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!

Ladybird Animal Sanctuary Spring Fair: Sunday, May 13^th. Time: 1pm – 5pm. Admission: Pay What You Can!  A fundraiser to help Ladybird Animal Sanctuary help homeless pets.  What started as the dream of three talented Canadian singers to rescue forgotten animals from high kill shelters and find them loving ‘forever’ homes is now a two year old reality as The Ladybird Animal Sanctuary celebrates their 2nd Anniversary with a Spring Fair.  The event, hosted by ‘Ladybirds’ Melissa McClelland, Lisa Winn, and Janine Stoll takes place at The Pearl Company. ‘We chose Mother’s Day to honour all the Mom’s out there both two legged and four legged!’ said Melissa. ‘There will be free massages for Mom’s, yummy baked goods and beautiful crafts to buy, face painting, crafts and activities for kids…and much more’.
Live Bluegrass from ‘Houndstooth’, Baked Goods, Crafts and Art for sale. Free Massages and Tarot Card Readings for Moms. Face Painting, Crafts, Drum Circle and Yoga for Kids.  100% of proceeds to help homeless animals find ‘forever’ homes. Contact:  ladybirdanimalsanctuary@gmail.com

Alignment: Saturday, May 12, 7:00pm start! $15 at the door: A multi-disciplinary event brought to you by PENTA (People Engaging and Networking Through the Arts), Nationless Minds, and the Burlington Slam Project: Hosted by the dynamic Greg “Ritallin” Frankson, Alignment  converges on 2 floors of The Pearl Company and brings you a stellar line-up of performers and artists exploring where various artistic expressions intersect and align with spoken word.  Spoken word is getting more attention all the time. Performers like Ian Keteku are at the forefront of this movement and PENTA is happy to have him join their first installation piece “Alignment”. The night will be filled with inspiring talents like Truth Is…, Prufrock, Shadowrunner, Hyf, Brad Morden, Electric Jon, The Burlington 2011 Slam Team, and Komi Olafimihan.  Being a PENTA show, these poets will be surrounded by photography, music, film, movement… What better way to experience a painting than to see it made from beginning to end while hearing the influences around it?  PENTA fills beautiful spaces with all the senses. Tickets: Available in advance at various spoken word events throughout April in southern Ontario, or contact PENTA at: we.are.PENTA@gmail.com for online purchase. http://www.wearepenta.com

Impact Africa – Benefit Concert & Art Auction: Friday, May 11 – 7:30pm to 11pm, $20 admission
– kids 12 and under are free.  All proceeds go to the Mennonite Central Committee’s ‘Generations at Risk’ – which sends desperately needed medical supplies and money benefiting those living with the realities of  HIV/AIDS in Africa. Remember to bring cash or cheques! www.mcc.org
Featuring Music by: Darin Martin and Eclectislav
Featuring Art by: Dave Hind, Karyn Black, Heather Vollans, Scott Ireland, Sara Sears, Bryce Huffman, Harry Gils, Dana Cowie, Christina Vandermark, Crystal Sanderson, Sylvia Nickelson, Chris Cuthill, Matt McInnes, Andrew Hunter, Reid Flock

TREASA LEVASSEUR: THIS WOMAN MEANS BUSINESS: Thursday, May 10. 8:00pm. $15 /$10 students/all artists.  This self-proclaimed “classy broad” is smart, sassy and takes no prisoners. Brand new Juno-nominated, blues-based old-school soul, hook-laden songs of lost-and-found love, pride, and affirmation, all delivered by a powerful singer who means every word she sings. She’s on an Ontario tour reprising her new CD, Broad. (All the songs on Broad were written by Levasseur, with the exception of three covers, by Randy Newman, Neil Young and fellow independent artist Mike Evin.) Born in Winnipeg and raised in North Bay, Levasseur is major participant in Toronto’s roots music scene; she plays and records with Corin Raymond, Justin Rutledge and many others. An indication of her versatility and the way she crosses different genres is her list of major appearances at the Toronto’s Downtown Jazz Festival (on a bill with George Benson), the Mariposa Folk Festival, the Beaches Jazz Festival and the Kitchener Blues Festival. www.treasalevasseur.com
Quote: “If I were a Hepburn, I’d be Katherine, not Audrey… I’m a lot more interested in being smart than I am in being cute.”

