The Pearl Company

Steve Poltz: Thursday August 1. 8:00pm. $15 /$10 students/arts workers. Southern California’s (Canadian-born) Steve Poltz,  one of America’s most talented men has been entertaining the world for more than a decade. He is one of the most beloved songwriters of his generation. His music, as both a solo artist and with cult legends, The Rugburns, has enjoyed long stretches in the Billboard top ten, gobbled up acres of mainstream radio and appeared in scores of television shows, commercials and movies. He has collaborated with everyone from Jewel to Glenn Tillbrook to Mojo Nixon, and his legendary live show has earned him a ferocious global fan base.  With his latest record, Noineen Noiny Noin, (1999 in Australian-ese) Poltz is back to remind the world that the intersection of beauty and madness is a majestic place to spend a little time. Poltz’ 13th full-length album is a wind-in-the-face joyride that takes on a jaw-dropping range of themes, including love, murder, Johnny Cash and transvestites. And that’s just one song. This album rocks, beguiles and entertains, opening like a flower with each new song.
Steve and great friend and co-writer Jewel started writing songs together a few years ago and it was Steve who helped launch Jewel’s career. The most memorable and famous of their co-creations would have to be “You Were Meant For Me” which appeared on the Jewel album, “Pieces Of You”. and was one of the biggest selling singles in recent history. www.poltz.com Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4qmqgjj4Do

FIN DE FIESTA: Wednesday, July 31. 8:00pm. $15 /$10 students/arts workers. FIN DE FIESTA brings Spanish passion to Canadian soil. They are a group of flamenco artists recently returned to Canada from Seville, Spain where they spent some time studying flamenco intensively, and are now organizing a tour to perform the new material. Most also perform with Flamenguitos del Norte, a flamenco collective that has performed at flamenco festivals across Canada. The name FIN DE FIESTA translates to “End of the Party”, a reference to the open jam session that occurs at the end of a traditional flamenco show in Spain. It is during the fin de fiesta that the true improvisational and spirited nature of flamenco shows itself, and it is that lively spirit that inspires the group. FIN DE FIESTA is made up of guitarist Dennis Duffin, singer Tamar Llana, and dancers Lia Grainger and Alexandra Talbot. Watch on YouTube: http://bit.ly/1ciqkLK  Read Gary Smith’s article about Lia and Fin de Fiesta: http://bit.ly/1636orM 

CHECK THE REVIEW FOR DEATH AND THE MAIDEN:
http://fringefestivalcommunityreviews.wordpress.com/2013/07/21/death-and-the-maiden/

Death and the Maiden: Written by Laurence Olivier Prize Winning playwright Ariel Dorfman. This is the fourth production that Nortesur has developed for the stage; chosen because it speaks passionately about current international events, it asks tough questions about forgiveness and the role of victims and perpetrators in transitory societies, and it is a local opportunity to see a truly amazing piece of theatre written by one of Latin America’s best contemporary playwrights.  It is raw, provocative, and driven by a cast of characters that are all-too-human. Performed, and designed by emerging professional artists from across the golden horseshoe and the GTA, it is an entertaining, insightful, and extraordinarily powerful piece that delivers an evening of truly engaging theatre.  Thurs.July 18@ 8:00pm, Fri.19@8:00pm, Sat.20@7:00pm, Tues.23@8:00pm, Wed.24@7:00pm, Thurs.25@8:00pm,  Fri.26@7:00pm, Sat.27@8:00pm

AND HERE’S  RIDERGIRL’S REVIEW :
http://fringefestivalcommunityreviews.wordpress.com/2013/07/22/ridergirl-second-review/

RiderGirl: Written and performed by Ottawa based actor and Saskatchewan native Colleen Sutton. Professional sports and
independent theatre meet head on in Tiger Town! This is the story of a young woman whose prairie roots and home team inspire her to get off the sidelines and get in the game of her life.  With the end zone in sight, she fights for every down, but fumbles when she tries to go it alone.  Her team is about to make it – can she do the same?  Come in your colours, GAME TIME is here!  Two?time Rideau award nominee Colleen Sutton will energize your inner fan!  “ **** ½ “The only reason I’ve withheld that last half?star is because I cannot in good conscience give 5 stars to a Rider fan. Other than that, the show was superb.” CBC Manitoba.   Note: Fri. 19 – 2 for 1.  Friday, July 19, 6:30; Saturday,  20, 9:00; Sunday,  21, 2:00; Tuesday,  6:30; Wednesday, 24, 9:00; Thursday,  25, 6:30; Friday,  26, 9:00; Saturday, 27, 2:00

