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!

The Kruger Brothers: Sunday August 14: 8:00pm. $25 advance/$30 door : Wow. The world-renowned Krugers are coming to The Pearl! Some call it jazz. Some call it classical. Some call it bluegrass. Certainly, the music of the Kruger Brothers is all of that and more. In an ever expanding body of work, Jens Kruger (banjo, vocals), Uwe Kruger (guitar, lead vocals), and Joel Landsberg (bass, vocals) personify the spirit of exploration and innovation that forms the core of the American musical tradition. The quality of their writing, and their remarkable facility with their instruments, have made the Kruger Brothers a fixture within the world of acoustic music. From Traditional to New the Kruger Brothers’ powerful artistic statement inspires and enlightens; their song writing is distinguished by rich detail, honesty, and a unique insight into the beauty and complexity of everyday life. The result is unpretentious, cultivated, and delightfully fresh. www.krugerbrothers.com This concert will sell out.  Order your tickets soon!

Scott Nolan with special guest Chris Carmichael: Thursday August 11, 8 p.m: $15 door. $10 students/artists: Armed with a guitar and harmonica, and joined by drummer/singer Joanna Miller, Winnipeg’s Scott Nolan will give Hamilton music fans a real treat when he plays his infectious form of country, rock ‘n blues.  Showcasing his tunes about life on the road, good friends, “bad livers” and broken hearts, his speak-easy form of songwriting has earned Nolan two Western Canadian Music Awards nominations (Best Songwriter and Best Roots Album), and an honourable mention at the 2011 International Songwriting Competition (ISC).
Fellow Winnipegger and well-known alt-rocker Chris Carmichael will open the show which Nolan says is never formulaic or predictable. “Every night there’s a real freewheeling aspect. I don’t go by a set list, so every evening is pretty unique.”  www.scottnolan.ca (more…)

Casual Classics at the Pearl: August 6 / August 12. 8 p.m.  $20 (adults) and $15 (seniors/students). August 6 – piano soloist Matthew Li,  August 12 – piano soloist Rudin Lengo.
This summer marks the first season of the Casual Classics concerts at The Pearl Company. Classical pianists Matthew Li and Rudin Lengo will be taking the stage for a casual night of classical music on a grand piano provided by Merriam pianos of Oakville for the occasion.
Pianist Matthew Li has performed across Canada as well as in United States, Austria, China, and Hong Kong and is currently enrolled on scholarship in the Artist Diploma Program at The Glenn Gould School under the aegis of Marietta Orlov. He made his concerto debut in China with the Xiamen Philharmonic Orchestra; he has played at various summer music festivals, including the Mozarteum Sommerakademie in Salzburg, Austria, and the Toronto Summer Music Festival. http://matthewlipiano.com
The rising concert pianist and chamber musician Rudin Lengo takes the stage on the 12th with that same grand piano from Merriam Pianos of Oakville. He began his piano studies at the age of seven at “Servete Maçi” School of Music in Tiranë, Albania and is the Winner of numerous piano awards including UWO London Music Scholarship Foundation, as well as the Grand Prize at the Rotary Music Festival in Burlington. www.rudinlengo.com See “read the rest…” for the Recital Programs: (more…)

Rosie Burgess Trio: Friday August 5. 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, organizer of the Bruthen Festival of Blues and Arts. www.rosieburgess.com

The ƒ Holes: Thursday, August 4. 8:00. 15$ at the door.10$ students/artists: An impeccably authentic, raucously entertaining blend of gypsy jazz, zippy Dixieland, viper blues and roots from this Winnipeg creative hybrid that is rewriting the definition of roots music. Over-the-top vocals meet pedal steel, blistering horns, banjo and fiddle to create this campy, slightly twisted take on country, blues, dixieland, klezmer and anything that piques their interest, apparently. With music that would be at home on an off-Broadway stage, this musical conglomerate swirls around the hell-fired vocals of Patrick Alexandre Leclerc and a group of talented musicians who throw caution to the wind in their bid to make a distinctive mark. (The F refers to the holes in acoustic guitars and standup basses…) www.thefholes.ca

LEHERA with Sarah Buechi: Friday, July 29: 8:00 pm. $15 advance / $20 door.  Gary Santucci opens for this remarkable fusion band. Lehera brings to the table a unique sound born out of a confluence of Hindustani, Western and Carnatic music styles creating a genre-tripping vibe that is both energetic and contemplative. Sarah Buechi is a highly skilled jazz vocalist who has immersed herself in South Indian classical music. The results are apparent in her use of its demanding rhythmic and vocal techniques in a jazz context. www.sarahbuechi.com Vocals in English and Classical Indian styles intertwine with Hindustani slide guitar, violin, bamboo flutes and vocal harmonics, driven by exciting Ghatam (Clay pot drum), Konnakol (Carnatic drum language) and world percussion peppered with funky and bluesy guitar. Lehera is: Hindustani slide guitarist, Prakash Sontakke, Percussionist Karthik Mani, and multi-instrumentalist Prashand Michael John. http://lehera.net (more…)

