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

Jayme Stone Quartet: Tuesday, October 12: 8:00. $20 at the door. $15 students / artists. Two-time Juno winning banjoist, Jayme Stone has a new album based on folk dances from around the world: reels, rachenitsas, morescas and sambas from Norway, Sweden, Brazil, Bulgaria, Italy, Tunisia and North America.   Influenced by Japanese poetry and Brazilian literature, his curiosity started early with the quirky physics of the banjo, and landed him long-lasting lessons with a series of maestros, from Béla Fleck to Bill Frisell. The show will feature fiddle pioneer Casey Driessen, (grammy nominee, plays with Béla Fleck) Ross Martin, guitar (plays with Matt Flinner, Darol Anger, Ron Miles), Joe Phillips, bass (principal bassist with Orchestra London, played The Pearl recently with Rita Chiarelli) http://jaymestone.com

Code Red Blues Festival: Saturday, October 9: 8:00 pm $10 at the door. This festival will showcase local musicians from the New Hamilton Blues Society who have taken the Spectator’s Code Red series to heart and turned it into achingly heart-felt blues ballads and rocksongs.  You will laugh, you will cry; the one thing you will not be is bored… Even Gary Santucci has taken up the challenge… There will also be discussion and commentary – into which you are welcome to join.

Jean-Paul de Roover returns with special guest Lindy Friday, October 8th. 8:00pm $15 at the door. $10 students/artists. With an innovative approach to music, Jean-Paul De Roover is much more than a solo artist. Accompanied by live looping, guitars and a voice used as an instrument, this ‘sonic architect’ builds his songs from foundation to facade before your very eyes. Beginning with dead silence, his performance could lead anywhere: full a capella harmonies, rhythmic tribal beats, noise-layered worlds of ambient rock, campfire-folk, electro-ballads and anything in between. With lyrical content that can be brutally honest, or lovingly truthful, one thing is certain: the originality and creativity of his timeless performances shines through to every listener.  http://www.jeanpaulderoover.com Lindy: Lindy Vopnfjord is the tallest freestanding singer/songwriter in Canada and he has an arsenal of songs to prove it. With a thousand mile stare, this flop eared kid grew up in Winnipeg and has been traveling and singing since the age of four. He has a voice that soars and he captures the audience like no other. Lindy crafts his songs carefully, blending melody and poetry to the fullest. www.myspace.com/lindymusic

Faye Blais / Fours Trio: Thursday, October 7. 8:00pm. $15 at the door. $10 students/artists. Hailing from Northern Ontario, Faye Blais delivers sweet melodies coupled with raw acoustics that 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. 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 The Fours Trio will take the stage at 10:00pm as the “after band”, part of the Code Red Blues and Roots Festival. What happens when 3 musicians from 3 different music backgrounds and 3 separate bands get together? The result is a collision of jazz, blues, and original songs together in one great variety show. http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Fours-Trio/118712221485302

The Art Bus: Sponsored by Judy Marsales Real Estate:

• October 1: Every other 1^st Friday takes us to a number of individual galleries ultimately heading east. This time to the Artic Experience / McNaught Gallery, Gallery on the Bay, Anastasia Gallery, east to the Sunrise Gallery and back to Gallery 435
• October 8: Will include, as 2^nd Fridays always do, the excitement of the James North Crawl, the charm and energy of the Tiger Group Studio Gallery and either the Imperial Cotton Centre for the Arts on Sherman Ave. or the fresh new Ottawa Street Stroll

•    Starting at 6:30 from ‘The Pearl Company’, 16 Steven Street and King William.
•    Please reserve a spot beforehand via email or phone, and purchase your trip ($15.00) when you arrive.
•    We finish up at The Pearl for an après-tour wind-down which includes a tour of the building and either music with Gary Santucci or whatever event is happening on the theatre floor.

