The Pearl Company

The Naked Ballerina: Feb 4, 5, 6. 8:00pm. $20 door/$15 artists/students/un(der)waged. Come on a journey with Gwyn, a top professional ballet dancer. She will take you backstage and into the darkest corners of the ballet world, where sex, bulimia, beauty, shame, bliss, fear, pain, and secrets, pave the path to “perfection”. Based on the true life story of Sarah Murphy-Dyson.
Top Ten Performances of 2014 – Gary Smith Hamilton Spectator: “Sarah Murphy-Dyson gave 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.” http://m.thespec.com/whatson-story/5234136-the-delights-and-duds-of-2014/
“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.

Erin and Nara: Let’s Make Believe it’s SUMMER Show! Friday, January 29. 8:00pm. Advance $15/ $20 at the door. Partners in love and laughter, Erin and Nara are pleased to announce that as far as they are concerned, it is SUMMER! And they are about to prove it! They have enlisted confirmation from XTACY LOVE; STEVIE PEA; and ERIN AND NARA (uh, of course).  They are also presenting ROOKIE TIME, giving a newbie comedian/performer a chance to show off their stuff at this show. (Send them a message or video of who you are, what makes you tick, what/who makes you laugh). Erin and Nara are best known for their original song “Sexy Cuz We’re Lesbians” and for being the over-the-top hilarious hosts of Shelley Marshall’s Full Bawdy Comedy Show. They are unbelievably creative, hysterically funny, and just generally not-to-be-missed! Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_jiv6N2SCE   https://www.facebook.com/erinandnara    www.erinandnara.com

Gregory Hoskins & Kevin Breit: Saturday, January 30: 8:00. $20 door/$15 artists/students/un(der)waged.  Acclaimed singer/songwriter Gregory Hoskins performs ‘songs of muscular sorrow’ drawn from his 25 year career. Not only that, he does it with two-time JUNO Award winner Kevin Breit.  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…. http://www.kevinbreit.com/   Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH0-0cXHHs4
Gregory Hoskins’ career has spanned 22 years, eight albums. Remember Gregory Hoskins and The Stickpeople on the legendary True North label?   Hoskins, (“….. depth, complexity, and sincerity …inspired and 100% original!”) has appeared with Sarah McLachlan, The Indigo Girls, Bruce Cockburn, and folk-legend Odetta among many others. He also works with First Nations artists and arts organizations, as well as with media artist Cheryl L’Hirondelle in her ongoing creation project with women in prison. www.gregoryhoskins.com   https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=dmmUmr0EBKY

PUBLICITY PLANNING SECRETS 101 WITH LISA MILLAR: Saturday, January 30. 10am- 3:30 pm. Have you ever wondered how to get that Standing Room Only show or successfully launch a product or CD? For the low introductory price of $60, Lisa’s hands-on workshop will take you through the steps to understand The Product, The Pitch and The Launch. By the end of the day you will have had a chance to fully plan an event from start to finish. A networking lunch is included. Seating is limited to 30 people so reserve your seat now by paying via email at the address below. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact: lisamillarsmusic@gmail.com  Photo by Benjamin Washington https://www.facebook.com/TheRealLisaMillar?fref=photo

David Woodhead’s Confabulation: January 22, 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), reeds player Colleen Allen (Anne Murray, Rita MacNeil, Gino Vannelli, Ani DiFranco, Molly Johnson) 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

Shari Vandermolen with SWINGLINE: Saturday, January 16. 8:00. $20/$15 students/seniors/income-challenged.  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 with no ongoing commitment to “join the band”; it was simply an opportunity to play together and develop new musical connections with other musicians.   It was through these connections that Shari Vandermolen’s rich vocals came to the group – she filled the final niche completing the band and SwingLine was born.  Shari Vandermolen’s recent CD release has kept her busy but she is thrilled to be back at one of her favourite venues with her favourite “little big-band” SwingLine.  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

Another Jazzy New Year @ The Pearl! Thursday, December 31, 8:00 ‘til ?  $60 per person.  Fab entertainment and a great buffet. The entertainment will be a brilliant collection of super-gifted jazz musicians. 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 will outdo himself (as always) with a pan-global buffet; new dishes arrive throughout the night.
There will be two sets from the collection of jazz artists assembled for the evening:
Featuring: The Spanjazz ensemble! Check out the all-star line-up! The Spanjazz Quintet this year includes Aidan Sibley – trombone, James Gannet – bass, Jordan Abraham – keyboards, Jeff Plumbley – trumpet, Gary Santucci on guitar, and Steve Wilson on drums.  Wow is the word.  Dancing between sets and lots of food and interesting beverages will round out the evening.
Dancing between sets. (Musical requests?)