“Loose Ends” Art Exhibit: Saturday, July 23, from 1-8pm. No charge. One day only.  Curator – Amanda McIntyre The remarkable Amanda McIntyre, a recent graduate of York University’s Visual Arts Program will be exhibiting and curating a group exhibit of 12 emerging artists here at the Pearl Company. The work plays off the phrase Loose Ends, and will be filling the walls of our two floors. The artists range in age from 22 to mid-30s and hail from Cambridge, Hamilton, Dundas, Flamborough and Binbrook. Their talents include abstract to realistic paintings, photography, woodcuts, intaglio and linoleum.  “I wanted to give emerging artists a hand up, to give them an opportunity that might not otherwise be available to them,” said McIntyre.

Artists: Kyle Hytonen, Jennifer Card, Maranda Diep, Barbara MacDonald, Betty Topblack, Elizabeth Gosse, John Steinberg, Amber Aasman and The Group of Four.  This is a free event so come by and check out these emerging, talented, local artists.

Stand Up Theatre Company Presents: TOYS the Musical: Written and directed by Colin Leversidge; based on the 1992 movie. Friday July 22.  8:00pm. $10 General Admission. Colin has been producing plays for young actors ages 9-14 for many years.  He has worked with The Disney Company Lion King, Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museums,Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts, S.A.G.E, as well as dozens of classrooms and art/music camps throughout the province.  And now he has brought his unique talents and vision to The Pearl.  This is the grand finale for his two-week Summer Camp, a serious endeavour for all concerned.  Colin writes the music and the book, teaches the children three- and five-part harmonies, and trains them well in the theatrical arts. Outstanding performances in store!

The Laws: John & Michele Law on Tour: Saturday, July 16. 8pm start. $15adv/$20 door. Known for their tight-as-a-glove harmonies and heartfelt lyrics; joined by award winning mandolin/guitar picker Jason Dennie, The Laws have performed at folk, bluegrass and country festivals, theaters and listening rooms throughout North America and Australia, and have been called the best duo out of Canada since Ian and Sylvia. “The Laws are among the best songwriters I have ever heard.  Every song was a gem, lyrically and musically.” (Barbara: The Pearl Co Newsletter after their April show) “Their voices blend beautifully–John’s reedy, gritty tenor and Michele’s plaintive, alto drawl (you’ll hear some Emmylou lurking in there) – [making them] one of the most beautiful harmonic convergences in contemporary music.”  The Bluegrass Special, New York,  www.thelaws.ca

GREENLAW presents SKYLAB “experiments in beats, bass and voice”: Friday, July 8. 8:00pm. $15 at the door. After an amazing year and fresh from a sell out European winter tour, Jazz / Dub / Soul / DNB sensations Greenlaw (MC Ozzie and Skyla J) return to their home turf of Canada to celebrate the release of their brand new international hit single ‘After I’m Gone’. Their unique brand of dub / soul / jazz and drum & bass infused rhythms, combined with a unique high-energy live performance and visual showcase appeals to audiences across the spectrum, regardless of where in the world they perform.
This gig started out to be with Skyla J & the Vibes which includes MC Ozzie and Skyla J as well as other musicians and which is attracting international attention as a fresh sound in Soul/Jazz world. GREENLAW has been around longer and is the better known of these 2 musical endeavours and for this show is featuring  Skyla J’s soulful voice as SKYlab!  www.greenlawmusic.com www.skylaj.com

Martha’s Trouble: Thursday July 7: 8 pm. $10 in advance and $15 at the door.  Martha’s Trouble is an Americana folk/pop duo, currently touring in support of their latest release, ANCHOR TATTOO, which has been celebrated by BILLBOARD MAGAZINE with these words: “With its 10th album, “Anchor Tattoo,” the Alabama-based husband-and-wife duo, Martha’s Trouble continues to intensify the mystery as to why they remain a hidden gem “.  The new album, takes the duo back to their roots, bringing back the signature sound that made them touch so many when they first came to the music scene 12 years ago, Jen, from Ontario, and Rob, from Nashville, TN.  Some of the most influential and well-respected music critics of our time have paid tribute to this duo. They have been listed and featured in Billboard Magazine, USA Today and Performing Songwriter. Their songs have received awards and have been featured in a number of movies.  www.marthastrouble.com