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!

Kaleidoscope Brown Series Episode 7: featuring the BROWNMAN ELECTRYC TRIO (Trumpet. Bass. Drums.): Saturday, February 25. 8:00pm. $15 / $10 artists/students. ”Acclaimed trumpeter Brownman Ali’s ELECTRYC TRIO” captures the essence of the later years of Miles Davis’ life, his electric period, interpreted as only Brownman can do! The award-winning and internationally acclaimed BROWNMAN ELECTRYC TRIO, about which JazzOnline.com writes: “Brownman’s eclectically powerful electrified trio captures the essence of the later years in Miles Davis’ life, his electric period, however, without imitation. Brownman’s ELECTRYC TRIO is uniquely his own, yet echoes with the sounds of ‘Bitches Brew’ and ‘In a Silent Way’ right down to Miles’ use of electronics while still managing to stay grounded in the sounds of today. Clearly paying apt tribute to Brownman’s NYC mentor Randy Brecker, they are a truly impressive and energized modern jazz outfit.” http://brownman.com

StandUp Theatre’s Tough Enough Saturday & Sunday February 25 & 26 at 2:00pm.  Tickets $12. Call 905-517-1054 to buy tickets in advance. Tough Enough is a musical… the eleventh musical production in StandUp’s short history…maybe the best…probably the most important. A straight on look at bullying in our culture. These kids are good…so’s the message…a perfect storm…  StandUp Theatre’s actors are young people from 11 to 15.  They are presenting the play that they have been working on since fall.   All ages welcome.

The Jazz Connection Big Band: Friday, February 24. Doors at 8:00, jazz at 8:30. $15 /$10 students/artists: 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. The incredible acoustics at The Pearl have no trouble accommodating that very cool space of surround sound big band music; we are always delighted to have them back! http://www.jazzconnection.ca

Dean Hollin CD Release: Saturday, February 18. 8:00pm. $15 / $10 students/artists.  With Steve Thomas on piano.  At last a CD celebrating Dean’s “musical biographies” of songwriters such as Porter, Kern, Mercer, Gershwin. Appropriately entitled “indicative”, his recent release is just that – indicative of the music that has become so undeniably associated with both the man and the entertainer!  Hollin lovingly weaves his extensive knowledge of the composers with each and every song he performs – accented with his own personal accounts and anecdotes.  This CD-release concert, with pianist Steve Thomas fingering the ivories, will feature numerous selections from “indicative” including “Moon River”, “One For My Baby”, “Stardust” and “When I Fall In Love”, as well as other favourites from Hollin’s rather impressive repertoire. Withvocal tones romantically reminiscent of such greats as Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett and Andy Williams, Mr. Hollin will take you back in time and remind you of the brilliance… “Hollin’s warm, smoky voice and his exquisite charm and enthusiasm radiates affection for his material and his audience” Gary Smith, Spectator http://www.deanhollin.com

Redeemer University College and Friends Showcase: Thursday, February 16, 7:30 start. $5 adv / $10 door.  Redeemer is bringing together some of their finest student musicians and giving them a stage upon which to hone their skills and show an audience what they can do.  Plato’s Cave is a group of 7 musicians mainly made up of music majors at Redeemer University College who are experimenting with many musical ideas and genres. They are the 2012 winner of the Redeemer Battle of the Bands. Miniver Sail are the 2012 People’s Choice Award winner’s of the Redeemer Battle of the Bands; they received accolades from the judges for their strong lyrics and contemplative style.  Myles Gardner is an aspiring singer-songwriter from McMaster University and an integral part of the music team at the Meeting House Church in Ancaster.
The Facebook event is located here: https://www.facebook.com/events/161472887299907/