Ron Hynes: Wednesday, May 9, Doors 7:30 / Concert 8:00pm. $25 at the door. His songs are woven into the fabric of Atlantic Canada, he’s won countless awards and his work has been covered by some of the biggest names in music.  For Ron Hynes, it’s all about the songs-and the soul-baring stories… and he has a few left to tell. With a songwriting career that spans more than 30 years, Ron is a six-time East Coast Music Award winner, a Genie Award winner and a past Juno, CCMA and Canadian Folk Music Awards nominee. Frequently referred to as the “man of a thousand songs”, Ron Hynes’ songs have been covered by dozens of artists worldwide, including Emmylou Harris, Murray McLauchlan, Valdy, John McDermott, and Prairie Oyster. His song “Sonny’s Dream” has become a folk classic, performed and recorded by artists all over the world.  He’s an actor, a songwriter/composer.  The feature film about Ron’s life “The Man of a Thousand Songs” debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival to sold-out audiences and critical praise.  “He touches people… it’s a rare gift for songwriters to be able to distill a song until only its essence remains. He’s a treasure.” Fan.   For more, visit: www.hynesite.org

Matthew de Zoete with Lisa Winn: Colour Film CD Release Concert: Saturday, May 5. Doors at 8pm, concert at 8.30. $10 at the door.  A special full band concert celebrating the release of his third album!  Fresh from playing a three month European tour, Matthew de Zoete is back home in Hamilton to celebrate the release of his third album Colour Film with his full band. Colour Film is produced by Les Cooper (Jill Barber, Good Lovelies) and features gorgeous harmonies by Julie Fader (Great Lake Swimmers, Sarah Harmer); the CD is a big step in a new direction for Matthew. His classic songwriting aesthetic of strong melodies and honest lyrics has found a spacious and modern home. “Think of Nick Drake cheering up a bit and living long enough to work with Beck.” Have a listen online at www.matthewdezoete.com Opening the concert will be Lisa Winn, the very talented singer, songwriter, and pillar of the Hamilton music community. www.facebook.com/lisawinnmusic

BeetleBarrow Bookbinding Workshops: May 5 – June 12
Saturday May 5 – Japanese Stab Hardcover Workshop, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 8 – Single and Two-Sewn-As One Workshop, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Saturday May 12 – Japanese Stab Hardcover Workshop, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 15 – Japanese Stab Softcover Workshop, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Saturday June 9 – Western Hardcover, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 12 – Japanese Stab Softcover, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Saturday May 5 – Japanese Stab Hardcover –  9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Join artists Chandra Rice and Lindsay E. Wood Slavin for the day to learn how to bind books! The Japanese Stab Hardcover binding comes from Japan, and makes an elegant alternative to traditional western forms.  This type is particularly useful for binding together pages that already have something on them.  Poets can bind their writing for loved ones.  Moms can bind together their child’s artwork.  Or blank paper can be inspiration.
In this workshop, bind your own hardcover book using ancient Japanese techniques and modern tricks of the trade. Choose papers, threads, and book cloth to create your cover.  Choose paper for your text block and any ornamentation.  Then bring it all together using a hemp or noble or tortoise shell stitch!  Walk away with a beautiful book with a touch of the east.
The all day workshop costs $70 and includes use of tools, all materials, and even a home made lunch. All skill levels are made too look good! Visit www.beetlebarrow.ca to learn more. Email makers@beetlebarrow.ca to register for the workshop. www.beetlebarrow.ca