Times, dates, and tickets are  on the Fringe website – www.hamiltonfringe.ca 

Fringe Bus Friday, July 19, 6:30. $25 or 2 for $40 (Includes Fringe Button!) Never ‘Fringed’ before? Or curious about what this year’s newly framed, 10^th Anniversary Fringe Festival has to offer? Board the Bus at The Pearl (a Fringe BYOVenue) and celebrate our most exciting theatrical fair (or should that be fare…?) with a personalized tour of the Hamilton Fringe! Whether you come with friends or make them as you ride, we’ll explore a number of Fringe venues; we’ll stop at the Baltimore House, (this year’s ‘Fringe Club’ where we will receive a vision of the Fringe that is designed specifically for us); we’ll see one of the “Short Shows in Small Spaces”; we’ll party!  And we will do all this with Fringe guides, Fringe cameos and all the Fringe info you need to get you furiously “Fringing”! Fringe Bus sponsored by Judy Marsales Real Estate Brokerage: www.hamiltonfringe.ca For tickets contact: HamiltonArtBus@gmail.com or call The Pearl at 905 524-0606

Amanda Rheaume: Wednesday, July 17. 8:00pm. $15 /$10 students/arts workers. Métis singer/songwriter Rheaume is a powerful vocalist with just a touch of grit and an instantly-accessible roots-pop-Americana sound. Her new album, Light of Another Day is a collection of catchy, country-tinged tracks, notable at times for their airy upbeatness and at others for their goose bump-inducing tenderness. In addition to her superb musicianship, Rheaume has distinguished herself as a community activist, organizing Ottawa’s Bluebird North songwriter showcases, raising money for breast cancer, recording a charity Christmas EP for the Boys and Girls club of Ottawa, and even performing for the troops in Afghanistan…twice. She`s also sung at Lilith Fair. Much of the inspiration for her new album comes precisely from the day-to-day struggles of the developing artist – the automobile breakdowns at the side of the highway, the uninspiring day jobs that help pay the bills, and, of course, the budding romances that die from too much distance. Rheaume is an instantly-likeable artist both on and off the stage and one whose got the voice, the sound and the songwriting chops to share stages with the best. www.amandarheaume.com  Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-cfkDef8W4

Amber: Whiskey Epiphany: Alligator Baby: Saturday, July 13: 8:00pm. $10 at the door. Amber is a local singer-songwriter whose piano rocks her sound: www.ambersings.com  Whiskey Epiphany is an Oakville group, a mix of acoustic rock, folk, and a bit of blues. www.whiskeyepiphany.com  The music of Alligator Baby from Montreal is as quirky, charming, and versatile as its members. They’re an amiable rock band promoting their recently released Album “The Cool Side of the Pillow” www.alligatorbaby.com

Willy Blizzard: Friday, July 12. 8:00pm. $15 /$10 students/arts workers.   Willy Blizzard is a touring band from Vancouver, riding a musical journey that literally spans the decades, even the centuries.  This acoustic trio plays original music in the folk/roots genre featuring beautiful vocal harmonies, guitars, banjo, and stand-up bass. Willy Blizzard is fronted by principal songwriter / lead vocalist John Hough who has shared stages with David Rea, Jesse Winchester, and Valdy, and who is so earth-centred he actually holds a degree in Agriculture. “The richest baritone west of The Rockies” (Vancouver Province). Fran Madigan takes care of lead guitar, banjo, vocals; (he’s translated his R&B beginnings into some cool roots/country lead breaks on his red Telecaster). Andrea Law is on upright bass, piano, washboard, and vocals, bringing great stage presence and impeccable rhythm to the band.  Willy Blizzard’s recent album In From The Cold is essential Americana. Its rich detail has met with generous praise from press and critics both in Canada and Europe. In Willy Blizzard, right brain meets left brain to sustain an enduring encounter through music. “Truly gorgeous Canadiana” —  Penguin Eggs www.willyblizzard.com  Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GP1nhfD3O4I