Jaron Freeman Fox and The Opposite of Everything: Saturday, February 11. 8:00pm. $15 / $10 students/artists.  Described as “Gogol Bordello meets The Mothers of Invention”, The Opposite of Everything somehow combine bluegrass with Indian music, African beats with sea shanties, or klezmer with the blues, and make it sound like the most natural thing in the world.  With a diverse cast of Toronto’s finest and most adventurous musicians, the band is led by maniac violin virtuoso Jaron Freeman-Fox known for his celebrated solo album Manic Almanac.
“Jaron Freeman Fox  & The Opposite of Everything electrified the Blue Skies stage. It was an instant dance party.  The music was both challenging and superb. A definite highlight of the weekend.  Jaron’s creativity and talents are simply amazing…” –Joel LeBlanc- Artistic Director, Blue Skies Music Festival
“Jaron Freeman Fox and the Opposite of Everything electrified the crowds wherever they went at Live From the Rock. The exuberance, talent, creativity and controlled insanity demonstrated by this exciting Toronto conglomeration was a joy to behold.” –Jennifer Ives: Artistic Director, Live From the Rock   http://theoppositeofeverything.com

Roxanne Potvin with Kim Wempe: Saturday, February 4: 8:00 pm $15 / $10 students/artists: With her new album “Play”, Potvin has achieved something that few artists ever succeed in doing – she’s expanded her style and grown as an artist while still keeping the grit and authenticity that is so appealing about her music. All blues and no play made for an unfulfilled Roxanne Potvin. Her smart and sassy new album Play, finds the Montreal-based artist pushing new buttons and continuing her evolution from a stylish, bluesy guitar slinger to a more tuneful pop-orientated performer, free-spirited and varied.  Steve Dawson who runs the Black Hen label out of Vancouver encouraged her in her decision to shift direction and helped her keep the songs on “Play” ambitious, while never losing the loose limbed joyful feeling that inspired them.  She says about her aggressive, energy-driven hooks of Play, “I had been listening to all different types of music and learning to approach writing as a discipline. I found myself going back to the Beatles and Beck.” Clearly Roxanne can rock with the best of them when she wants to. www.roxannepotvin.com Kim Wempe’s beautiful voice is haunting and smokey; some insist she is the child of Janis Joplin and sister of Adele but Wempe is out to blaze her own trail and leave a slew of dropped jaws in her wake. This may be because she is far from the fragile and sensitive singer songwriter; when she sings, her vibe is strong woman with the urge to move mountains! She has won both an East Coast Music Award and Music Nova Scotia Award  http://kimwempe.com

Kaleidoscope Brown: featuring BROWNMAN AKOUSTIC TRIO: (NYC style modern swing) Saturday, January 28. $15 door. $10 artists/students. With: Brownman Ali – trumpet: Soren Nissen – acoustic bass: Eric West – drums. Brownman has a frenetic international tour schedule (with musicians such as Paul Simon) and for January’s installment of KALEIDOSCOPE BROWN, the Toronto based Trinidadian-born multi-award winning jazz trumpeter brings the BROWNMAN AKOUSTIC TRIO to Pearl Company.  The trio serves up a night of 50’s & 60’s jazz a la Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Joe Henderson, Duke Ellington, Cole Porter, and more from the American jazz songbook.  Brownman is flanked by two of the most called upon young bassists and drummers in the Toronto jazz scene right now – both under 25 years old!  Be ready for fresh-faced and exciting new takes on the classic jazz lineage.
“Award winning Trinidadian born, New York schooled jazz trumpet player Brownman Ali leads this modern jazz trio through inspired arrangements of standards and choice originals.  The new generation of jazz.” – Jazzonline.com “Performing organic jazz in the classic trio or quartet setting, this unit strives to embody the jazz improvising spirit of the 60’s – communication.  Playing selections of standards linked together in one organic mish-mash of sonic goodness, this unit brings classic jazz themes and powerful Brownman compositions into the new millennium” – Jazz Journey, CHRY radio http://bat.brownman.com

