The Pearl Company

Impact Africa – Benefit Concert & Art Auction: Friday, May 11 – 7:30pm to 11pm, $20 admission
– kids 12 and under are free.  All proceeds go to the Mennonite Central Committee’s ‘Generations at Risk’ – which sends desperately needed medical supplies and money benefiting those living with the realities of  HIV/AIDS in Africa. Remember to bring cash or cheques! www.mcc.org
Featuring Music by: Darin Martin and Eclectislav
Featuring Art by: Dave Hind, Karyn Black, Heather Vollans, Scott Ireland, Sara Sears, Bryce Huffman, Harry Gils, Dana Cowie, Christina Vandermark, Crystal Sanderson, Sylvia Nickelson, Chris Cuthill, Matt McInnes, Andrew Hunter, Reid Flock

TREASA LEVASSEUR: THIS WOMAN MEANS BUSINESS: Thursday, May 10. 8:00pm. $15 /$10 students/all artists.  This self-proclaimed “classy broad” is smart, sassy and takes no prisoners. Brand new Juno-nominated, blues-based old-school soul, hook-laden songs of lost-and-found love, pride, and affirmation, all delivered by a powerful singer who means every word she sings. She’s on an Ontario tour reprising her new CD, Broad. (All the songs on Broad were written by Levasseur, with the exception of three covers, by Randy Newman, Neil Young and fellow independent artist Mike Evin.) Born in Winnipeg and raised in North Bay, Levasseur is major participant in Toronto’s roots music scene; she plays and records with Corin Raymond, Justin Rutledge and many others. An indication of her versatility and the way she crosses different genres is her list of major appearances at the Toronto’s Downtown Jazz Festival (on a bill with George Benson), the Mariposa Folk Festival, the Beaches Jazz Festival and the Kitchener Blues Festival. www.treasalevasseur.com
Quote: “If I were a Hepburn, I’d be Katherine, not Audrey… I’m a lot more interested in being smart than I am in being cute.”

Ron Hynes: Wednesday, May 9, Doors 7:30 / Concert 8:00pm. $25 at the door. His songs are woven into the fabric of Atlantic Canada, he’s won countless awards and his work has been covered by some of the biggest names in music.  For Ron Hynes, it’s all about the songs-and the soul-baring stories… and he has a few left to tell. With a songwriting career that spans more than 30 years, Ron is a six-time East Coast Music Award winner, a Genie Award winner and a past Juno, CCMA and Canadian Folk Music Awards nominee. Frequently referred to as the “man of a thousand songs”, Ron Hynes’ songs have been covered by dozens of artists worldwide, including Emmylou Harris, Murray McLauchlan, Valdy, John McDermott, and Prairie Oyster. His song “Sonny’s Dream” has become a folk classic, performed and recorded by artists all over the world.  He’s an actor, a songwriter/composer.  The feature film about Ron’s life “The Man of a Thousand Songs” debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival to sold-out audiences and critical praise.  “He touches people… it’s a rare gift for songwriters to be able to distill a song until only its essence remains. He’s a treasure.” Fan.   For more, visit: www.hynesite.org

Matthew de Zoete with Lisa Winn: Colour Film CD Release Concert: Saturday, May 5. Doors at 8pm, concert at 8.30. $10 at the door.  A special full band concert celebrating the release of his third album!  Fresh from playing a three month European tour, Matthew de Zoete is back home in Hamilton to celebrate the release of his third album Colour Film with his full band. Colour Film is produced by Les Cooper (Jill Barber, Good Lovelies) and features gorgeous harmonies by Julie Fader (Great Lake Swimmers, Sarah Harmer); the CD is a big step in a new direction for Matthew. His classic songwriting aesthetic of strong melodies and honest lyrics has found a spacious and modern home. “Think of Nick Drake cheering up a bit and living long enough to work with Beck.” Have a listen online at www.matthewdezoete.com Opening the concert will be Lisa Winn, the very talented singer, songwriter, and pillar of the Hamilton music community. www.facebook.com/lisawinnmusic

