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

Dean Hollin: WHOLE LOT O’ HOAGY: Friday, November 5 at 9:00 pm. $20 at the door. $15 students/artists.  Dean’s Hoagy gig in London this weekend fell through and he is bringing this fabulous show back to The Pearl. Hoagy Carmichael is regarded today as one of the finest, most inventive jazz composers of the twentieth century!  Responsible for an impressive string of classics including Georgia On My Mind, The Nearness of You, Lazybones, Ole Buttermilk Sky, In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening, Heart and Soul, Stardust, and so very many more, his is a genius deserving of celebration!  Accompanied by an eight-piece jazz orchestra led by Musical Director, Steve Thomas, entertainer Dean Hollin recalls the life, tells the stories, and performs the songs – all in a unique “Musical Biography” format.  Researching and presenting shows which pay homage to Porter, Kern, Mercer, Carmichael and the like has become something of a love-affair for Hollin – “Whole Lot o’ Hoagy” standing as his largest show to date, with its’ eight-piece band delivering a sound and style synonymous with early jazz of the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s and 50’s.  Don’t miss this exciting production, guaranteed to take you back to a time of musical magic and memories! http://www.myeyeproductions.ca

Dave Gunning: Saturday, October 30^th at 8 pm. Tickets $15 advance or $20 at the door. East Coast recording artist brings his warm voice and hot guitar to The Pearl Company. Call 905-524-0606 to reserve.
Gunning wowed an appreciative crowd on his last visit to Hamilton with a gig at the Studio at Hamilton Place. Since that time, Dave has continued to gather attention including three 2010 East Coast Music nominations for Songwriter Of The Year, Male Solo Recording and FACTOR Recording Of The Year for his album “We’re All Leaving”. These supplement prior East Coast Awards for 2008  and 2005.  All told, Gunning has released 8 albums.
Engaging and charismatic, Dave’s magnetic gift of captivating audiences by creating a bond through homespun humour and seasoned musicianship will be in full evidence at the Hamilton show. Dave is looking forward to his first gig in the warm confines of The Pearl Company.  http://www.davegunning.com

Carl Bernstein: Thursday, October 28 8:00 pm. $15 at the door, $10 students/artists. We are very excited to have secured Carl for a performance in Hamilton.  He has just returned to his home in New Mexico after a 6-month solo musical odyssey throughout India.   During his Hamilton performance he will present a broad selection of musical offerings including classical, original instrumental and vocal compositions, improvisations and arrangements of well know popular selections.   In recent solo performances he has noticed a profound creative influence from his India travels.   For further information on Carl and his music go to his website:  www.carlbernstein.net

Laura Smith with Ryan MacGrath: A NEW LEAF: October in Ontario: Saturday, October 23: 8:00. $15 advance, $20 at the door. Emerging musician, Ryan MacGrath, and Canadian songstress and icon, Laura Smith, team up to promote his debut full-length album, COOPER HATCH PARIS:  ‘The’ Laura Smith, a household name for many (especially with CBC listeners in the mid-90’s), inspired MacGrath with her captivating songwriting and haunting voice; MacGrath has also inspired his mentor- so much so, that she will be accompanying him on this important first celebration and tour of COOPER HATCH PARIS.

MacGrath and Smith take you on a journey through love and loss, performing both solo and with one another throughout the tour. They will be joined by their accompanists Mike Ritchie and Tony Quarrington.

MacGrath is receiving growing attention. Rising star singer songwriter Amelia Curran refers to MacGrath as a “young Roy Orbison. Perhaps, with more jazz flourishes, heavy-handed romanticism and dramatics akin to Parisian love stories.” www.ryanmacgrath.com www.laurasmith.ca

Jazz Connection Big Band: Friday, October 22.  Doors at 8:30, jazz at 9:00 $15 at the door: They’re back and are gaining a bigger audience every time they play here! Made up of talented musicians from all over southwestern Ontario, the Jazz Connection Big Band is a 20-piece band dedicated to playing great, straight-ahead jazz.  The JCBB carries us once again into the cool space of surround sound big band music! http://www.jazzconnection.ca

Allosaurus / Bruekke: Saturday, October 16, 8:00. $5 at the door. “The Allosaurus is a second-rate beast in the prehistoric animal kingdom. This Allosaurus, however, presents funky fresh beats and pop melodies blended to mix up your mind with existence and its folly. Chew hard into the music of a strange monster and down with the Tyrannus!” Bruekke describes their music as “Celtic Swamp Americana Canadiana Folk (ish)”.  Both these fresh new Hamilton bands are compelling in their approaches and we are delighted to have them debut at The Pearl.

Presenting Julia Veenstra’s “Colour Unleashed”!

At The Pearl Company Gallery.  Now on two floors! Friday, October 15, at 7:00

From One to Two Galleries and From One to Two Theatre Venues in 6 easy steps….

Come Celebrate These Newly Transformed Spaces. Opening with Julia Veenstra’s Spectacular Show! And finishing with music and dance…..

The can’t-keep-them-down owners of The Pearl don’t let anything stop them; even imminent closure. There are now two galleries (actually three if you factor in the Office Salon Gallery), and two theatre spaces at The Pearl.  We have transformed the first floor (with its super-high ceilings) into both a gallery and a theatre-in-the-round.  Because the superb acoustics on the second floor make it a perfect concert space, it will continue as such…. Ergo galleries on both floors, and, the potential of early theatre, late concert on either floor. Ah, the creativity….

What better way to celebrate this event than to have the deliciously colourful and creative, Julia Veenstra show her large works (yes, there will be small ones too…). And we plan to party. Opening at 7:00; dancing and music at 9:00 (gallery will be open throughout).  Be here!

P.S. Our first theatre piece on the former gallery floor will be an insanely inventive version of Oscar Wilde’s Salome, first two weeks of November.

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