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 Art Bus is Sponsored by Judy Marsales Real Estate Brokerage:

First 2 Fridays of every month! Check out Hamilton’s unique and constantly evolving art scene!  Call me, Barbara, (905.524.0606) or email (info@thepearlcompany.ca) to reserve your seat.

Next dates: November 2 & 9.  Cost: $15/$10 students/artists.  Start: 6:30 from The Pearl.

• October 5: (Gallery on the Bay, Workers Arts and Heritage Gallery, L’Arche Studio & Gallery, Locke Street [Textures and Soladeda]) This is going to be a really interesting and different tour with places that we have never visited before.  Because it is the Friday before a long weekend; Special price! $10 per person.
• October 12: We’ll start with a visit to the multitude of artist’s studios and galleries at 270 Sherman (The former Imperial Cotton Mill). Then to the James North Art Crawl with its blocks and blocks of studios, galleries, eclectic shops, music & more… Finishing up at the Tiger Group Studio Gallery for even more great art and refreshments!

The Art Bus and The Pearl Company are also promoted, and supported by THEZine: http://www.thezine.ca

A Bookbinding Workshop with BeetleBarrow Books – Japanese Stab Hardcover: Sunday October 14, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Join Chandra Rice and Lindsay Wood Slavin for the day as they temporarily transform The Pearl’s ground floor theater into an artist’s retreat — Learn how to make a Hardcover Japanese Stab Book in this day long workshop.

The Stab binding comes from Japan and is particularly useful for binding together pages that already have something on them. Poets can bind their writing for loved ones. Maids of honour can create a fully personalized guest book for their brides. Moms can bind together their child’s artwork. Or blank paper can be inspiration. Use 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 traditional Japanese stitching! Walk away with a beautiful book with a touch of the east.

The all day workshop is $90 and includes use of tools, all materials, and even a home made lunch. All skill levels are made to look good!  Visit www.beetlebarrow.ca to see other classes available and to learn more. To register for this workshop, either use our Etsy Store – www.reversestitch.etsy.com (if you wish to pay with paypal) or email makers@beetlebarrow.ca (to pay by cash or cheque).  Like BeetleBarrow on facebook www.facebook.com/BeetleBarrow to keep up with all the bookbinding news.

Next workshop: Sunday November 18, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – A Bookbinding Workshop with BeetleBarrow Books – Western Hardcover (more…)

The Canadian Improv Showcase (CiS): Saturday October 13. 8:00 pm. Tickets: $15 general, $10 for kids/seniors (group rates available). I am just going to use View Magazine’s superb review of this group when they played our theatre festival this past summer: Tom Macken says it just too well!
“Improv is theatre before you have to learn lines. It’s the matrix to muck about in with your acting shoes and see how good you are. A genius at mucking about this way is Matt Lawrence who operates The Canadian Improv Showcase, and he’s brought five of the same ilk to Hamilton. Risky? Oh boy, you bet, but these remarkable performers are nothing if not high–wire walkers with no safety net….. They’re huge, all of six of them, in talent, invention, energy, timing, knife–sharp wit….and that’s only five of the qualities they generate.…. Effortless excellence in falling–about–just–plain–funny is Tony Babcock doing a take on a talk–show host or a deliriously hilarious famous mayor from not far down the road.  Sneaking up on you with unexpected witty resources is Nkasi Olgbonnah as a mousy Spanish bull–fighter, and all unsuspectingly, Carmen Gillespie transforms in a nanosecond to an honest–to–god Montreal Canadien hockey grunt. Matt Lawrence MCs the whole. He is perfect in his relaxed and sure–footed experience, a natural improv. Add a prop or two to any of them and the moment is simple gladness to see.” V (TM) www.canadianimprovshowcase.com

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Joanna Chapman-Smith: Thursday, October 11, 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 ‘wow’ reviews in concerts and festivals from Australia to Denmark.  Her critically acclaimed release CONTRARIES shows a well-nurtured thirst for new cultural experiences; 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, and her live shows also feature other, less conventional instruments, many of her own creation, 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 Listen to her: http://bit.ly/RjbD1K