BeetleBarrow Bookbinding Workshops: May 5 – June 12
Saturday May 5 – Japanese Stab Hardcover Workshop, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 8 – Single and Two-Sewn-As One Workshop, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Saturday May 12 – Japanese Stab Hardcover Workshop, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 15 – Japanese Stab Softcover Workshop, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Saturday June 9 – Western Hardcover, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 12 – Japanese Stab Softcover, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Saturday May 5 – Japanese Stab Hardcover –  9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Join artists Chandra Rice and Lindsay E. Wood Slavin for the day to learn how to bind books! The Japanese Stab Hardcover binding comes from Japan, and makes an elegant alternative to traditional western forms.  This type is particularly useful for binding together pages that already have something on them.  Poets can bind their writing for loved ones.  Moms can bind together their child’s artwork.  Or blank paper can be inspiration.
In this workshop, bind your own hardcover book using ancient Japanese techniques and modern tricks of the trade. Choose papers, threads, and book cloth to create your cover.  Choose paper for your text block and any ornamentation.  Then bring it all together using a hemp or noble or tortoise shell stitch!  Walk away with a beautiful book with a touch of the east.
The all day workshop costs $70 and includes use of tools, all materials, and even a home made lunch. All skill levels are made too look good! Visit www.beetlebarrow.ca to learn more. Email makers@beetlebarrow.ca to register for the workshop. www.beetlebarrow.ca

Tuesday May 8 – Single and Two-Sewn-As One – 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Join Chandra and Lindsay for the evening to learn how to bind books! Are you a scrapbooker, or card maker, or paper artist looking to expand your craft?  Have you always loved paper and are looking for a way to make beautiful objects from paper?  This playful workshop explores a variety of simple fun bindings.  Single, accordion, two-sewn-as-one, and other simple bindings will be taught in this workshop.  Go home with a variety of books and a whole lot of ideas.
The evening workshop costs $40 and includes use of tools, all materials, and even tea and biscuits. All skill levels are made too look good! Visit www.beetlebarrow.ca to learn more. Email makers@beetlebarrow.ca to register for the workshop.

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Prom at The Pearl: A Fundraiser for Colin Macdonald Community School:
Saturday, April 28 at 8:00pm. Pricing: $30 single / $50 couple / $80 for four.  Music by Voodoo Chicken with DJ Andrea Redhill.  Come on out, support this unique, friendly, child-centred school, and enjoy a fun evening with lots of entertainment, dancing, and good conversation. 50/50 draw; silent auction; finger foods and appetizers; prom photo booth.  Have you still got your prom dress/suit? Wear it! But if you can’t, (for whatever reason) dress for a fab evening out!  www.colinmacdonald.ca

The Jazz Connection Big Band: Friday, April 27. Doors at 8:00, jazz at 8:30. $15 /$10 students/all artists: The JCBB is a well-established 17-piece jazz ensemble comprised of professional and semi-professional musicians from the Hamilton/Toronto area. They perform only the best modern big band charts from the books of Goodwin, Martin, Menza, Rich, Basie, and many other great contemporary composers. Jazz Connection’s approach is high energy, uncompromising, straight ahead jazz. They combine the highest level of musicianship with great charts in an entertaining show that engages both the jazz enthusiast and the casual listener equally. The incredible acoustics at The Pearl easily accommodate their very cool (although also very hot!) surround-sound big-band music; we are delighted to have them back once more and they will return May 23 to 25 for a rousing 3-day recording marathon! Watch for more info re this intriguing experience.  http://www.jazzconnection.ca

JACLYN GUILLOU: Thursday, April 26. 8:00pm. $15 door/$10 all artists/students. An emerging Canadian jazz vocalist performing music that is diverse, eclectic and carefree, this singer bridges the gap between Joni Mitchell and Diana Krall. She’s the total package of prodigious vocal talent, dynamic stage presence and beauty reputed to be Canada’s next big jazz export. Performing in cities worldwide and studying with some of the world’s best jazz singers, ‘To The City’, her debut album, is a colourful album full of texture and rich melody, highlighting Guillou’s compositional prowess.  Interesting and unusual, undeniably bold and full of life, wooing all sorts of music lovers of jazz, pop, soul and folk, ‘To The City’ blends the perfect mixture of old meets new. As a vocalist, composer and bandleader, Guillou brings a unique style of songwriting to the jazz idiom with her creative vocal flexibility and her strong sense of rhythmic phrasing, colourful tone and distinct articulation.  This young twenty-something artist strives to merge the sound of deep jazz roots and hip modern themes which as a result provides something new and interesting for music lovers of all sorts. Her raw and emotional voice lingers long after the last note. “Guillou puts a slightly more organic contemporary jazz spin on music steeped in tradition and thus makes old school become new cool, the sign of a true artist.” ~ Critical Jazz   www.jaclynguillou.com Hear her with Denzal Sinclaire: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpcTya2x1lo&feature=related

