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

Rosie Burgess Trio: Thursday July 8.  8:00pm.  $15 at the door, $10 artist/student: This Australian group crosses borders armed with music, love, and a wicked sense of humor.
The Rosie Burgess Trio are a Melbourne based band, one of the many Australian groups crossing the Pacific to bring their brand of musical magic to North American audiences. The music is a blend of blues/ folk and gypsy styles, but it is their remarkable passion, love for their craft and incredible sense of humor that have ignited audiences from Wagga Wagga to Tacoma, from Adelaide to Philadelphia, from Alice Springs to Kansas City and Umundi to Ontario.
Quirky, lovable songs with grooving rhythms, infectious vocals and an electric violin that will have audiences erupting with delight.
“When you have heard Rosie perform, you’re sure to be tongue-tied trying to tell people how good she is…” says Dave Ritter, organiser of the Bruthen Festival of Blues and Arts.

Elizabeth Shepherd: Wednesday, June 23, 2 sets!! Advance Tickets: $20, Available at Dr. Disc or The Pearl Company. Showtime: 9pm, Doors: 8pm With Guest DJ: Afternoons In Stereo. Elizabeth Shepherd pushes the boundaries of what is considered conventional jazz, all the while creating a sound completely her own. From London to Tokyo, Elizabeth has captivated audiences and critics on both sides of the pond. Her Juno nominated debut album, ‘Start to Move’ continues to receive critical acclaim. Her latest album, ‘Heavy Falls the Night’, has been receiving critical acclaim across the country…  “…an exceedingly textured collection of story-driven tunes running the rhythmic gamut between thick and heady late night moods and high steppin’ dance floor fillers.” (Exclaim) “Shepherd’s music combines her husky vocals with intricate harmonies that avoid the traditional while pushing creative boundaries” (Eye Weekly’s Best Bet) http://www.elizabethshepherd.com/

Elizabeth has just been longlisted for the Polaris Music Prize!

Miss Emily Brown with Corwin Fox as Morlove: Saturday, June 26.  Doors at 7:30pm. Concert 8:00pm. $10 ($7 student/artist).  Local musician Matthew de Zoete opens.  Morlove is the banding together of songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Corwin Fox and folk-pop singer-songwriter Miss Emily Brown. Blending autoharp, banjo, guitar, mandolin and hushed vocal harmonies, this experimental folk band was born around the campfire of the 2007 Artswells Festival in Wells BC.
Pieces range from sparse, evocative folk-songs with quiet vocal harmonies and delicate strings to…. pulsing pianos and….banjos in unorthodox time signatures whispering the history of the 1930’s gold-rush town.  “The music is thick and lush, reminiscent of amped folk played through an ancient jukebox full of nickels.” (Emily Brown)
Matthew de Zoete: Take a dozen new songs, a whole lot of melody, and a tight touring band. Throw them together in an old barn turned studio, and you’ve got Matthew’s second album ‘Bottom of the World’. ” Fresh, conceptual pop-rock, containing the talent of a singer-songwriter wise beyond his years.” (Emily Utter)

The Undesirables: Saturday, June 19th, 2010 Doors: 7:30pm Show: 8:00 pm. $20.00 $15 (artist/student price) Reserve your seat; pay at the door. This is their 3rd visit to The Pearl and there is no doubt Corin Raymond and Sean Cotton will present an entertaining and beautifully harmonized show which will include both their own songs and some well-chosen covers; it will also include Corin’s insanely funny patter between songs, and Sean’s full-orchestra guitar. Their inspiration comes from roots / blues / folk / but as they put it: “we’re inspired by everyone who is honest and on fire, and who is saying something real and doing it with conviction and colour.”

Here’s a quote that Corin Raymond sent out this week: “In honour of the risk-taking Barbara and Gary do to make The Pearl Company so vital, The Undesirables’ll be taking a few risks of our own Saturday night. We’re gonna attempt a few things we’ve never done, we’re gonna inject new life into what’s familiar, and we’re gonna sweat and sing like you’ve come to expect…. The Pearl is the best place in Hamilton you could possibly catch us.”