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!
In our warm, welcoming ‘lofty’ atmosphere!

The Koren Family Christmas! Monday, December 21 at 7:00pm: $10 / With a Food or Cash Donation. Broadcast Live to Air on Cable 14. The Koren Family with The Pearl Company will be hosting an evening of music and much, much, more that evening. All proceeds (food and cash) will be forwarded to Hamilton Food Share (non-perishable donations will be received at the door). Kim, Frank, Marrakech and Jordan Koren will be your musical hosts!!  The musical line-up to date is impressive: Duane Rutter, Hachey the MouthPEACE, Christopher Clause, Leonard Burns and Dell, Erin and Nara, Sharon Washington, Robin Benedict, Melissa Marchese, Matt King, Andreas, and Katie Harbour. And, returning, Harrison Kennedy! A few more may be announced in the next couple of weeks…. Be charmed and delighted by this beautiful family event while helping those in need.
Buy Tickets: https://www.ticketscene.ca/events/14480  Event:  https://www.facebook.com/events/1505450543062890/?ref=br_tf 
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_4F90lmGQY

Shawn O’Halloran: Sunday December 20: 8:00pm. $10 not set yet…. Shawn O’Halloran, a soulful, funky and bluesy singer/songwriter with many CDs to his credit will visit The Pearl. His latest CD Songbird, in his words, “The music in this album were pieces I started writing in the early 1980’s as my first rock band “Gonzo Lust Combo” was breaking up. These pieces I have recently finished through the prism of touring over thirty years with the best Rock n’ Roll (Crowbar), Blues (King Biscuit Boy) and R & B bands (The Legendary Platters & Ink Spots) in the country, and mark a return to the original styles in which they were written. The Hammer meets New Orleans described Shawn O’Halloran’s last CD, Jumping the gun on Mardi Gras, featured great “Cajun-infused, jazzy tunes with a lotta fun, a lotta soul, and a lotta funk!”  http://www.shawnohalloran.com/    Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4i5HtOADiY

The Full Bawdy Comedy Show: A Very Mental Christmas! Saturday, Dec 19 @ 9:00. Tickets $20 advance @ www.shelleymarshall.com  Friday Dec 18 @ 8:00 is already SOLD OUT and Saturday is on its way! The Full Bawdy Comedy Show is a collaboration of Performance Celebrations, It’s Music, Comedy, Burlesque, Stand up, Sketches and more. The Full Bawdy Comedy show is always a sell out success as it features performers from all aspects and diversities that instil the celebration of humour and love. This show includes performances by Melissa Marchese Erin and Nara Todd Graham Miss Kitty Litteur Morgan Joy and Shelley Marshall !
Tickets available at: https://www.ticketscene.ca/events/14443/  Or from Shelley’s Website.

Hammer Hoppers Presents: The Sophia Perlman Quartet: Wednesday, Dec 16.
Doors: 7:00/Lesson: 7:30/Show: 8:00. $15 / $10 with a MacSwing membership card… 
Hammer Hoppers is thrilled to welcome vocalist Sophia Perlman to perform at our holiday dance. Sophia trained at Humber College and regularly fronts ensembles and big bands in and around Toronto such as Adrean Farrugia, The Toronto Jazz Orchestra, and The Darcy Hepner Jazz Orchestra. She is a featured vocalist on both JUNO award winning and nominated jazz albums in addition to many others. Come and let Sophia’s vocal improvisations inspire your dancing as we celebrate the holiday season. The Theme: Red and Gold! Hammer Hoppers offers dance instruction and socials for vintage swing dances, Lindy Hop, Charleston, Authentic Jazz, and Balboa

