The Pearl Company

Shari Vandermolen & David Brideau: Saturday May 5.  Doors: 7:30pm. Show: 8:00. Tickets: $20. Shari Vandermolen is a renowned vocalist and award-winning performer in Hamilton and the Greater Toronto Area who has been entertaining audiences for 15 years with her Quartet, Trio or 5-piece band Quarter to Nine.  She is also the lead vocalist for the 10-piece jazz combo SwingLine.  On May 5th Shari brings her powerful and impressive vocal stylings back to the Pearl Company for a more intimate evening of song with jazz guitarist David Brideau, James Gannett on bass and Vince Waters on drums.  “…hear Vandermolen make jelly of your emotions with her voice and her art… one example is Stormy Weather… I barely weathered that storm intact.”  – View Magazine
David Brideau is a Canadian jazz guitarist, composer, and teacher who has been an active musician for over 15 years. A Hamilton native, and honours graduate from the Mohawk Jazz program, David has played all around the GTA with his own group, the David Brideau Trio and Quartet, as well as being prominently featured in groups with Michael Morobito, Amber-Leigh Palka, and Lauren Perreira among others. He studied under jazz greats Bob Shields, Pat Collins, Kim Ratcliffe, and Mark Ucci and is currently continuing his studies at McMaster University. David often composes his own standards, and released the sold-out EP “Addicted To You” in 2016. He is a recipient of the Dave McMurdo Music Bursary, the Antony Roberts Music Bursary, and the Richard Newell Memorial Scholarship.
Ticets: https://www.ticketscene.ca/events/21098/

HELD OVER! Shelley Marshall Presents: The Award Winning Production “Hold Mommy’s Cigarette”: April 18 & 19. All One Woman’s story of an unfiltered life, written and performed by Shelley Marshall, directed by Linda Kash. It seems appropriate that world renowned Comedienne, Marshall would open her autobiographical One Woman Show in the city where the story and star were born. It took 10 years for Marshall to create this Play and it is the rewarding result of resilience, recovery, and reflection while exploring many genres of performance including elements of clown, stand up, improv, buffoon, and play. Shelley Marshall takes her audience many places; “I take them on an adventure, both emotionally and visually. There is no denying that my story is tragic, but it’s my story and time and writing without shame has been my comedic relief. ‘Hold Mommy’s Cigarette’ is not an exploitation of what has happened in my life, but rather, an acceptance of where it may lead. It is a dark comedy, a vulnerable piece about life, mental illness and survival.” Marshall reveals with a smile. She invites you to come to her show with an open mind and promises you’ll leave with a full heart. *Mature Content* http://www.holdmommyscigarette.com Tickets available at http://www.thepearlcompany.ca or 524-0606. Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1451939231706392/

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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 

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!

FOR THE LOVE O’ NAT – CHRONICLING THE LIFE, TIMES & MUSIC OF NAT KING COLE: Dean Hollin presents another of his popular “Musical Biographies”.  Saturday, May 28th,  8 pm.  $18 advance / $22 door.  An evening of memories and melodies, all tied together by one man — that tremendous crooner of the twentieth century, Nat King Cole. The songs: “A Blossom Fell”, “Route 66, “Mona Lisa”, “Straighten Up and Fly Right”, “Paper Moon”, “When I Fall In Love” and, the timeless “Stardust”! In direct keeping with the instrumentation of the original Nat King Cole Trio piano, rhythm guitar, and upright bass — Dean will be accompanied by a live jazz trio.  http://www.deanhollin.com

Cinema Insieme presents Open City [Roma, Citta Aperta] dir. Roberto Rossellini (1945)  Monday, March 8 at 7:00 p.m.- WWII during the 9 month Nazi occupation of Rome in 1943 – The Fascist dictatorship has begun its fall, although many sympathizers still remain. The Nazis have occupied several Italian cities and areas. The Italian Resistance movement is carrying out a clandestine battle against the Nazis, as they did against the Fascist dictatorship. Based on real life events, this landmark film focuses on the hardships and struggles of ordinary people and their fight for freedom. Rome, Open City, considered the mother of the Neo-realist film movement, ushered in a new film style that influenced audiences and directors throughout the world.

Four Films Celebrating Black History: Wednesday, February 24. 7:00pm. $10 at the door. Michael Williams (Radio / TV Personality) will be hosting a unique show of film and music. 1) 24 ONE MINUTE MOVIES ON “OUTSTANDING CANADIANS” 2) “THE OBAMA EFFECT ON BLACK CANADA” 3) “STILL BILL” A DOCUMENTARY about Bill Withers, the unexpected superstar. The songs “Ain’t No Sunshine”, “Lean on Me”, “Lovely Day” and “Just the Two of Us”, are only part of the life of a complex and fascinating character, an icon who left the industry behind but never gave up his soul. Featuring a tribute concert, a soundtrack with previously unreleased tracks, and a rare live performance. http://stillbillthemovie.com/ 4) SOUNDTRACK FOR A REVOLUTION tells the story of the American civil rights movement through its powerful music – the freedom songs protesters sang on picket lines, in mass meetings, in paddy wagons, and in jail cells as they fought for justice and equality. The film features new performances of the freedom songs by top artists; riveting archival footage; and interviews with civil rights foot soldiers and leaders, including Harry Belafonte and Julian Bond. The freedom songs evolved from slave chants, from the labor movement, and especially from the black church. The music enabled blacks to sing words they could not say, and it was crucial in helping the protesters as they faced down brutal aggression with dignity and non-violence. Produced by Danny Glover.