“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.” http://theundesirables.com

Faye Blais with Seth Anderson: Thursday, June 17. 8:00pm $15 at the door.  Hailing from Northern Ontario, Faye Blais delivers sweet melodies coupled with raw acoustics that swiftly turn into the sound-track of our lives.  With an equally delectable stage presence, Blais is a force to be reckoned with.  This indie-folk princess will win you over with her quick wit, spontaneity and subtle ability to stroke your soul in its warmest places.

Back in Canada after recording and touring throughout Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, and USA, she has been garnering much attention, including attention from CBC Radio, and 4 nominations at the 2010 Northern Ontario Music and Film Awards (Winner of “Best Vocal Performance”).  She is currently touring to promote her third album/DVD “Here in the Shade – A Night at Sing Sing”, “Young, edgy, and powerfully present, Faye Blais is continuing the thread started by Joni, picked up by Ani and fashioned by Feist.” – Eaglewood Folk Festival.  www.fayeblais.com)

She is backed up by the charming Seth Anderson (The Renegade Kid – http://www.myspace.com/sethandersonmusic) from the East Coast.  He has just returned from touring the UK.

Colleen Brown: Friday, June 11. 8:00, $15 at the door: The Pearl Company is delighted to present this recipient of the Alberta Emerging Artist Award and finalist in this year’s CBC Song Quest.  Multi- instrumentalist Brown has been called “a national treasure in the making.” She has steadily been gaining momentum since she first self-released “Foot In Heart” in 2008, with her songs featured in regular airplay on Rich Terfry’s Radio 2 program ‘Drive’. “[The album] sounds like some of the best music you heard on pop-radio back in the ’70s…I love this album,” says Terfry.
She has shared stages with a broad range of artists including Hawksley Workman, Frank Black,  Hey Rosetta, Danny Michel, The McDades, and Adam Gregory. Following a recent show  SEE Magazine’s Fish Griwkowsky said, ” There is a confidence about her new songs that’s actually scary, savaging the things we men do with a sarcastic lilt and an eager smile for the next round of battle.”  http://colleenbrownmusic.com
Colleen was to be joined by Maneli Jamal. He, however, has a wrist injury and is unable to play at this time.

The New Hamilton Blues Society: Sunday June 11, 7:00. $5 charge to cover expenses.  Blues Jam and Meeting.

The Society sees the blues genre of music to be an integral part of our community’s music scene. The mission is to: Discover, explore, and understand Hamilton Blues.  Provide a framework that promotes musical creativity specifically in the area of blues music.  Provide the community with the opportunity to gain an appreciation of and to learn more about the blues genre of music. To contribute more musical opportunities to enjoy the Blues.  Encourage the pursuit of individuality in musical taste.

Wednesday Night Showcase: June 16., 8:00pm, $10 at the door. The Wednesday Night Showcase is a venue for talented singer songwriters in Hamilton and surrounding areas. Hamilton is a hotbed of talent that has a hard time highlighting their works; The Pearl Company is happy to provide the opportunity to turn up the volume and let these artists show what they can do. We are hoping to help develop new talent and to have more established musicians work with them while displaying their own talents. Some of the showcased artists will be headlined at the Pearl Company in a future date. Whether you are jazz, rock, folk, blues or whatever, contact John Crawford or Mike Dufour through the Pearl Company and they will see about getting you on a show.   The showcase will start as a once-a-month feature.  This  Showcase will feature:
1. Pip 2. Jon Newton 3. John M.Crawford & Jose Batista 4. Kenny MacInnes

The Art of Paul Richard James (Main Gallery) and Claudette Losier (Side Gallery): Opening Saturday June 5, 2pm – 5pm. No charge.

Paul Richard James is a Welsh born painter living in Hamilton.   This man has a wildly unique array of approaches. His artwork is both traditional and radical in style and content. He works mostly with oil on canvas, including representational and abstract, figurative work, portraiture, political art, installation and some environmental art.   His goal is to create images that please the eye, the soul, and the conscience.  www.paulrichardjames.com

Claudette Losier has several different bodies of work: floral, the active life, transfer art.  Her paintings lean towards capturing strong contrast between lights and darks and complimentary colours while she abandons herself to patterns in nature. This show focuses on her use of various transfer art techniques. claudettelosier.artshamilton.ca

Pearl Company Gallery hours: 1 to 4, Wednesday through Sunday; 6 to 8 Thursday and Friday evenings. (Also by chance or appointment.)