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 Ernesto Cervini Quartet: Tuesday, November 8, 8:00pm. $15 door.$10 Artists/Students: Innovative and electrifying Toronto jazz drummer Ernesto Cervini featuring Joel Frahm (saxophones), Adrean Farrugia (piano) and Dan Loomis (bass).  Ernesto who has shared the stage with many legendary musicians such as Clark Terry, Benny Golson, Cleo Laine, Pat LaBarbera, Buddy DeFranco, and many others, has energy to burn, whether radiating it from behind his drums or working on any number of musical and educational projects.  Cervini’s diversity as a musician (he is also an excellent pianist and clarinetist) has allowed him to travel throughout the world, performing in some of the world’s greatest jazz venues such as, Birdland, The Jazz Standard, The Montreal Bistro, The Rex Jazz and Blues Club, and also many of the world’s most prestigious concert halls, such as Massey Hall, The Glen Gould Theatre, The St. Lawrence Center for the Arts and the Sugita Theatre in Yokohama, Japan.  www.Ernestocervini.com

Gary Santucci: Saturday, November 5, 8:00. $15 door.$10 Artists/Students.  Gary will put on another of his guitar seminars; a kind of show-and-tell involving guitar history, guitar-making, and guitar playing. There will be, of course, demonstrations of guitar technique from flamenco to classical and beyond. Gary may be joined by his long-time guitar and bouzouki partner, Dimitrios Doumas if he is able to be here.  Expect a guitar banquet.

The Andy Middleton Group: Friday, November 4, 8:00. $15 door.$10 Artists/Students: Jazz saxophonist and composer Andy Middleton with Canadian guitar legend Lorne Lofsky and the superb bass/drums team of Kieran Overs and Barry Romberg, with special guest Darcy Hepner on reeds.  Andy Middleton has long been considered by critics and his peers to be one of the world’s top-tier jazz saxophonists. While a technically masterful player, Middleton’s solos have rather been noted for their power of inspired imagination, rhythmic drive, lyricism and adventurous energy.  Likewise, his compositions are both harmonically modern and lyrical with a clear sense of the tradition.   Middleton’s unique voice as both a player and a composer/arranger has led jazz icons such as Dave Holland, Kenny Wheeler and Ralph Towner to record and perform with him.  He has also performed/ recorded with Renee Rosnes, Randy Brecker, Bill Evans, Lionel Hampton.  After nearly 20 years in the New York jazz scene, he now lives and teaches in Vienna, Austria.  Catch him in a rare return to North America! andy.middleton@chello.at
“A musician’s musician, just like it says in books.  This American living in Vienna spins fascinating webs of improvisation with long, drawn-out and intense melodies on the tenor saxophone that place him at the top of the international saxophone scene. Great music!”   Jazzthing (Germany)

Bill Bourne and The Free Radio Band: Saturday October 29. 8:00pm. $20 at the door. Multiple Canadian Juno Award winner, Bill Bourne has received international acclaim for his recordings and live performances. A mainstay on the international roots scene, life on the road is reflected in Bill’s music – powerful rhythms and soulful songs, steeped in World Beat, Blues, Cajun, Celtic, Folk, Flamenco, Funk, Poetry and more… His latest release, Bluesland, is an intense collection of rock, folk and country, soaked with an electric blues sound that gets deep into your pores. In addition to Bill’s acoustic guitar and vocals, and his son’s lead, The Free Radio Band features Pa Joe on electric smooth jazz guitar (African Guitar Summit), Moses Gregg on bass (The Swiftys) and Miguel Ferrer on drums (Santiago, Chile).
“Bourne flows with this almost indescribable soul infused with a lonesome strain of blues… This man was put on this earth to play music.” Crossroads Magazine. “Canadian Folk Shaman – Magical Mystery Bourne’ – Kitchener/Waterloo Echo  www.billbourne.com

Kate Reid w Amy Campbell: Friday, October 28. 8:00pm. $12 advance / $15 at the door. Kate Reid has a stack of press clippings that invariably cite her originality, topical songwriting and laugh-aloud humour. She is one of Canada’s funniest, sharpest new talents – a whipsmart wordsmith with a stage presence cited for her originality, topical songwriting and laugh-aloud humour. Her socio-political musings about identity, love and queer life are matched with an irreverent, often self-deprecating sense of humour. Season these songs with one of Kate’s warm, disarming laughs and you’ll understand why listeners of all persuasions have taken such a shine to her. “One woman. One guitar. Lots of attitude”. “Edgy, fun and brilliant” www.katereid.net Amy Campbell brings together classical training and folk sensibilities to create music that reaches into human experience and comes back with stories written from the soul. Devoted equally to lyrical craft, innovative musicianship, and engaging performances, Amy’s dozen years of writing, composing, and touring have cemented her position in hearts and playlists across the world. www.amycampbell.ca

