The Pearl Company

C.R. Avery: Saturday, November 26: 8:00pm, $20 door/$15 students/ seniors/ un(der)waged. CR Avery: Outlaw Hip-Hop Harmonica Player; Beatbox Poet; Punk Piano Player; String Quartet Raconteur; Rock & Roll Matador; Playwright. He is a unique, raw and dynamic performer. He has recorded 15 LPs and presented six hip hop operas; he is writing his fourth book and now paints. His new album All The Angels Didn’t Scare Me, is his 16th.  CR is a Canadian music sensation. His lyrics, vocal delivery, energy, and artistry have won him international acclaim. He is a one-man band, but one for this generation. His incredible live performances have been described as Bob Dylan in the body of Iggy Pop….  Every show is all or nothing and his fearless approach to all genres of music both on stage and in the studio proves the longevity of this talented, astonishing creator who has so much more to come. www.cravery.com

MATT EPP & CHRISTINA MARTIN: Friday, November 25. Doors: 7:30 / 8pm start. $20 /$15 students/seniors/un(der)waged. Award Winning Nova Scotia Singer-Songwriter Christina Martin’s musical journey has led to extended stays in the United Kingdom and Germany, from where she has cultivated a substantial following across mainland Europe. Along the way, she has earned multiple ECMAs and Music Nova Scotia Awards. In this show the Roots/Rock/Pop songstress will perform original tunes from her award winning album It’ll Be Alright (2016 East Coast Music Award – Pop Recording of the Year), accompanied by her guitar player, acclaimed Nova Scotia producer and musician Dale Murray. “Anyone who has yet to experience her music is missing out.” Sarah Waspe, Grapevine Live UK Listen: https://youtu.be/LSsESMeA-i0  www.christinamartin.net
MATT EPP: After eight records of world-class song writing, constant national and international touring, a loving and dedicated fan base, and building himself into a well-oiled music machine, Matt Epp is exploring a new path. That path has been providing the inspiration for his most electrifying and heart-wrenching music to date. Ready In Time, Epp’s recent release, challenges the listener to see their world, their community, their loves with open eyes, and to do right by them. “…Matt Epp is simply one of the best of a generation of fine songwriters emerging … and carrying forward the torch of Canadian songwriting that goes back to Lightfoot, Mitchell, Young, Cohen and Cockburn. It’s what we’re really good at.” Gary Cristall – Vancouver Folk Music Festival. Listen: http://youtube.com/matteppmusic  www.mattepp.com

Dr.Susan Smith of Atzin Mexico Speaks: “THE LONG HAUL: The Building of Creativity and Resilience in a Troubled Mexican Village”: November 23: 7:00. No Fee. Atzin Desarrollo Comunitario, A.C. (Cuernavaca, México) is a humanitarian, non-profit organization based in Cuernavaca, Morelos, working closely with a sister organization, Atzin Canada, in Ottawa. Since 1997, Atzin has responded to the needs of the Tlamacazapa community in Guerrero by gradually establishing programs in four integrated sectors: Health and healing; Income generation for women; Community education and literacy; and Environment, water and sanitation. www.atzin.org

ART Opening: OPIRG McMaster with ATZIN Mexico: “WE ARE YOUR FUTURE: Art & the Women of Tlamacazapa”: Saturday, November 19. 7:00. No fee.The “We are your Future” art exhibition portrays the daily reality of women weavers of palm who live in acute poverty in Tlamacazapa, Mexico. These Indigenous weavers are caught in a complex web of social disintegration and environmental toxicity with water shortage. Today, they are re-creating a sense of worth and identity through a re-weaving of their perceptions of themselves and of their strengths. Seventy high quality palm weavings accompany thirty original paintings and prints, done by two artists, Alejandro Aranda from Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico and Ray Dirks from Winnipeg. Manitoba. Each artist captured different dimensions of village life and illustrated the essence of development with dignity. www.atzin.org

Spanjazz: A Gary Santucci Project: Friday, November 18. 8:00pm. $20 /$15 students/seniors/ un(der)waged.  A collection of musical compositions inspired by world music rhythms performed in a jazz context by the 7-piece world-beat jazz ensemble, Spanjazz.  Featuring Jordan Abraham – keyboard, Simon Wheeldon – saxophone, Jordan Tunney – trumpet, Aidan Sibley – trombone, James Gannett – bass, Steve Wilson – drums and Gary Santucci – guitar. All musicians in this newly-formed group 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. November 18 will also be a fundraising concert with the ensemble. There will be food and refreshments as well as “Art for Sale” at very reasonable prices. More to come.