Amelia Curran: Thursday, July 11. 8:00pm. $15 /$10 students/arts workers. This super-fine Juno Award winning singer/songwriter was nominated again this past year for her great new CD, Spectators and lost to her good friend Rose Cousins (another Pearl Co favourite). What a tricky job that jury must have had! Amelia’s new CD has garnered numerous rave reviews. A meditation on frailty, restlessness, time and its finitudes, Spectators is a highly accomplished disc; it raises the bar on her signature lyricism, and pushes beyond the folk boundaries that have defined her previous releases. “Curran’s sense of adventure extends to her lyrics, which are by turns philosophical and intimately personal…. This is simply superb stuff.” Exclaim.ca.  With a number of East Coast Music Awards and an extensive discography, she’s a songwriter by trade, and a writer at heart.  “One of this country’s finest singer-songwriters.” Montreal Gazette.  www.ameliacurran.com  Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pPn7W4E5SI
Andrew James O’Brien is a 3 time Music Newfoundland and Labrador Award winner (2011). He was named Male Artist of the Year, Rising Star of the Year and his debut album, Songs for Searchers, was named the Pop/Rock Recording of the Year. Jamie Fitzpatrick of CBC Radio’s Performance Hour says he will be, “The next big songwriter to emerge from Newfoundland”. John Clarke, Events Coordinator for the …Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Arts Society says, “Andrew O’Brien plumbs the depth of human experience and bares his heart, soul, and liver in an outpouring of emotion and feeling against a catchy, melodic backdrop of contemporary folk, pop and rock”. www.andrewjamesobrien.com

Clayton Bellamy: Wednesday, July 10. 8:00. $15 /$10 students/arts workers: Most people know multiple award winner Clayton Bellamy from his years with his platinum selling band The Road Hammers, but this is only one piece of a large and varied musical background. His many awards include a Juno for Best Country Recording; he’s a four time Canadian Country Music Award winner Canadian Country Music Awards, and SOCAN Songwriter of the Year award. He’s performed at the Grand Ole Opry and even for President Carter. He’s a radio host in Edmonton, Alberta and he’s got a great new solo album “Five Crow Silver” which he is touring across Canada.
He’s delved deep into his roots rock influences, and enlisted a who’s who of rock n’ roll royalty to flesh out this new collection of songs. The line up includes Garth Hudson (The Band), Bobby Keys (The Rolling Stones), Gordie Johnson (Big Sugar), Hamilton’s Tom Wilson (Blackie and the Rodeo King’s, Lee Harvey Osmond), Audley Freed (The Black Crowes), Mike Plume and his old buddies from The Road Hammers, Chris Byrne and Corbett Frasz. While the supporting cast is truly stellar, the main emphasis is still on Clayton’s hard charging vocals, his cohesive musical vision, and his unflinching autobiographical look at life, love, music and the never-ending quest for redemption and fulfillment. www.claytonbellamyband.com  Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9bIGytjDkc

The Art Bus is Sponsored by Judy Marsales Real Estate Brokerage:

Last Art Bus for the Summer! Check out Hamilton’s unique and constantly evolving art scene! Call Barbara (905.524.0606) or email (info@thepearlcompany.ca) to reserve your seat. Next dates: Sept 6 & 20. Cost: $15/$10 students/artists. Group rates available.  Start: 6:30 from The Pearl.

• July 5: (L’Arche Gallery, Workers Arts & Heritage, Nathaniel Hughson, Book Club Gallery, Manta Gallery) This will be another varied and interesting trip with specially-opened galleries, and tours of places you have never been before!

The Jazz Connection Big Band: Friday, June 28. Doors at 8:00, Jazz at 8:30. $15 /$10 students/all artists.  Catch the powerful sound of this 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 from the Hamilton/Toronto area, 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 equally engages both the jazz enthusiast and the casual listener. The incredible acoustics at The Pearl easily accommodate their very cool (but hot!) surround-sound. It is always a great evening for the ears!  “Jazz Connection WILL get your blood flowing! These guys swing hard with great charts, infectious energy and stirring solos!!” – Paul Hoffert – Co-leader/founder of Lighthouse  “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

Jadea Kelly – C.D. Release Tour: Saturday, June 22. Doors: 7:30. Showtime: 8:00 pm: $15.00 Adv/$20 Door/$10 Students/All Artists. Although Jadea’s stage persona compares to such vocalists as Neko Case and Kathleen Edwards, it is her distinctive and husky voice that engages and captivates her listeners.  The range and control of her exceptionally powerful soprano voice mixes perfectly with her beautiful melodies and excellent dynamics. When she released her acclaimed Eastbound Platform album In 2010, she was nominated for new emerging artist (Canadian Folk Music Awards) and that lead her to such prestigious gigs as Stuart McLean’s Vinyl Cafe show. Now, her much-anticipated new album, Clover is here, the result of hard work, big plans and new ideas. In the past, her heart-filled and confident singing was part and parcel of country flavour and story-telling, but now she’s added mystery and magic, sometimes almost whispering while still using her beautiful tone. Blessed with a voice that is pure, real and rooted, she’s always going to have core Canadiana sounds in her music while the variety she brings is impressive. “One of the shining jewels in the crown of Canadian songwriters.” Tom Power CBC. www.darthjadea.com  Listen to her here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePajHtc3VTw