The Jazz Connection Big Band with Christian Overton on lead trombone: Thursday, October 27. Doors at 7:30, jazz at 8:00 $15 at the door:  The JCBB is a well established 17-piece jazz ensemble comprised of professional and semi-professional musicians from the Hamilton/Toronto area. They perform only the best modern big band charts from the books of Goodwin, Martin, Menza, Rich, Basie, and many other great contemporary composers. Jazz Connection’s approach is high energy, uncompromising, straight ahead jazz. They combine the highest level of musicianship with great charts in an entertaining show that engages both the jazz enthusiast and the casual listener equally. Carrying us once again into the cool space of surround sound big band music, we are always delighted to have them back! http://www.jazzconnection.ca Christian Overton is one of the best trombone players in the business working regularly with Peter Appleyard, Jane Bunnett, Don Thompson, numerous major musicals, TV shows and movie scores.

Glenn Chatten: Wednesday, October 26. 8:00pm. $15 at the door. $10 All Artists/Students.  After abandoning Ontario (and Hamilton) for BC, Glenn is back! He took his Masters at McMaster and played regularly at the Festival of Friends and The Gown and Gavel.  He’s a veteran guitarist (with a harmonica always close at hand), mastering his custom built Larivee and Breedlove acoustic guitars like sculpturing tools, Glenn carves deep into his soulful life’s journey to reflect, create and perform eclectic original music that blurs boundaries between Jazz, Blues, Folk, Rock, and Celtic styles. He has developed a very unique and fast finger picking style that incorporates both standard and various open tunings of the guitar, producing intense rhythms with strong vibrant melodic overtones. It will be a pleasure to hear that mellow voice again! www.soaringeaglemusic.com

Brilliantly Bacharach! Dean Hollin presents another of his sparkling “Musical Biographies”.  Saturday, October 22th, 8 pm.  $18 advance / $22 door.  The “Quintessential composer of the 60’s, 70’s and beyond, Burt Bacharach, is celebrated in both story and song in “Brilliantly Bacharach”!!  Featuring the talents of Dean Hollin, special guest Deb Fitzsimmons and a live, onstage band, performing; Walk On By, Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head, Alfie, A House is Not a Home, Do You Know the Way to San Jose?, That’s What Friends are For, and so very many more…” Born and raised in Hamilton, Dean began his theatrical career during his high school years. Throughout his professional career, Dean has created productions, largely based around the music he loves so much including the Music of Jerome Kern, Cole~Hearted: A Musical Portrait of Cole Porter, Whole Lot o’ Hoagy, (Hoagy Carmichael) and now Bacharach, through his production company – My Eye Productions.  Dean’s concerts are extremely popular.  Reserve your tickets early! http://www.deanhollin.com

Steve Brockley Band: Friday, October 21. 8:00pm. $15 at the door. $10 All Artists/Students. “These are songs that other songwriters talk about, and musicians that other musicians talk about.”  Leon Power’s beats combined with Kevin Bertram’s double bass swagger make a low-down groove while Steve Brockley’s finger-picked electric guitar tactics and whiskey-blend vocals deliver some honest songs from the heart and guts.   Encounter the truly infectious Steve Brockley experience. “His album, crafted in the riff-filled, storytelling tradition of legends like Johnny Cash, is beyond his years.” This is our fourth Steve Brockley concert.  Steve is a remarkable songwriter; one of those singers whose every word we strain to hear because those words are so entertaining and fitting that you don’t want to miss a one.  But even if you didn’t hear a single sentence, this three-piece band is so tight and original that the music alone would satisfy. www.myspace.com/stevebrockley Appearing with Steve and the band are the local Dunlop Brothers. Justin Dunlop, as a bassist/multi-instrumentalist, has played with a number of local groups. He is now introducing his own songs with his band, featuring the moody and ambient guitar playing of his brother Matt Dunlop, and the dig-deep soulful drumming of Mike Ardagh.

Adrian Glynn with Dane Hartsell: Thursday, October 20: $15 door / $10 Students/Artists 8:00pm.  Adrian Glynn stands apart. The Vancouver-based troubadour takes any opportunity to defy convention: he has turned murder ballads into spell-binding, microphone-free serenades, and abandoned the standard rock band setup in favour of suitcase kick drums and clawhammer piano strings. Originally a trained character actor, his flare for live performance has quickly won over audiences. In his intimate solo shows, Glynn continues to perfect his timeless blend of rough-hewn rock and dusty, Depression-era folk and blues. Ranging from stomping grooves to textured ballads and spine-tingling a cappella, while still retaining the songwriter’s stripped-down intimacy and melodic accessibility.,  his latest album reaffirms what fans have seen in Glynn since the beginning: an artist unafraid to deconstruct ancient musical traditions and rebuild them as his own. www.adrianglynn.com
Dane Hartsell delivers emotional ballads and energetic anthems.  He was born in Woodstock, Ontario and has progressed rapidly from traveling to gigs in his parents car to going on the road with Canadian Idol winner Eva Aquila!