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 with CRUZAO LATIN-JAZZ TRIO: Sunday, April 22. 8:00pm. $15 door/$10 all artists/students.  A compact, 3-man, stripped down version of the award-winning larger ensemble. Sporting a modified reportoire written specifically for this smaller permutation the trio features the talents of Paco Luviano on bass (from Mexico), Amhed Mitchel on drums (from Cuba), under the leadership of trumpet player Brownman Ali (from Trinidad) heralded as “Canada’s preeminent jazz trumpet player” by New York City’s Village Voice magazine. Rarely in Canada amidst a frenetic global touring schedule with the likes of everyone from Grammy-winning jazz-hip-hop legends GURU’s JAZZMATAZZ (for whom he was the featured soloist from 2006 to 2010), to PAUL SIMON (whom he was recently on the road with), to QUINCY JONES (whom he worked with last year), to IRAKERE (whom he toured with after CRUZAO headlined the Havana Jazz Festival), to his own National Jazz Award winning group BROWNMAN ELECTRYC TRIO — his bombastic and eclectic improvising style has brought him much respect with international artists across multiple diverse genres, and is now widely considered a vanguard for the evolution of jazz in Canada. http://cruzao.brownman.com

DRUMHAND: Saturday, April 21: 8:00pm, $15 door/$10 artists/students. Propelled by a steamroller of drums and energized by jazz horns, DRUMHAND draws inspiration from the circuitous rhythms of hot climates and the melodic spirit of New Orleans parade bands.  Becoming increasingly known for their innovative orchestrations, unique inclusiveness, uplifting vibe, and artistic accessibility to audiences of all ages, DRUMHAND makes use of a diversity of instruments from around the world to enforce a high-energy, interactive performance. The group has introduced audiences of all ages to instruments and sounds from around the globe through concerts at festivals, schools and concert events. DRUMHAND, was not born out of any particular tradition but has been informed by the many that have been willing to share. Founded in 2008 by percussionists David Chan (Shoot the Cameraman) and Larry Graves (Mr. Something Something), DRUMHAND features the horn work of Marcus Ali (Cruzao/Jason Wilson) and Rebecca Hennessy (Hobson’s Choice/Broken Social Scene). www.reverbnation.com/drumhandmusic (more…)

Michael Ciufo: Friday, April 20, 8:00 pm. $20 door / $18 students/all artists. Canadian singer Michael Ciufo (choo-foe) known for his stage presence, charisma, and gorgeous, classically trained voice, released his highly anticipated sophomore album, Momento, in October 2011. Combining newly arranged classical and popular songs, it highlights Michael’s vast range as a singer and interpretive artist and is garnering rave reviews from critics, fellow musicians and new listeners. Still in his early twenties, this classically trained performer is constantly looking for new musical challenges while he continues his serious operatic studies.
Michael’s performance schedule includes his energetic solo show as well as classical roles and performances. He has sung in concerts alongside world-renowned Canadian vocalists Michael Burgess and The Nylons. Michael’s versatility has led him to collaborations with a wide range of artists in genres such as pop, jazz and hip-hop. In addition, he has appeared in a wide range of opera and oratorio roles.  “… A powerful presence that fills a room with melody” – Amazing Canadian Magazine www.michaelciufo.com

Jesse Winchester: Thursday, April 19. 8:00pm. $32 advance / $35 door. A magnetic performer with a powerful tenor voice, Jesse Winchester may be the most self-effacing songwriter on the planet. His homespun arrangements and performances are ethereal to the point of being other worldly. His songs of distance, and longing for his homeland move us to tears; his songs of home and hearth warm our souls. With his laid-back vocals, gorgeous melodies, and insightful lyrics, his low-key style of blended soul, rockabilly, gospel, folk, R&B, and a hint of Latin music, he was perfect for the dawning era of pop singer-songwriters back in1969 when he was one of an estimated 30,000 Americans who fled to Canada, where he became a symbol, a hero even, to those who opposed the war in Vietnam.
He remains entrenched as a bonafide songwriter’s songwriter, oft covered, his creations forever sought out by artists (from Joan Baez to Elvis Costello) seeking to add something of depth and insight to their repertoires, especially when it comes to love songs; the classic and majestic “Brand New Tennessee Waltz,” is as wrenchingly beautiful a work of art as ever.
Come absorb, be moved by, and even cry to the songs; songs of beauty and wry humor, songs of startling intimacy and searing poignancy, songs of sepia-tinted nostalgia, rooted both in a time long past and right here and now. http://www.jessewinchester.com
Jesse Winchester can disarm the most casual listener with his understated grace and virtuosity as evidenced in this video of his “Sham-A-Ling-Dong-Ding” sung on Elvis Costello’s “Spectacle.”  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uKGWpqnS8E