Shari Vandermolen & SWINGLINE: Saturday, November 12. 8:00. $20/$15 students/seniors/un(der)waged. SWINGLINE is an inspired and accomplished group of musicians hailing from the greater Hamilton and Toronto areas bringing you big-band jazz standards and a little soulful R & B to round things off.  They originally came together purely for the love of music, for playing together, and for developing new musical connections with other musicians. Now they’re in demand.  Shari Vandermolen’s rich vocals filled the niche completing the band and we now get to listen and appreciate!  Shari Vandermolen’s recent CD release kept her busy but she is thrilled to be back at one of her favourite venues with her favourite “little big-band”.  They will have you humming along and tapping your feet all night long giving you that big-band sound you crave!  http://swingline.webs.com/    Listen:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXw_ytuzvFc

Parker Abbott Trio/ Aubrey Wilson Quartet: Friday, November 11. Doors: 7:30 / 8pm start. $20 /$15 students/ seniors /un(der)waged. Two top-quality jazz groups for the price of one. The Parker Abbott Trio is a keyboard-centric group of Toronto based musicians exploring the intersections between two pianists (Teri Parker and Simeon Abbott) and a drummer (percussive powerhouse Mark Segger) and using a huge sonic palette to do so. Using a plethora of keyboard instruments and a pan-stylistic approach to composition and improvisation, the trio has created an utterly original, multi-faceted jazz group. This show is a CD release show for their third album ‘Elevation.’
The show also features a set by the local and highly respected Aubrey Wilson Quartet (voice, piano, bass, and drums, playing standards). The two jazz bands have their own unique sound. There also just might be a Remembrance Day spin on the show…. Listen to the Parker Abbott Trio: http://parkerabbotttrio.com/ .

Hammer Hoppers Presents: Alex Pangman & Her Alleycats: Wednesday, November 2. Doors: 7:00/Lesson: 7:30/Show: 8:00. $15 / $10 with a MacSwing membership card…  Hammer Hoppers presents Canada’s Sweetheart of Swing, Alex Pangman. Vocalist and band leader Alex Pangman knows exactly how to get the dance floor jumping. Her music has been showcased three times at the Montreal International Jazz Festival, on a national tour, and was recently recognized with a Juno Award nomination for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year with her album ‘New’. Join us on the dance floor and be serenaded by Alex’s stylish musical offerings. The Theme: Classic Vintage. 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: Alex Pangman & Her Alleycats
Listen to Alex: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJcAQPyTkak
Online ticket sales @: https://www.bruha.com/  

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/  

NEVERMORE: Dates: October 20 to 22 / 27 to 29 / and 31. Ticket price: $17. Doors 7:30pm, Show 8:00. Prepare to be thrilled, frightened, and enveloped by Nevermore, bringing audiences into the world of Edgar Allan Poe.  Based on some of Poe’s best scary stories, Nevermore is a theatrical way to celebrate Hallowe’en with a taste of the macabre… Created and Performed by: Cady Allen, Peter Gruner, and Ryan M. Sero, (Artistic Director, theatre artist: actor and writer). Produced by Make Art Theatre, an independent theatre company founded in, and based out of Hamilton Ontario. Founded in 2010 with the idea of producing works they would want to see on stage, they have evolved into a company that produces plays they believe their audience too will enjoy.  Plays to make you think and laugh; plays good for both the heart and mind. https://www.facebook.com/make.art.theatre/

Nara Farrell: 7 Weeks, 7 Chakras: $60.00 for 7 weeks. Starting September 6th. 7pm to 9:00. The inimitable Nara Farrell brings her own class to the stage, designed to blend together the energetic system of the body’s Chakras and the beautiful world of comedy. You may know Nara as part of the wildly funny comedy duo Erin and Nara but now she’s showing us another side!  Nara: “We will be looking at what comedy can do to help us see ourselves in a different light. 7 weeks, 7 Chakras. The idea? To unblock something. Or not. To have fun with yourself and have a good laugh using the tools of music, improv, character voices, costumes, and writing, to name but a few. We’ll be going from the ROOT to the CROWN and you’ll find new ways to enjoy YOU. Please join us.”

Amor Flamenco – An exploration of the heart: Saturday, October 15. Doors: 7:30 / 8pm start. $25 /$20 students/seniors/un(der)waged Join this troupe of talented flamenco artists as they take you on an emotional journey through the many facets of love, from mysterious strangers and budding romance, to moonlit encounters, raw emotion, heartbreak, and grief.  Amor Flamenco is a dynamic new production of flamenco dance and music, one of the world’s most passionate and complex art forms. The 7 member cast of dancers and musicians explore traditional and contemporary elements of flamenco’s explosive rhythms, percussive footwork, emotional dance, and spell binding music.
Cast: Angela Déiseach (co-artistic director, co-producer; dance), Larissa Vingilis-Jaremko (co-artistic director, co-producer; dance), Kiyo Asaoka (dance), Amilia Cervantes (violin) James Cosman (guitar), Shirlita Pili (voice), Gina Tantalo (voice). lalaflamenco.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