The Pearl Company

Gary Santucci’s SPANJAZZ: A World Beat Jazz Project: Friday, February 23. Doors: 7:30pm. Show: 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 6-piece world-beat jazz ensemble, Spanjazz. Featuring Jordan Abraham – keyboard, Jeff Plumbley – trumpet, Aidan Sibley – trombone, James Gannett – bass, Vincent Waters – 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!
https://www.ticketscene.ca/events/20526/ 

Shari Vandermolen & SWINGLINE: Saturday, March 24. Doors: 7:30pm. Show: 8:00pm. $20 / $15 students/seniors/un(der)waged. SwingLine is a 10-piece jazz combo of talented and seasoned musicians who pack a powerhouse big-band sound.  Their featured vocalist, Shari Vandermolen, is an award-winning performer who has been performing in and around the city for over 15 years.
You can look forward to a swinging evening exploring songs from the Great American Songbook and other favourites.
SwingLine includes; Darren Blundell (alto), Lindsay Paul (tenor), Pat Lundy (bari), Don Templeton (trombone), Ray Chantler (trumpet), Urmas Soomet (bass), Barry Smallbone (guitar), Frank Cammisuli (piano), Vincent Waters (drums), and Shari Vandermolen (vocals)
“[Shari Vandermolen] 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
Don’t miss out on this one – make your plans now to join us March 24^th!  https://www.ticketscene.ca/events/20656

David Woodhead’s Confabulation – CD Release: Friday, Feb 9. Doors: 7:30pm. Show: 8:00pm.  $20 /$15 students/ seniors/ un(der)waged.
You can hear the ideas bouncing back and forth on The Confabulation’s new album Tunnels and Visions.  Ringleader David Woodhead’s compositions range from rambunctious romps to contemplative minimalism, with stops at vintage song and contemporary parlour music on the way.  His playful Confabulation project combines a handful of expert players with a musical mandate fusing the inviting community feeling of folk, the wide musical palette of jazz, and the entrancing rhythms of world music, with the occasional foray into classical music structure.
Tunnels and Visions is a high-spirited, cinematic deep-dive into ’70s-style jazz composition and improvisation. Naturally, it features Woodhead’s trademark melodic electric bass playing, with his expressive touch on the fretless, and a long list of notable instrumentalists. Band members include keyboardist Doug Wilde (Manteca), reeds player Colleen Allen (Molly Johnson, Holly Cole), guitarist Bob Cohen (Jesse Winchester) and drummer Rich Greenspoon (Betty and the Bobs, Stewed Tomatoes). Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOafAqIvvmk
See more links at: http://www.davidwoodhead.com/confabulation.html
Tickets: https://www.ticketscene.ca/events/20247/

ZULA Presents: Scandinavian Jazz Powerhouse Atomic: Tuesday, February 13. Doors: 7:30pm. Show: 8:00. Tickets $15 reg./$10 students & seniors @ http://paypal.me/ZulaTix  Norwegian and Swedish jazz quintet ATOMIC is made up of some of the most accomplished and exciting 2nd and 3rd generation Scandinavian/European free jazz artists, inspired by American and European jazz/free/contemporary music and exploring adventurous works written by its members. Explosive, retrospective, joyous, contemplative, fiery, intense performances leave audiences in awe.  Fredrik Ljungkvist – reeds; Magnus Broo – trumpet; Håvard Wiik – piano; Ingebrigt Håker Flaten – double bass; Hans Hulbœkmo – drums.)
ZULA Presents: world-renowned visiting artists; revered local musicians; newer traditions in jazz; improvised music; experimental sounds; the avant-garde here in Hamilton  This event is presented as part of Hamilton Winterfest with kind support from the City of Hamilton.
Details at: https://zulapresents.org/2017-2018-something-else-series/feb-13-2018-atomic-at-pearl-co/

Luis Enrique Mejía Godoy: Saturday, March 31, 2018. Doors open at 7 p.m. Show: 8 p.m.,  Admission: $30 Nortesur Artistic Productions & The Pearl Company present SEEDS OF HOPE Fundraiser concert in benefit of  the Technical Institute John Paul II of  Nicaragua.   Luis Enrique Mejía Godoy is one of Latin America’s great troubadours. His music and song have deep roots in the Indigenous and Afro-Caribbean traditions of Nicaragua. His art gives voice to the struggles for human rights, equity, and justice.
The Technical Institute John Paul II of Nicaragua www.itejp.org  was founded in 1996. The Institute provides a pathway to a future of economic and social participation through opportunities for young people from low income families to learn skilled trades.
Special guest performance: Mischa Aravena
Tickets available at the door; by phone; or online: https://www.ticketscene.ca/events/20578/ 