“Have you talked to Jesse Winchester? You can’t talk about the best songwriters and not include him.” ~ Bob Dylan

To purchase tickets, please call or email or pay at the door. For PayPal purchases, please see below.

Gordie Tentrees & Sarah Macdougall featuring “Songs from the Yukon”: Wednesday, April 18, 8:00pm. $12 door / $10 students/artists”.  Gordie Tentrees is an international award nominated touring artist from the Yukon.This multi- instrumentalist singer-songwriter – whose traditional roots music resonates with echoes of RL Burnside, The Sadies and Greg Brown – has just released NAKED IN SCANDINAVIA, a live solo album recorded in Helsinki, Finland featuring a collection of story-driven songs, edgy foot-stompers and heart-worn odes that could only be delivered by a veteran road warrior.  2010 Olympic Games Best of Canada Performance. “In the rough cut vein of Fred Eaglesmith or Kelly Joe Phelps, Tentrees is gifted” The Globe & Mail  www.tentrees.ca
Sarah Macdougall: Described by the magazine Rootstime in Belgium as ‘One of the greatest talents of our era”, becoming the #2 most played artist on Canadian Galaxie Folk/Roots radio in 2011, Canadian/Swedish Sarah MacDougall is an upcoming artist who is getting known for her honest and poetic songs, blistering guitar chops, passionate performances, and unique astounding voice. The new album ‘The Greatest Ones Alive’ landed on several ‘Best of 2011’ lists in Canada and Europe, and garnered several 5 star-reviews. ’Thoughtful, strong, and spiritual”- The Globe and Mail www.sarahmacdougall.com

HamilTEN Festival: April 13 & 14, 15.  $15 / $10 students/all artists. The HamilTEN Festival is a 10 minute play festival featuring 8 ten-minute plays written by local playwrights.  Questions? Email hamiltenfestival@gmail.com
There’s something for everyone – comedy, drama, romance & even the absurd!
Payment is by cash only at the door. Seats can be reserved by calling The Pearl Company at 905-524-0606 or by email at – info@thepearlcompany.ca
Show times:
Friday, April 13 @ 8pm
Saturday, April 14 @ 8pm
Sunday, April 15 @ 3pm

Stephanie Vegh: Revisions: Gallery Opening: Thursday, April 12.  (7pm to 10pm) No Charge. Respected Hamilton-born, McMaster graduate, artist and writer Stephanie Vegh has an MFA from the Glasgow School of Art.  Her body of work has been shown from Toronto to Leeds, England. Her playful, drawn interventions into history books are both humorous and unnerving. These drawings are both a direct creative response to the book’s contents and a subversive act in which the status of the book as inalienable fact is undermined by the interpretation of the reader.  While playful in the spirit of the idle student’s textbook scratchings, Stephanie Vegh’s  interventions into history books reveal a serious stake in civilizations defined by their conquerors. Her labour-intensive drawings of diminutive subjects at an excessive scale in relation to their illustrated environments refuses the logic of these books, forcing a fusion between their history and another, more fantastic possibility.  www.stephanievegh.ca
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Maeve Donnelly in Concert with Andy Hillhouse: Wednesday, April 11. Doors 7:30/ Start time 8:00.  Tickets: $18 advance / $20 door.  Lyrical, passionate fiddling with the brilliant world-renowned, award-winning, All-Ireland Fiddle champion, Maeve Donnelly, from County Clare, well known for her fiery and stunning musicianship. She is making a rare appearance in Ontario, accompanied by the superb Canadian guitarist, Andy Hillhouse; together they will perform their uplifting, high-energy, toe-tapping music. Maeve possesses virtuosic technique and a profound understanding of traditional Irish music, played with a passion & exuberance rarely encountered. Over the years she has toured widely in the US and Canada, playing such prestigious venues as New York’s Lincoln Performing Arts Center and the Washington Irish Festival. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEGW7NHsqUo Andy Hillhouse, 2007 Juno winner, is a superb guitarist, singer and songwriter with a diverse musical background. He is the founder of the popular Canadian Celtic funk band Mad Pudding, plays guitar and sings with the innovative fiddler Jaime RT. Also a well-versed instructor, he currently teaches an acoustic roots ensemble at the University of Toronto, where he is pursuing a PhD. http://www.myspace.com/andyhillhousemusic