Humber College Composers Collective: Wednesday, April 25. 8:00pm. $12 door/$8 all artists/students. Under the direction of Canadian Jazz giant Geoff Young, The Composers Collective is a group of students attending the Humber College Jazz Program who demonstrate an undeniable gift as both composers and instrumentalists. Since the formation of the group in September 2011, the Collective have been writing music and performing it extensively together at school and at various events around the city of Toronto, gaining a sizeable repertoire and special group chemistry. The Septet consists of Katie McBride(Trumpet), PJ Andersson(Trombone), Leland Whitty(Tenor Saxophone), Sabine Ndalamba(Electric Guitar), Julian Anderson-Bowes(Bass), Brendan Swanson(Piano) and Eric West(Drums). Come see the next generation of Canadian Jazz talent perform the material they have been putting their blood sweat and tears into for the past 8 months. http://soundcloud.com/ericwestmusic http://soundcloud.com/sabine-ndalamba

Kaleidoscope Brown with CRUZAO LATIN-JAZZ TRIO: Sunday, April 22. 8:00pm. $15 door/$10 all artists/students.  A compact, 3-man, stripped down version of the award-winning larger ensemble. Sporting a modified reportoire written specifically for this smaller permutation the trio features the talents of Paco Luviano on bass (from Mexico), Amhed Mitchel on drums (from Cuba), under the leadership of trumpet player Brownman Ali (from Trinidad) heralded as “Canada’s preeminent jazz trumpet player” by New York City’s Village Voice magazine. Rarely in Canada amidst a frenetic global touring schedule with the likes of everyone from Grammy-winning jazz-hip-hop legends GURU’s JAZZMATAZZ (for whom he was the featured soloist from 2006 to 2010), to PAUL SIMON (whom he was recently on the road with), to QUINCY JONES (whom he worked with last year), to IRAKERE (whom he toured with after CRUZAO headlined the Havana Jazz Festival), to his own National Jazz Award winning group BROWNMAN ELECTRYC TRIO — his bombastic and eclectic improvising style has brought him much respect with international artists across multiple diverse genres, and is now widely considered a vanguard for the evolution of jazz in Canada. http://cruzao.brownman.com

DRUMHAND: Saturday, April 21: 8:00pm, $15 door/$10 artists/students. Propelled by a steamroller of drums and energized by jazz horns, DRUMHAND draws inspiration from the circuitous rhythms of hot climates and the melodic spirit of New Orleans parade bands.  Becoming increasingly known for their innovative orchestrations, unique inclusiveness, uplifting vibe, and artistic accessibility to audiences of all ages, DRUMHAND makes use of a diversity of instruments from around the world to enforce a high-energy, interactive performance. The group has introduced audiences of all ages to instruments and sounds from around the globe through concerts at festivals, schools and concert events. DRUMHAND, was not born out of any particular tradition but has been informed by the many that have been willing to share. Founded in 2008 by percussionists David Chan (Shoot the Cameraman) and Larry Graves (Mr. Something Something), DRUMHAND features the horn work of Marcus Ali (Cruzao/Jason Wilson) and Rebecca Hennessy (Hobson’s Choice/Broken Social Scene). www.reverbnation.com/drumhandmusic (more…)