16 Steven is at King William just north of King, 4 blocks east of Victoria, and 2 blocks west of Wentworth.  It’s a three-storey factory/warehouse building. Any other questions?  Either call or email me, Barbara Milne (905 524-0606), barbaramilne@cogeco.ca

The Art Bus and The Pearl Company are promoted, and supported by THEZine: http://www.thezine.ca

Ticket for Change: Tom Wilson with Special Guest Harlan Pepper: Supporting Paul Tetley for Ward 3 Councillor: Saturday, October 2.  8:00pm $45.  We all know Tom Wilson; he has been a creative and prolific writer, artist, and performer for many years in our city. Wilson’s commitment to Hamilton cannot be doubted and he is demonstrating his commitment with this concert in support of better politics. I think we speak for a number of people in our town when we say, change is deeply needed.  Come support us in our efforts and enjoy this superb entertainer who happens to be appearing with Harlan Pepper, the dynamite band that his son fronts!
If you want to know more about the candidate that we are supporting, here is Paul’s website: http://www.paultetley.com

Corin Raymond (Ontario), the prairie’s Scott Cook, and BC songwriter Raghu Lokanathan: Friday, October 1: 8:00pm doors / 8:30pm show. $20 / $12 students/artists. Three singer/songwriters from across the country.
Corin is the Toronto-based troubadour who is also half of the Undesirables, (whom we have met several very cool times at The Pearl). He is showcasing his second solo album, ‘There Will Always Be a Small Time’, an impressive work anyone’s reckoning. There is nothing small time about Raymond’s talent (John Prine comparisons often come his way). He’s a young man writing songs that sound like they’ve been around a lot longer than Corin himself. http://www.myspace.com/corinraymond
Raghu Lokanathan joins them performing from his ‘Blue Girl’ album, an album that takes bold risks and vividly spins the stories of characters that are as likable and warped and dignified and unlikely as the grinning man himself; clever, sympathetic songs that showed a dark, and darkly humorous, edge.  “He writes songs like they used to a long time ago.” Utah Phillips http://www.raghumusic.com
“Scott Cook, a world-traveling songwriter with his heart forever on his sleeve, has distilled his travels down into songs powered by a sharp eye for imagery, a healthy dose of humanity, and the unforgettable voice, that at the same time intones the rigors of the road and the most comfortable couch you have ever slept on.” -David Francey  http://www.scottcook.net

Festitalia Author’s Night: Tuesday, September 28 at 7:00pm.  Free admission. Bryon Prince and Festitalia present Genni Gunn reading from her latest novel, Solitaria and Carole Bertuzzi Luciani reading from her book, I Have a Story for You.  For further information, please contact Bryan Prince, Bookseller at 905 528-4528 or staff@princebooks.net

The Judy Monologues: Sunday, September 26. Two shows at 4pm and 7pm. $10: A new one-act performance piece, based on rare voice recordings that Judy Garland made in the 1960s for her never-written autobiography. Conceived and directed by Darren Stewart-Jones, the play also features vintage film footage and some of Garland’s music. The production debuted earlier this month at Buddies In Bad Times Theatre in Toronto.

“Not many people have heard this material that is floating around out there in cyberspace,” says Darren Stewart-Jones, who also appears in the production. “Excerpts from the tapes have been used previously in a one-woman show and also as part of a short film. It really is juicy stuff and I thought this would be a unique way to bring it to people’s attention. It is a rare glimpse into the private thoughts of a Hollywood Legend.”

Stewart-Jones and two other actors recite the monologues. “I thought having men perform the material was fitting considering the influence Garland has had on the gay community over the years.” The piece also features Garland look-alike Kimberly Roberts, who plays out silent vignettes in between monologues. Film clips from Garland’s heyday round out the piece.

Tickets for The Judy Monologues are and can be purchased in person at The Pearl Company, 16 Steven Street, Hamilton or by calling 905-524-0606.

For further info, please contact Baby Gumm Productions at 416-836-7793 or at babygummproductions@gmail.com

Charly Chiarelli: Saturday, September 25. 8:00pm. $15 / $10 artists/students.  We’ve all heard Charly do Cu’Fu in English, now we get to hear him do it in Sicilian! You’ve known about French immersion, now we have Sicilian immersion…. No matter what language he speaks, Charly is hysterical!