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

Mark Berube and The Patriotic Few: Friday, March 4, 8:00pm., $12 at the door. $10 artist/student. When recorded by the CBC for Canada Live, Mark was compared to a “young Leonard Cohen” for his lyrical brevity and craftsmanship.  www.markberube.com Mark’s new album, June In Siberia sees a departure for Mark and The Patriotic Few (Kristina Koropecki on cello, Patrick Dugas on drums, and Amélie Mandeville on bass) The overall result is a striking and unique blend of indie chamber-folk. At a sold out show at La Cigalle in Paris, Mark sold out of albums both nights and was touted by the French press as “a very strong and promising artist …equally charming behind the piano or a cappella” Not to be missed! Here’s a link to Mark’s latest review: http://exclaim.ca/Reviews/SoulFunkAndWorld/mark_berube_patriotic_few-june_in_siberia

The Art Bus is Sponsored by Judy Marsales Real Estate

• March 4: First stop will be Gallery on the Bay (Tibor Nyilasi), then we’ll be giving riders the treat of traveling to Dundas to see the Carnegie’s temporary digs and the ultra-cool studios of the artists who inhabit the Oddfellows Hall. Then off to the Sunrise Gallery finishing up at Gallery 435.
• March 11: We start with the Ottawa Street Stroll where we will find AllSorts Gallery, Earls Court Gallery and Under the Moon. Then to the James North Art Crawl with its multitude of artists studios and galleries.  We’ll finish the tour at Hamilton’s original Studio Gallery with the fabulous Tiger Group.

•    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 back at The Pearl for an après-tour wind-down which can include a tour of the building and usually a taste of whatever event is happening on the theatre floor.

If you have any questions or to reserve a seat, either call or email Barbara Milne (905 524-0606), barbaramilne@cogeco.ca

Jean-Paul de Roover: Thursday, March 3: 8:00pm., $15 at the door. $10 artist/student. J-P plays loops and sings, creating a full band sound all by himself.   www.jeanpaulderoover.com 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: 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.

John Mann: Mister Mann. Wednesday, March 2, 8:00pm., $20 at the door.  A solo project of Spirit of the West’s front man and songwriter John Mann who is returning to his stripped down Alt-folk roots. www.johnmann.ca Mann pens beautiful melodies with emotionally honest lyrics that capture the intimate moments of his hometown of Vancouver, its occupants, the fragile details of their dysfunctional love and the loss of a city’s innocence. John Mann is also an actor of stage, film and television and currently can be seen on the CBC TV drama Intelligence, as CSIS Director, James Mallaby. Really looking forward to this show!

Cinema Insieme Monday February 28: 7:00pm. $10 at the door.  A Hamilton-based Italian Film Club usually screening modern films that have received a lot of attention in Italy or at International Film Festivals. All films have English subtitles. Occasionally, a classic or retrospective film of importance is featured. The films are introduced by highly knowledgeable Italian Film-Buffs and a brief discussion follows the film.  Everyone is welcome. Lo Spazio Bianco (2009) An unexpected pregnancy and premature birth become a burden that Maria is unprepared for. Lacking control over events for the first time in her life, she retreats into an emotional space where she is alone, until the day arrives when she must learn to live again for her vulnerable child. Staring: Margherita Buy, Gaetano Bruno and Giovanni Luden

Gary Santucci Live at The Pearl!  Saturday, February 26: 8:00pm, $15 at the door. $10 artist/student. Gary was all set to play with his long-time musical partner, Dimitrius Doumas, but he has been abandoned for a southern clime.  Therefore, all those people who complain that they never get to hear Gary play anymore here’s your chance.  If you are lucky, he will even do some of his Indian ragas.

Ben Sures: Saturday, February 19: 8:00pm, $15 at the door. $10 artist/student. Singer/songwriter extraordinaire, 2005 Winner in the folk category of the John Lennon songwriting contest, and a winner in the 2006 International songwriting contest. Ben is a songwriter and terrific guitar player who has multiple appearances at most of the major folk festivals in Western Canada under his belt. He has four critically acclaimed recordings to his credit and is also the current semi regular music guest on CBC Radio’s national produced sketch comedy program ‘The Irrelevant Show’. (more…)

Jeff Bird presents Picture Music: Saturday, February 12. 8:00pm. $20 at the door.  Jeff and his musical colleagues spin a mesmerizing musical web as they accompany the action in Jeff’s short impressionistic films.  A special treat is the well-loved documentary RINK. The film follows the life and death of this most Canadian of places, the outdoor, neighbourhood skating rink.  Jeff is joined by: Randall Coryell (Quartette, Kevin Breit) on Percussion, Witek Grabowiecki on Piano, Jaro Czerwinec (Cowboy Junkies, Daisy Debolt) on Accordion, Harri Palm (Johnny And The G Rays, The Eels) Video Manipulation. http://jeffbird.com

Jeff is not just a consumate musician but is also an accomplished film maker. He has had his films screened at festivals from Dawson City Canada to Vladivostok Russia. Along with artful live video manipulation, the show moves effortlessly between scored material and improvisation creating a dynamic sonic and visual experience.

8:00pm. Tickets $15 advance or $20 at the door. ($10 or $15 at door students / artists).  A match made in musical heaven could perhaps best describe the famed Broadway songwriting team of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart!  A collaboration which spanned over three decades (until Hart’s rather premature death in November of 1943) the team of Rodgers & Hart proved truly magical, contributing substantially to the Great American Songbook with songs such as I Wish I Were In Love Again, My Funny Valentine, Thou Swell, The Lady is a Tramp, My Romance, Blue Moon, and Bewitched.  This melodic and informative “Musical Biography”, lovingly delivered by entertainer and creator, Dean Hollin and accompanist Mark Spencer, takes audiences on a journey through a truly impressive body of work, additionally providing a detailed, intimate look at the two men responsible for it all.  Another of My Eye Productions’ live, interactive “Musical Biographies, Love ‘n’ Rodgers ‘n’ Hart is a perfectly romantic fit for Valentines! www.myeyeproductions.ca

Laura Merrimen, Kelly Sloan, Adam Baldwin: ‘The Icebreaker Tour’: Friday, February 11. 8pm show. $15 at the door. $10 artist/student.  Three exciting young stars from Eastern Canada:

Laura Merrimen: Recently won best country/bluegrass recording of the year with her first album ‘Love Letters For Lonely Hunters’ for the Nova Scotia Music Awards. Opened for Cuff the Duke, Elliot Brood and the Deep Dark Wood in Halifax. Some have compared Merrimen to a female Bob Dylan or Neil Young, others to Lucinda Williams and Neko Case, but you can’t put your finger on it, the sound is uniquely her own. She is a prolific writer who delivers soulful thought provoking lyrics that are steeped in honesty and raw emotion.

Kelly Sloan: This rising Dartmouth, Nova Scotia-based musician is known for deflecting emotional landmines with an easy wit. On stage and in life, Kelly’s clever banter often serves to soften the edges of loss. But once this rising singer-songwriter grasps a guitar and microphone, or sidles up to a piano, all bets are off.

Adam Baldwin: Best known as keyboard player for Matt Mays, Adam Baldwin has steadily been forging his own path in the Canadian music scene. He is set to release his debut solo album this spring; an ode to all things plaid-shirted and Springsteen-esque. An evocative and engaging songwriter, his subject matter is surprisingly mature given his youth. Adam draws you in with tales so close to home, you feel as if he’s been reading your thoughts…in fact, he probably has