Shane Koyczan with His Band, The Short Story Long: SPOKEN WORD FESTIVAL: AN OPERA OF SOULS: Friday April 6: 8PM – $20 at the door; Shane Koyczan is one of the world’s premier spoken word performers.  Known for his rhythmic verse in high gear, his performance at the 2010 Olympic Opening Ceremonies brought the 55,000 seat house to their feet with his tear-jerking homage to Canada “We Are More”. Now the multi award-winning spoken word performer breathes life into the new genre of talk rock with his band, The Short Story Long: a group whose musical range stretches from folk to funk, from ambient to rock.  Their sound showcases a blend of original music and Shane Koyczan’s remarkable performance poetry.  Along with Koyczan, the group has created a whole new style of song/verse. This is Talk-Rock.  This is something new. This is worth checking out. Their new album ‘Remembrance Year,’ has already garnered acclaim from music reviewers and fans alike. A writer and spoken word virtuoso, Shane Koyczan navigates through social and political territory with a furious honesty and a tender humanity that has brought audiences to their feet everywhere. Winner of the US Slam Poetry Championship and the Canadian Spoken Word Olympics, Koyczan is truly an extraordinary talent. www.shanekoyczan.com (more…)

Dwayne Morgan: SPOKEN WORD FESTIVAL: AN OPERA OF SOULS: Saturday April 7: 8PM – $20 advance/$25 at the door; With Dan (aka Dan Murray [AKA DAN]), Yogi, Kay’la Fraser, Tomy Bewick. Dwayne Morgan has won three Canadian Urban Music Awards for Best Spoken Word Recording, for his three albums. His Spoken Word performance style is straightforward, dynamic, thought provoking and layered with a heavy hip-hop culture influence. On the 7^th he will perform GRADE 8 which received raves when performed at Hamilton’s Fringe.  “Dwayne Morgan’s one man show is an impressive soul barring confession about the trials  of raising a daughter alone. Morgan’s flow is tight and solid, and when his monologue transforms into rap, the mercury rises; his powerful energy shines huge. This piece is intelligent, funny, and honestly performed. Highly recommended  .”  -View Magazine
In 1994, Dwayne founded Up From The Roots entertainment, to promote the positive artistic contributions of African Canadian and urban influenced artists. Dwayne’s work ethic has taken him across Canada, the United States, Jamaica, Barbados, England, Belgium, Germany, France, and Holland. His emphasis on quality has driven his success, and has made him a well respected member of the Toronto area’s urban music community, as well as the North American, and Global, spoken word scenes. www.dwaynemorgan.ca

John Ferguson: Thursday, April 5. 8:00pm. $15 door /student/artist price $10: John began his musical career in 1972 as a founding member of the Cape Breton folk band Miller’s Jug. In 1977 he joined the Halifax group McGinty; McGinty is still up and running. John has recorded seven albums with McGinty, one with Buddy MacDonald, one with Roger Stone and three solo recordings to date. Career highlights include sixteen consecutive appearances at Celtic Colours International Festival, opening act for The Chieftains, John Prine and appearances at innumerable local festivals, pubs, concerts and corporate shows. A forty year career has seen John perform in every province of Canada, Nunavut, United States, Ireland, Iceland and Luxembourg.
John sings and plays guitar, bouzouki and fiddle on stage. He is also proficient on other stringed instruments and versatile enough to have joined many fiddlers, pipers, singers and dancers over the years. His folk roots are evident in songs and tunes from the Celtic Diaspora, Americana, and the many and varied compositions of many talented Canadian artists. John also performs his own songs and tunes.