Tuesday May 8 – Single and Two-Sewn-As One – 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Join Chandra and Lindsay for the evening to learn how to bind books! Are you a scrapbooker, or card maker, or paper artist looking to expand your craft?  Have you always loved paper and are looking for a way to make beautiful objects from paper?  This playful workshop explores a variety of simple fun bindings.  Single, accordion, two-sewn-as-one, and other simple bindings will be taught in this workshop.  Go home with a variety of books and a whole lot of ideas.
The evening workshop costs $40 and includes use of tools, all materials, and even tea and biscuits. All skill levels are made too look good! Visit www.beetlebarrow.ca to learn more. Email makers@beetlebarrow.ca to register for the workshop.

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Prom at The Pearl: A Fundraiser for Colin Macdonald Community School:
Saturday, April 28 at 8:00pm. Pricing: $30 single / $50 couple / $80 for four.  Music by Voodoo Chicken with DJ Andrea Redhill.  Come on out, support this unique, friendly, child-centred school, and enjoy a fun evening with lots of entertainment, dancing, and good conversation. 50/50 draw; silent auction; finger foods and appetizers; prom photo booth.  Have you still got your prom dress/suit? Wear it! But if you can’t, (for whatever reason) dress for a fab evening out!  www.colinmacdonald.ca

The Jazz Connection Big Band: Friday, April 27. Doors at 8:00, jazz at 8:30. $15 /$10 students/all 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 easily accommodate their very cool (although also very hot!) surround-sound big-band music; we are delighted to have them back once more and they will return May 23 to 25 for a rousing 3-day recording marathon! Watch for more info re this intriguing experience.  http://www.jazzconnection.ca

JACLYN GUILLOU: Thursday, April 26. 8:00pm. $15 door/$10 all artists/students. An emerging Canadian jazz vocalist performing music that is diverse, eclectic and carefree, this singer bridges the gap between Joni Mitchell and Diana Krall. She’s the total package of prodigious vocal talent, dynamic stage presence and beauty reputed to be Canada’s next big jazz export. Performing in cities worldwide and studying with some of the world’s best jazz singers, ‘To The City’, her debut album, is a colourful album full of texture and rich melody, highlighting Guillou’s compositional prowess.  Interesting and unusual, undeniably bold and full of life, wooing all sorts of music lovers of jazz, pop, soul and folk, ‘To The City’ blends the perfect mixture of old meets new. As a vocalist, composer and bandleader, Guillou brings a unique style of songwriting to the jazz idiom with her creative vocal flexibility and her strong sense of rhythmic phrasing, colourful tone and distinct articulation.  This young twenty-something artist strives to merge the sound of deep jazz roots and hip modern themes which as a result provides something new and interesting for music lovers of all sorts. Her raw and emotional voice lingers long after the last note. “Guillou puts a slightly more organic contemporary jazz spin on music steeped in tradition and thus makes old school become new cool, the sign of a true artist.” ~ Critical Jazz   www.jaclynguillou.com Hear her with Denzal Sinclaire: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpcTya2x1lo&feature=related

Humber College Composers Collective: Wednesday, April 25. 8:00pm. $12 door/$8 all artists/students. Under the direction of Canadian Jazz giant Geoff Young, The Composers Collective is a group of students attending the Humber College Jazz Program who demonstrate an undeniable gift as both composers and instrumentalists. Since the formation of the group in September 2011, the Collective have been writing music and performing it extensively together at school and at various events around the city of Toronto, gaining a sizeable repertoire and special group chemistry. The Septet consists of Katie McBride(Trumpet), PJ Andersson(Trombone), Leland Whitty(Tenor Saxophone), Sabine Ndalamba(Electric Guitar), Julian Anderson-Bowes(Bass), Brendan Swanson(Piano) and Eric West(Drums). Come see the next generation of Canadian Jazz talent perform the material they have been putting their blood sweat and tears into for the past 8 months. http://soundcloud.com/ericwestmusic http://soundcloud.com/sabine-ndalamba