Valdy: Saturday September 29. 8:00pm. $25: Born Valdemar Horsdal in Ottawa, Valdy has been part of the fabric of Canadian pop and folk music for over 34 years. A man with a thousand friends, from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island to Texas to New Zealand, he’s a singer, guitarist and songwriter who catches the small but telling moments that make up life. Valdy has sold almost half a million copies of his 13 albums, has two Juno Awards (Folk Singer of the Year and Folk Entertainer of the Year) with a total of seven Juno nominations and four Gold albums to his credit.
Valdy has taken his music to a dozen different countries, from Denmark to Australia and been an often-invited performer at the prestigious Kerrville Festival in Texas. Valdy has also been a panelist on Front Page Challenge, and played a lead role in an episode of The Beachcombers original series.
Today, he is based on Salt Spring Island, where he lives with his wife Kathleen, three dogs and a large cat. All three children are grown, flown and doing famously living in or near Vancouver, or Colorado.  www.valdy.com (more…)

The Jazz Connection Big Band: Friday, September 28. Doors at 8:00, jazz at 8:30. $15 /$10 students/all artists: Catch the powerful sound of a big band in this relaxed, funky venue.  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 delivers a high energy, uncompromising, straight ahead jazz performance combining the highest level of musicianship with these 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 (but hot!) surround-sound. It is always a great evening!  http://www.jazzconnection.ca

AHEAD OF THE HERD: An Investment Seminar with Anne Milne, CIM, CFP: Thursday, September 27, 7:00 p.m.
No Charge. Using aspects of sociological and economic theory, this seminar is a fascinating look at the market as a social phenomenon. It demonstrates how trends in fashion, movies, music, and the economy are all intertwined.  Investors, business people, and anyone interested in their financial health will benefit from learning how to observe herding behaviours everywhere. Limited Registration. Please call 905-524-0606Or email: info@thepearlcompany.ca .

For more information: AMilne@mgisecurities.com  See also “Read More” for how Barbara views her sister’s historical, and sometimes hysterical (in the sense of entertaining …) approach to financial planning!

The Quarterly: A Night of Live Performance: Saturday, September 22. 8:00pm. Tickets:$15. An amazing night of performance from some of the finest in Theatre, Dance, Comedy and Music! Curated and hosted by Lisa Pijuan-Nomura, The Quarterly is a celebration of artists taking chances with their art, and looking to share with others!

The September edition features the talent of:
Jeremy Freiburger – Theatre
Caroline Niklas Gordon – Dance
Mimi Shaw – Song
Colette Kendall – Comedy
Ann McDougall – Story
Join us for the second edition of The Quarterly at the Pearl Company!

For more information see www.girlcancreate.blogspot.com

Annabelle Chvostek: Friday, September 21. Showtime: 8:00 PM: Door: $15.00/$10 All Artists. Chvostek is a versatile, fearlessly innovative multi-instrumentalist who has composed for dance and film, been a member of the ‘Wailin’ Jennies’ and performed across North America with artists like Po’Girl. Her latest album, Rise is joyful, anthemic, and unabashedly political, revealing Chvostek’s passion for social justice work and musical activism.  Call it protest music for the indie generation or a soundtrack for the Maple Spring. It features guest vocals by Bruce Cockburn and Oh Susanna, and Chvostek herself plays drawing, driving mandolin and fiddle on the album, a pulsating backdrop from these frequently-sweet-sounding strings.
“…her original compositions are full of aching desire dressed in poetry and rendered with a musical imagination that seems to know no bounds”. Saskatoon Star Phoenix.  http://www.annabellemusic.com

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Catherine MacLellan: Friday September 14. 8:00pm. $15 adv/$20 door. Catherine’s latest album, Silhouette, effortlessly captures her best qualities—stitching together elegantly woven songs with her memorable blend of heartfelt and powerfully introspective lyrics and catchy melodies. The subtle yet steadfast strength of the album is in the understated power of MacLellan’s songwriting and performance and the pensive and internalized lyrics that ponder, with poise the most personal of internal conflicts. She even sings “Snowbird”, a stripped down cover version of the most lauded song ever written by her father Gene MacLellan.

“[MacLellan] probes matters of the heart with a poetic scalpel, always avoiding self-pity. Her voice is similarly pure and honest, managing to simultaneously sound fragile yet strong.” – Exclaim! Magazine

Bill Bourne Solo: Friday, September 7. 8:00pm. $20/$15 Students/All Artists 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.
“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. More Reviews: …’stellar’…’ravaged poetry’…’mesmerizing’…’scat-charged’…’gritty’…’a veteran storyteller’…’performance art’… ‘inimitable’… – various sources. www.billbourne.com