Michael Ciufo: Friday, April 20, 8:00 pm. $20 door / $18 students/all artists. Canadian singer Michael Ciufo (choo-foe) known for his stage presence, charisma, and gorgeous, classically trained voice, released his highly anticipated sophomore album, Momento, in October 2011. Combining newly arranged classical and popular songs, it highlights Michael’s vast range as a singer and interpretive artist and is garnering rave reviews from critics, fellow musicians and new listeners. Still in his early twenties, this classically trained performer is constantly looking for new musical challenges while he continues his serious operatic studies.
Michael’s performance schedule includes his energetic solo show as well as classical roles and performances. He has sung in concerts alongside world-renowned Canadian vocalists Michael Burgess and The Nylons. Michael’s versatility has led him to collaborations with a wide range of artists in genres such as pop, jazz and hip-hop. In addition, he has appeared in a wide range of opera and oratorio roles.  “… A powerful presence that fills a room with melody” – Amazing Canadian Magazine www.michaelciufo.com

Jesse Winchester: Thursday, April 19. 8:00pm. $32 advance / $35 door. A magnetic performer with a powerful tenor voice, Jesse Winchester may be the most self-effacing songwriter on the planet. His homespun arrangements and performances are ethereal to the point of being other worldly. His songs of distance, and longing for his homeland move us to tears; his songs of home and hearth warm our souls. With his laid-back vocals, gorgeous melodies, and insightful lyrics, his low-key style of blended soul, rockabilly, gospel, folk, R&B, and a hint of Latin music, he was perfect for the dawning era of pop singer-songwriters back in1969 when he was one of an estimated 30,000 Americans who fled to Canada, where he became a symbol, a hero even, to those who opposed the war in Vietnam.
He remains entrenched as a bonafide songwriter’s songwriter, oft covered, his creations forever sought out by artists (from Joan Baez to Elvis Costello) seeking to add something of depth and insight to their repertoires, especially when it comes to love songs; the classic and majestic “Brand New Tennessee Waltz,” is as wrenchingly beautiful a work of art as ever.
Come absorb, be moved by, and even cry to the songs; songs of beauty and wry humor, songs of startling intimacy and searing poignancy, songs of sepia-tinted nostalgia, rooted both in a time long past and right here and now. http://www.jessewinchester.com
Jesse Winchester can disarm the most casual listener with his understated grace and virtuosity as evidenced in this video of his “Sham-A-Ling-Dong-Ding” sung on Elvis Costello’s “Spectacle.”  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uKGWpqnS8E

“Have you talked to Jesse Winchester? You can’t talk about the best songwriters and not include him.” ~ Bob Dylan

To purchase tickets, please call or email or pay at the door. For PayPal purchases, please see below.

Gordie Tentrees & Sarah Macdougall featuring “Songs from the Yukon”: Wednesday, April 18, 8:00pm. $12 door / $10 students/artists”.  Gordie Tentrees is an international award nominated touring artist from the Yukon.This multi- instrumentalist singer-songwriter – whose traditional roots music resonates with echoes of RL Burnside, The Sadies and Greg Brown – has just released NAKED IN SCANDINAVIA, a live solo album recorded in Helsinki, Finland featuring a collection of story-driven songs, edgy foot-stompers and heart-worn odes that could only be delivered by a veteran road warrior.  2010 Olympic Games Best of Canada Performance. “In the rough cut vein of Fred Eaglesmith or Kelly Joe Phelps, Tentrees is gifted” The Globe & Mail  www.tentrees.ca
Sarah Macdougall: Described by the magazine Rootstime in Belgium as ‘One of the greatest talents of our era”, becoming the #2 most played artist on Canadian Galaxie Folk/Roots radio in 2011, Canadian/Swedish Sarah MacDougall is an upcoming artist who is getting known for her honest and poetic songs, blistering guitar chops, passionate performances, and unique astounding voice. The new album ‘The Greatest Ones Alive’ landed on several ‘Best of 2011’ lists in Canada and Europe, and garnered several 5 star-reviews. ’Thoughtful, strong, and spiritual”- The Globe and Mail www.sarahmacdougall.com

HamilTEN Festival: April 13 & 14, 15.  $15 / $10 students/all artists. The HamilTEN Festival is a 10 minute play festival featuring 8 ten-minute plays written by local playwrights.  Questions? Email hamiltenfestival@gmail.com
There’s something for everyone – comedy, drama, romance & even the absurd!
Payment is by cash only at the door. Seats can be reserved by calling The Pearl Company at 905-524-0606 or by email at – info@thepearlcompany.ca
Show times:
Friday, April 13 @ 8pm
Saturday, April 14 @ 8pm
Sunday, April 15 @ 3pm