Gregory Hoskins with Tina Newlove: A Concert and Live Painting Performance. Saturday, December 12: 8:00pm. $25 door. Acclaimed singer/songwriter Gregory Hoskins performs ‘songs of muscular sorrow’ drawn from his 25 year career, in a solo performance featuring visual artist Tina Newlove on a canvas that is projected over Hoskins.  The evening is a feast for the ears, the eyes, and the places those things are connected to. Two unique artists in a conversation that is totally unscripted.  Gregory Hoskins’ career has spanned 22 years, eight albums, Remember Gregory Hoskins and The Stickpeople on the legendary True North label?   Hoskins, (“….. depth, complexity and sincerity …inspired and 100% original!”) has appeared with Sarah McLachlan, The Indigo Girls, Bruce Cockburn, and folk-legend Odetta among many others. He also works with First Nations artists and arts organizations, as well as with media artist Cheryl L’Hirondelle in her ongoing creation project with women in prison. Tina Newlove continues to be recognized by her peers as an artist who is making a significant contribution to the cultural life of Canada. Her much-awarded work appears in numerous public galleries. She is a founding member of Tribe of One, a Canadian Performance Collective that fuses the soul of Indigenous folk-funk rock with English, French, First Nation and Metis, singers, dancers, painters and musicians. www.gregoryhoskins.com  www.tinanewlove.com  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmmUmr0EBKY

Scott Merritt with Jeff Bird: Friday, December 11, 8:00pm. $20 door/$15 un(der)waged. Canadian singer-songwriter-producer Scott Merritt is on tour in support of his first album in twelve years, ‘Of’, accompanied by multi-instrumentalist Jeff Bird (Cowboy Junkies). Considering that he has made records for major labels both in Canada and the U.S., and that he has often been cited critically as one of the great unsung singer-songwriters of Canada, Scott Merritt has toured rarely and has released his music sparingly since making his first record in the late 70’s.  He is perhaps better known these days as a producer and engineer, working out of his studio, in Guelph, host to countless other songwriters. And though he is regarded as an innovative guitarist – most often in the company of a venturous rock outfit – in his new record Merritt has taken an entirely different approach. ‘Of’ has an overarching spacious and ethereal quality that is grounded by the earthy voice and imagistic lyrics at the centre of it all. Almost hymn-like, it is a fresh outlook and an all too rare offering from this ever-adventurous artist. http://www.scottmerritt.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83GJrBktZ1Q

Flamenco Tablao / Cante Plazuela: Saturday, December 5. 8:00pm. $20. Kim Macedo (an Oakville / Jerez de la Frontera based artist) brings a “LIBRE” Gyspy Flamenco style to The Pearl Company, the result of studying improvisational Flamenco with Andalusian gypsy artists and mentors.  Flamenco is the complex coming together of Moor, Gypsy and Jewish cultures of the Andalusian landscape. These cultures fused together lend each their own rich colour and emotion to the already rich folkloric art of Andalusia. At a time when repression was high in Spain , Flamenco thrived in private fiestas and in the caves of Sacromonte in Granada. This is the spirit that Cante Plazuela / Flamenco Tablao brings!
The players are : Manuel Moneo Carrasco a Jerez gypsy singer from the barrios of the Plazuela and San Miguel. Jose Vega Jurado a world class concert guitarist from Cadiz, based in Toronto. Carla Soto a viviacious and exhuberent Toronto based dancer with Venezuelan roots, and Kim Macedo an intense gypsy style dancer, inspired in the juergas (jam sessions) of Jerez – with their distinct love of Flamenco, invite you into their evening of heart wrenching song and percussive dance and guitar conversations. Take a look: https://youtu.be/JMeyl8dStjQ

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HEILLIG MANOEUVRE: Friday, December 4. 8:00pm. $20 door/$15 artists/students/un(der)waged. Friendly. Contemporary. Jazz! Heillig Manoeuvre is a Toronto-based quartet formed by Manteca bassist/Musical Director Henry Heillig.  The band’s repertoire is primarily original material which Heillig describes as “friendly, contemporary jazz”.  Of his writing style, Heillig says: “Many of my compositions are inspired by people and places, even the odd cartoon character. Like many a jazz standard, they are written as songs, and they become jazz as we perform them.”
Drummer Charlie Cooley still plays with Manteca; Saxophonist Alison Young has been heard with Joe Sealy, Red Hot Ramble, Big Rude Jake. Pianist Stacie McGregor was Musical Director for the late Archie Alleyne’s  bop ensemble Kollage. They are all accomplished musicians who bring a variety of styles and strengths to the ensemble. The pleasure they derive from each other’s playing is obvious to the listener (and viewer). Heillig says he often feels like Snoopy playing his ‘doghouse’ , smiling and dancing, surrounded by his musical friends.
Heillig Manoeuvre recently released its fourth CD “Wait, There’s More!” Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZFrWL6AyF4 Website:  www.heilligman.com