The Koren Family Christmas! Monday, December 18: At 7:00pm: $10 with a Food or Cash Donation. The Koren Family with The Pearl Arts Centre will host an evening of music and much, much, more. Here’s last year’s perfect quote from Benjamin Washington …”best deal of the year…the annual ‘Koren Family Christmas’…a full charity donation showcase in aid of HAMILTON FOOD SHARE…main stage at The Pearl… the musical line-up is always awesome… ten bucks and a food donation…be there!”  The Musical lineup for 2017: Tomi Swick, Union and Kay, Doug Feaver and Ruth Sutherland, Fred Magie, Christopher Clause, Matty Simpson, Justin Fischer, and The Koren Family!!!  Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_4F90lmGQY

FOR GEORGE 2018: Saturday, February 24. Doors: 7:30pm. Show: 8:00pm. Door Cover: Pay As You Can. $20 suggested. Hosted by Christopher Clause and featuring the best in Hamilton artists, FOR GEORGE 2018 is a musical celebration of the life and music of George Harrison, as well as the sharing of original music inspired by George.

All proceeds raised from the show will go towards GRACENOTES and Debbie Clause Recording Fund, which will help raise funds for local independent music projects in Hamilton.

Artists that will be performing (as of Friday January 12…) are as follows (lineup subject to change): The Barr Band, Bob Bryden, Jennifer Budd, Christopher Clause, Chrys and Momo, Miles From Nowhere (Miles Evans), Chris Jamieson, Jude Johnson, Dave Pomfret, Michael Scott, Paul Slodovnick, Peter Taplay.

Women’s Words: 2 One Act Plays: January 18 – 20 / 24 – 27. Doors: 7:30pm. Show: 8:00. $25 / $20.  The premiere of a new play by Allison Chisholm, A Certain Slant of Light, directed by Annalee Flint with Tyler Brent and Maxie Liberman. And, an award-winning play written and performed by Natalia Bushnik, Maybelle’s Guide to Maintaining Perfection. www.nataliabushnik.com

Another Jazzy New Year @ The Pearl! Sunday, December 31, 8:00 ‘til ?  $65 per person. We’ve found a drummer!  We are on for our usual fabulous entertainment, great buffet, and 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 also 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 6-piece world-beat jazz ensemble, Spanjazz: Inspired by world music rhythms in a jazz context and featuring Jordan Abraham – keyboard, Jeff Plumbley – trumpet, Aidan Sibley – trombone, James Gannett – bass, Vincent Waters – 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, lots of food and the cash bar round out the evening.

We need you to RSVP: Buy tickets online, via email, or phone.  We usually sell out so let us know as soon as you do! Online Tickets: https://www.ticketscene.ca/events/20079/   https://bruha.com/event/2640

I <3 Welcome Inn: Thursday Feb 22. Doors: 6:30pm. Show: 7:00pm $20 per ticket Tickets are available through the Welcome Inn Centre or at the door. Welcome Inn Community Centre is holding it’s annual fundraising event/concert for their children’s programs.

PIE AUCTION – MUSIC – PRIZES – CASH BAR – FOOD – WIN A TREASURE CHEST $1500 value
Just some of the wonderful prizes available!
Legal services to prepare a will
West Jet travel certificate
Home decor consultation with Branch
Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra gift certificate
Albert Snow Hair Design services and product
Bryan Prince gift certificate
Hamilton Fire Department gift
Denninger’s gift basket
Joseph’s Coiffures salon services
Burnt Tongue dining certificate
Pita Pit gift card
Harbour Diner gift card
Wine baskets & MORE!

BORDERLINE ME: Robin Zee’s One-Woman Show: Saturday, December 9. Doors: 7:00pm. Show: 800. Tickets: $20 advance; $25 at door. This important fundraising, learning, and artistic event is in support of charitable organizations that are anti-human trafficking. Robin Zee performs her one-woman show, BorderLine Me, outlining her personal journey of survival that includes her experience as a person who was trafficked. There will be a Q & A session afterwards and a silent auction with many wonderful items. 100% of the proceeds from this evening will go to non-profit anti-human trafficking charities.
Robin’s hope is that her efforts will assist in raising money for non-profit charities that support victims of human trafficking and in educating our community through experience and art. www.robinzee.com 