Valdy: Friday, June 21. 8:00pm. $25: Born Valdemar Horsdal in Ottawa, Valdy has been part of the fabric of Canadian pop and folk music for over 34 years. A man with a thousand friends, from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island to Texas to New Zealand, he’s a singer, guitarist, and songwriter who catches the small but telling moments that make up life. Valdy has sold almost half a million copies of his 13 albums, has two Juno Awards (Folk Singer of the Year and Folk Entertainer of the Year) with a total of seven Juno nominations and four Gold albums to his credit.
Valdy has taken his music to a dozen different countries, from Denmark to Australia and been an often-invited performer at the prestigious Kerrville Festival in Texas. Valdy has also been a panelist on Front Page Challenge, and played a lead role in an episode of The Beachcombers original series.
Today, he is based on Salt Spring Island, where he lives with his wife Kathleen, three dogs and a large cat. All three children are grown, flown and doing famously living in or near Vancouver, or Colorado.  www.valdy.com  Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtNSljYgDe8

Don Byron w Michael & Roberto Occhipinti: Wednesday, June 19. Doors: 7:30. Showtime: 8:00 PM: $15.00/$10 Students/All Artists.  To call Don Byron a jazz musician is to fail to describe the scope of things he does; he’ll be playing at The Pearl with Michael Occhipinti (guitar), Roberto Occhipinti (bass), and a great young drummer named Maxwell Roach. For over two decades, Don Byron, a recipient of the first Doris Duke Performing Artist Award, has been a singular voice in an astounding range of musical contexts, exploring widely divergent traditions.  As clarinetist, saxophonist, composer, arranger, and social critic, he redefines every genre of music he plays, be it classical, salsa, hip-hop, funk, rhythm & blues, klezmer, or any jazz style from swing and bop to cutting-edge downtown improvisation. Acclaimed as much for his restless creativity as for his unsurpassed virtuosity as a player,  he has been consistently voted best clarinetist since being named “Jazz Artist of the Year” by Down Beat in 1992.  http://www.donbyron.com
An eight-time JUNO Award (Canada’s Grammy) nominee for Best Contemporary Jazz Album, guitarist/composer Michael Occhipinti’s inventive approach to creative music of all kinds has earned him a broad array of listeners and the respect of critics and musicians alike. Crossing genres that include jazz, chamber music, funk, world music, and anything involving modern guitar sounds, Michael is both a versatile musician and an imaginative band leader.  http://www.michaelocchipinti.com Roberto Occhipinti is diversity personified. He’s won awards and acclaim as a musician, composer and record producer. Throughout his career, the Toronto-born bassist has performed in classical orchestras, jazz ensembles, Latin groups, rhythm & blues outfits and rock bands. He has worked in theatre and opera, written for radio and television, played on film soundtracks and done more recording session jobs than he can remember.  http://robertoocchipinti.com
Listen to Don: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olOHeicY9cg

DeMure Productions Presents: Dirty Dancing: The Burlesque! Saturday, June 15. Doors: 7:30. Show: 8:00. $25 advance, $30 at door unless sold out. (Note: Tickets sold by event organizer; see below.) An All Star Cast of some of Burlesque and Vaudeville’s finest, paying homage to (arguably) one of the greatest movies of our time! ‘Dirty Dancing’.  Performances by: El Toro, Mizzy Thrasher, Red Herring, Bella Barecatt, The Mansfield Brothers, Tahitia Belle Fille, Lucky Minx, Lucky Fremont, Knox Harter, Faeya Tal, Liv Vicariously, London Bridges. Kitten: Whiskey Sour; Emcee: Madam Poynter. All music performed by: Ben Payne and The Cornered Babies
Sponsored by: Playground Conference 2013, DeMure School of Burlesque, Toronto School of Burlesque, Oshawa Laser Supply, Conspiracy Comics, Phoenix Design and Photography, Copy Dog, Homegrown Hamilton.
Win!! Win!! WIN!! Prizes, raffles, amazing entertainment! (Passes for two to Playground Conference 2013, A private Burlesque lesson from DeMure School of Burlesque, Tickets to upcoming burlesque shows, Comic swag, Delicious treats, Autographed memorabilia, And amazing giveaways by our fabulous sponsors! See Trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xf0_97qrSgU&feature=youtu.be
Get Tickets: http://dirtydancingburlesque-es2.eventbrite.ca/?rank=1