation Road, chronicling that tour, is coming out in fall, 2016. In all, some eleven countries and eighty five cities.

GREGORY HOSKINS with TINA NEWLOVE:  ILLUMINATE ME: A Concert and Live Painting Performance. Two nights: Thursday / Friday, December 1 & 2: 8:00pm. $25 door.  A concert presentation of songs from acclaimed Canadian recording artist Gregory Hoskins set against a larger-than-life canvas being painted by Tina Newlove and projected over the singer. The evening begins with Hoskins under the stark light of the projected canvas and ends drowning in colour and form. The songs of Hoskins are cool and warm and sorrowful and hopeful all at the same time and the paintings of Newlove are organic and grounded, abstract just enough to make them otherworldly but recognizable.  The interactions between painter and singer are unrehearsed and the outcome is unplanned as he makes his way through solo renditions of the songs (with a dose of the “between song asides” he is known for) and Newlove’s projected “Hand of God” applies colour in all its’ drippy mess.  The audience gets a taste of the chaos that can lead to form.  And that is where the two meet. www.gregoryhoskins.com   www.tinanewlove.com   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmmUmr0EBKY
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