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Dominic Mancuso Group: Intimate and Up Close! SOLD OUT. Saturday, February 3. Doors: 7:30pm. Show: 8:00pm. Tickets: $30. Dominic Mancuso is a Juno and Canadian Folk Music Award-winning singer-songwriter, and producer, born in Canada with a Sicilian soul. This passionate collaborator displays a wondrous spirit that transcends cultures and borders defining a world culture where people are the territory. The Dominic Mancuso Group: Where Passion, Music and Theatre Collide with Modern Maestros!  After 25 years committed to a vision influenced by his culturally diverse world, Dominic sees himself sitting at the table with the 21st century and the global village. His resume takes in several CDs, as well as several written scores for TV, films and theatre performances, numerous artistic collaborations and a great number of live shows in Canada and abroad. His latest CD (and Juno winner), Urban Gypsy, is a recording that clearly communicates the group’s wandering spirit, musical prowess and pluriculturalism, while nurturing the contemporary idea of a global culture.  “His group is a perfect example of the world-savvy musical product Canada is producing.”  ~Dr. Elena Lamberti, U of Bologna.  http://www.dominicmancuso.com/  Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhompMe2MNQ

Sisyphus: The Myth Re-Imagined. March 1 – 3, 7 – 10, 14 – 17; Doors: 7:30pm. Show: 8:00pm. $20 / $15 students/seniors/wage-challenged. Based on the writings of Albert Camus and other French existentialists. A journey of self discovery through the ages, from Greek Mythology to Modern Times.

“I see many people die because they judge that life is not worth living. I see others paradoxically getting killed for the very ideas and illusions that give them a reason for living. I therefore conclude that the meaning of life is the most urgent of questions.” Albert Camus

Written & Directed by Gary Santucci: The Myth is the third part of his trilogy, Theatre of the Awakening Mind;  ‘Democracy is Dead’, and ‘Train of Thought’ were parts 1 & 2. Sisyphus: The Myth Re-Imagined opens March 1 and runs to March 17. Cast: Tara Smith, Diane Hines, Jay Shand, Rod McTaggart, Gary Santucci.

JACKIE GLEASON AND FRIENDS: General Admission $25. “Jackie” has extended its run! Friday, Dec. 1 at 8:00 pm. Saturday, Dec 2 at 2:00 pm. Doors @ 7:30pm for shows starting @ 8:00.
Jackie Gleason and Friends is a two-act stage bio about the life of “The Great One,” Jackie Gleason. Born into poverty in Brooklyn and with little formal education, Gleason clawed his way to the top of the show-business world to become one of the most successful and wealthiest comedians of his time. Willard Boudreau plays Gleason with a magical touch that transports the complex entertainer’s life to the stage. Toots Shor, Gleason’s life-long best friend is played with comparable dexterity by Dan Penrose. Their outrageous relationship in the play lights up the theatre with laughter. Gleason’s close association with Audrey Meadows (Gail Edwards), Joyce Randolph (Elaine Hale), Art Carney (Dan Anderson), and June Taylor (Babe Schurter-Santi) is also presented with great sensitivity. Mike Durkacz (Gleason’s  manager) and Tom Mays (a CBS executive) help us to explore other important facets of Gleason’s life. Willard Boudreau directs Bob Knuckle’s script with remarkable imagination and sensitivity. This is a beautiful, serious drama about a complicated man that is presented with a lot of joy and laughter.
Tickets @ www.bruha.com

Lori Yates with Hey Stella: Saturday, November 11. Doors @ 7:30PM, Show Starts @ 8:30. Admission: $20. Alternative country “supergroup” Hey Stella formed in 1998, and quickly gained a reputation as one of the premiere “live” acts in the country. Thousands of patrons caught Hey Stella (David Baxter, Bazil Donovan, Michelle Josef, Lori Yates) in the cavernous back room of Ted’s Wrecking Yard and Ted’s Collision during their five year weekly residency. Their irreverent and charming approach to traditional country tunes and their originals included; humour, pathos, stellar musicianship. The night often ended with Lori standing on a table belting out Leonard Cohen’s “So Long Marianne” while everyone in the bar sang along with her, making them a crowd favourite.
The band took time off while babies were born, solo records made, careers were advanced. But when the call came for another weekly residency, this time at the venerable Cameron House, they jumped at the chance. So even in 2017, and from the opening note, it’s clear the Hey Stella mojo is still there, maybe even better, and indeed their sound has aged like a fine vintage wine or a smelly piece of cheese. With special guests: Melissa Marchese and Doug Smith.  Advance tickets available here:  https://www.ticketscene.ca/events/19537/