Tjupurru, Live in Hamilton: Friday, February 12. 10:00pm (post Art Crawl) $15, Art Bus riders $5. A proud descendant of the Djabera Djabera tribe of the West Australian Kimberleys, Tjupurru plays a unique slide Didjeridu, named “The Didjeribone” because it can slide through different notes and tones – a cross between a didj and a trombone. He picks up his sound through a device called the “Face Bass”, a seismic sensor implanted inside his mouth. With the addition of sampling and electronic effects, Tjupurru has enabled himself to perform as a one man band creating live samples and looping them to create songs and soundscapes that crisscross musical genres. His live show is a must hear. This is an artist bringing something unique to the current music scene. Tjupurru is mixing cultures, technologies and sounds with aural traditions that are thousands of years old. The result he describes as 21st century Didjetronica. The rest of us call it amazing, stunning, revelatory, provoking . . .
Tjupurru’s has played festivals all over the world. He’s in Hamilton for one day only, on his way to play at the Cultural Olympiad, part of the Olympic Games celebrations in Vancouver!

The Undesirables & C.R. Avery (with The Legal Tender String Quartet), Saturday February 20th, 2010 Doors: 7:30pm Show: 8:00 pm. Adults: $17.00 (advance) $20.00 (door) Artists (musicians, etc.)/Students: $10.00 (advance) $15.00 (door) reserve your seat or payable in cash at The Pearl Company. Corin Raymond and Sean Cotton are The Undesirables: Roots music / blues / folk, inspired by anyone who is honest and on fire, and who is saying something real and doing it with conviction and colour. If you stumbled upon a tavern where Tom Waits, Ray Bradbury, Jim Morrison, and Charles Dickens were huddled in a corner exchanging stories, perhaps eavesdropping on them would give you a better idea of what to expect from this Toronto duo.

C.R. Avery: A Canadian music sensation; poet, pianist, singer, beatboxer, and harmonica player with a mix of hip-hop and blues. His lyrics, vocal delivery, energy, and artistry have won him international acclaim. C.R. Avery’s current band(The Legal Tender String Quartet) is no less than classically trained! Tom Waits is a fan and brought C.R. up to perform on stage with him.

The Acoustics: A Valentines Concert: Saturday, February 13, 8:00. $20 at the door. With special guest, the romantic guitar of Gary Santucci. The Acoustics are a happening band. Their CD Forever and a Day came in 2nd place for World Album of the year at the 2009, JPF Music Awards, in Nashville TN. They had two major category Nomination for the 2009 Hamilton Music Awards. Folk/Traditional Recording of the year and Instrumental Recording of the year – The Acoustics – ‘Forever and a Day’.

Gary Santucci: Composer / Flamenco, Classical and World Jazz Guitarist will play his most romantic and compelling pieces in honour of St Valentine.

Rob Lutes. Opening Set: J.P. Riemens: Sunday, February 7, 8:00. $15. Rob Lutes is a soulful singer/songwriter from Montreal with an ever-growing collection of literate, moving meditations on life and love. His ability to encapsulate universal ideas and questions, even the subtle ones, coupled with his gritty, heartfelt delivery and world-class performance chops, have invited comparisons with several legends in the roots genre from John Hiatt to Fred Eaglesmith. “Widely recognized as an gifted songwriter”. – Ottawa Citizen.
J.P. Riemens local singer / songwriter has charmed Hamilton audiences for years. His style leans toward roots/rock and country, calling his particular style “Acid Country”, J.P. is as at home in an intimate acoustic environment as a Concert Hall

Pearl Review Fundraiser: Saturday, February 6, 8:00 $10. Please join us here at The Pearl to help launch the Pearl Review Studio House (located directly beside The Pearl Company). Door Prizes, 50/50, Silent Auction. Food and Beverages. And more!!!

The arts journalism newsprint magazine, The Pearl Review (an exciting new take on the Hamilton Arts Scene and an Arts view of Hamilton issues) is coming right along.  Check out the patron subscriber incentives at www.thepearlreview.ca. This newsmagazine will focus on our individual artists of all disciplines, – the background stories, the big questions, and the lively particulars. First issue projected for Spring 2010. Order your subscription now!

• February 5: First an art show and tour at The Lincoln Alexander Centre, next Arctic Experience/McNaught Gallery, and the Anastasia Gallery. Then we head to the Sunrise Gallery and back to Gallery 435.
• February 12: It’s a second Friday again which definitely means the James North Crawl, the Tiger Group Studio Gallery, and the Imperial Cotton Centre. (more…)