Jonathan Byrd / Raghu Lokanathan / Corin Raymond: Friday, January 27. 7:30pm doors/8pm show, $20/$10 artists and students. Jonathan Byrd’s Cackalack is his first release since joining Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, and Joni Mitchell on the Chicago Tribune’s list of the 50 most significant singer-songwriters of the last 50 years! “This rootsy North Carolinian may be the most buzzed-about new songwriter in folkdom. He displays John Prine’s gift for stark little songs that tell big, complex stories, Guy Clark’s lean melodicism, Lyle Lovett’s wry mischief, and Bill Morrissey’s knack for the revealing image.” — Scott Alarik, Boston Globe  “Sly, subversive and able to say more in two words than most other people can say in a novel….” Midwest Record. “Jonathan Byrd doesn’t sing songs; he sings truth.” – Performing Songwriter.  www.jonathanbyrd.com Raghu Lokanathan’s latest album, ‘Blue Girl’, 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.  These are brilliant songs, grittier than before, with radical experiments in song structure and point-of-view that always sounded natural, even inevitable.  “He writes songs like they used to a long time ago.” Utah Phillips.  http://www.raghumusic.com Corin Raymond is the Toronto-based troubadour who is also half of the Undesirables and whose band, The Sundowners blew us all away when they played here last May; John Prine comparisons often come his way. Corin is a Pearl favourite; a wonderful, warm human being who specializes in bringing the best singer/songwriters he can find to wonderful, warm, welcoming places like The Pearl.  His own songwriting talent is impressive and if you have heard him live, you will know that his personality and performance charm, captivate, and thoroughly entertain.  He is also the guy whose play “Bookworm” was the audience favourite at last summer’s Hamilton Fringe Festival and the guy who is paying for his next two albums with Canadian Tire money!  See his (going viral) YouTube video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9lVyhraw-A And Corin’s music:  https://www.facebook.com/CorinRaymondMusic

Joanna Chapman-Smith: Thursday, January 26, 8:00pm. $15 door/$10 artists/students: (No, she is not Hamilton’s infamous Joanna of Chapman Books!) She is, however, the winner of the 2010 Independent Music Award for best acoustic song, and has played to strong reviews in concerts and festivals from Australia to Denmark.  Her critically acclaimed release CONTRARIES has received airplay in more than fifteen countries. A well-nurtured thirst for new cultural experiences is unmistakable in Joanna’s music; in addition to jazz, folk and classical, her songs also show the influence of many other musical forms, from klezmer and Balkan choral music to tango and flamenco.  She is a skilled guitarist, pianist, and clarinetist, but her live shows also feature other, less conventional instruments, many of her own creation. These elements all help distinguish Joanna from other talented young singer-songwriters, but what truly sets her apart is the voice.  It’s an extraordinary instrument, crystalline and strong, which Joanna guides effortlessly through a nearly four-octave range. “The slinky-voiced Canadian whose arch acoustic musings and fondness for the accordion come laced with a hint of Parisian cafes and East European Klezmer music.” – Q MAGAZINE “Her voice exudes a warmth, charm and occasional vulnerability that easily brings you under her spell.” – BLUESBUNNY, “Chapman-Smith has a supple and finely-nuanced voice and writes with the ear of a poet.” – GEORGIA STRAIGHT  www.joannacs.com

Jacam Manricks Trio: Sunday, January 22. 8:00. $20 at the door. Jazz saxophonist/composer Jacam Manricks and his ensemble of internationally renowned Jazz artists are touring Canada in promotion of Jacam’s current album release ‘Trigonometry’ (Positone Records).  The tour will feature Jacam’s highly acclaimed compositions performed by a world-class ensemble including Canadian drummer Ernesto Cervini (Joe Lovano, Clark Terry & Benny Golson), Jim Vivian on bass (Dave Liebman, Kenny Wheeler & John Abercrombie) and Manricks on saxophone. As a saxophonist and woodwind player, Jacam has performed and/or recorded with some of the most prestigious international artists of our time, including Ray Charles, Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts, and the Queensland Symphony. He is a popular figure on the New York contemporary jazz scene and has released two highly acclaimed albums receiving outstanding reviews from international music magazines and newspapers. “(Manricks) does for jazz what author Walt Whitman did for existentialism, he gives the genre meaning that people can relate to and apply to their own lives.” –Jazz Times  “(Manricks is) A composer beyond the confines of genre perception…mellifluous…meditative…beautifully contoured…An impressive collection of pieces” – DownBeat Magazine  ‘Superb saxophone work, intellectually stimulating writing and ingeniously dovetailed rhythmic lines are the three sides that form the musical shape on ‘Trigonometry.’ – All About Jazz-New York   www.jacammanricks.com