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!

C.R. Avery & The Madison 22 Review: Live at The Pearl: The 5-person East Van wrecking crew! Thursday, November 15. Tickets for this Sensational Spectacle are: Adults: $20 (adv)/$25 (door) Students: $15 (adv)/$20 (door). Doors at 7:30pm. Show at 8:00pm.
The masterful outlaw Hip-Hop harmonica-playing, beat-box poetics of C.R. Avery meets with the tasteful art of Hot Burlesque, in a performance, the likes of which you will have never witnessed before! Toss into the mix some dirty 12-Bar Blues and you’ve got C.R. Avery & The Madison 22 Review…all the way from Canada’s West Coast! C.R. Avery is a unique, raw and dynamic performer. His genius lies in many genres – blues, hip-hop, spoken word and rock & roll. His incredible live performances have been described as Bob Dylan in the body of Iggy Pop….  Every show is all or nothing and his fearless approach to all genres of music both on stage and in the studio proves the longevity of this talented, astonishing creator who has so much more to come. www.cravery.com

The Parachute Club & Lorraine Segato: Saturday, November 10. 8:00. $25 at the door. As one of Canada’s most internationally renowned trans-cultural music bands, The Parachute Club has garnered five Junos, numerous memorable performances, and the political yet optimistic “power to the people” song “Rise Up”.  They will be performing and filming for a documentary in the unique ambiance of The Pearl.
Lead vocalist Lorraine Segato, a Hamilton native, fondly recalls “kicking around James Street” with Daniel Lanois. As the relationship developed, Lanois was recruited to produce the band’s debut album before he went on to produce all those other big names. Of course, Grant Avenue Studio is only a block and a half away from The Pearl and Lorraine informs me that she went to Cathedral Girls. Let’s keep it in the ‘hood’!
After reuniting in 2012 with rave reviews at the world renowned Edmonton Folk Festival the band is preparing to release a new single ‘Only Human’ and record this very special intimate concert in Hamilton.  Here’s Graham Rockingham’s article and just in case you need reminding, the old ‘Rise Up’ video is in it! http://bit.ly/SN42bI

The Pearl Company Announces Sponsorship Opportunity: Thursday, November 8. 7:30 – 9:00pm. No charge.
The Pearl Company will be unveiling their sponsorship packages for their 2013 season.  We have a very charming young actor/singer supporter who has been working very hard to bring sponsorship money to The Pearl.  Matt Cassidy has been working with Media Saver Hamilton, putting together some very attractive packages which work both ways – for us and for our sponsors.  The rewards can be more than the warm, fuzzy feeling that comes with aligning yourself with culture!

There will be a wide range of advertising opportunities for local businesses that will help to establish a profitable, sustainable, mutually beneficial business relationship.  We all know a vibrant arts scene improves the community both culturally and economically. We are very excited at the prospect; If you are interested or know anyone who might be, come on down.  There will be food, drink and entertainment on hand.

Amelia Curran: Friday, November 9. 8:00pm. $15 /$10 students/arts workers. Amelia’s on a CD Release Tour and this new CD is garnering rave reviews. A meditation on frailty, restlessness, time and its finitudes, Spectators is both storm and harbour. It is a highly accomplished disc, one that definitely goes beyond orthodox folk territory. “Curran’s sense of adventure extends to her lyrics, which are by turns philosophical and intimately personal…. This is simply superb stuff.” Exclaim.ca With a number of East Coast Music Awards and an extensive discography, she’s a songwriter by trade, and a writer at heart, Curran describes the craft of song-writing as an act of “expressing the inexpressible, …. describing the indescribable.” “.  In addition to being a musician, Curran is also a playwright and actor, and has had her plays performed in fringe festivals.  “One of this country’s finest singer-songwriters.” Montreal Gazette.  www.ameliacurran.com
Amelia plays to a sold out hometown crowd. Listen to the podcast at Radio 3 CBC. http://radio3.cbc.ca/#/concerts/Amelia-Curran-2009-09-03

Gary Santucci: Saturday, November 3. 8:00pm. $15 door/$10 students/arts workers.  Fans are complaining that Gary doesn’t play enough any more; he’s too busy running The Pearl…. Here’s the response; an intimate evening of guitar music: Classical guitar, World Music, and original compositions from Gary Santucci. Trained in Spain (and Canada) and playing his unique brand of flamenco and world music for over 30 years, he has become a consummate musician whose repertoire spans numerous genres. Among his awards is Best Classical Musician 1982 [Hamilton Wentworth Council of the Arts],  The City of Hamilton Arts Award for Music 2004, and together with Barbara Milne, The City of Hamilton Arts Award 2008 for Lifetime Achievement.  Almost certainly, some musical friends will appear. (We need a new photo of G with his ‘now’ haircut….)

Peter Tigchelaar: CD Release Party and Concert: Thursday, November 1, 8:00pm. Tickets at the door $10: Celebrating the release of Peter’s new recording “More Like Lightning”. Peter will be playing live with friends and this time out the ukelele is the primary instrument, along with other small instruments. There are many ways for music to come to life; it’s a unique process for everyone. For Peter it has been a complex combination of many factors. It started with the conviction, motivation and hard work learned through his many years of running Urban Green, his Interior Plant Care business. Working on his song-writing until the time was just right, he has crafted his music through many years of playing for friends, in churches, at home concerts and events around Hamilton. www.petertig.com

Wilderness of Manitoba: Sunday, October 28; 8:00 $10.00 at door: “… a fantastic, genre-defying young Canadian quintet. The group showcases a sound that blends indie champions like the Civil Wars and Band of Horses with the early magic of Neil Young’s Harvest era.” Orange County Register. Their new album is called Island of Echoes. They bring an infectious joy to the proceedings, turning songs that can sound sparse  into warm, lush anthems. “ ‘Echoes’ refers directly to burdens or triumphs that you carry with you, that remind you of what you’ve been through. There are elements of folk happening throughout the album, but it is in no way a folk record although it is definitely a Wilderness of Manitoba record. The seventies was just a reference point that happens to include some of our favourite influences such as Fleetwood Mac. We were looking to bring in the kind of instrumentation you hear from that era that is heavy with electric guitars, Hammond organ, synthesizers and a prominent backbeat with lots of harmonies happening vocal-wise on top”. WoM vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Will Whitwham

OUR C A B A R E T: A U T U M N  N O T E S: Sunday, October 28, 3:00pm. Tickets: $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for students and arts workers. Join vocalists Margaret Bárdos and Tonia Szkurhan and pianist Krista Rhodes as they take you on a musical journey exploring the themes of love and loss. They promise to make you laugh, to make you cry and to leave you with a big smile on your face, tapping your feet and wanting more. It will be a mixture of the best jazz, pop, classical and musical theatre your ears have ever experienced. Tickets available at the door (cash only). For further info/ticket reservation: ourcabaret@gmail.com

To see the full bios of these accomplished and talented women click here:  (more…)

Ariana Gillis: Friday, October 26, 8:00pm. $15 door/$10 artists/students: This may be your last chance to catch this rising star in an intimate setting such as The Pearl Co!  Check out these words from Steve Wozniak, Apple Computers co-founder, who has flown Ariana in to sing for his friends: “Ariana is two people in one. She’s a normal nice demure 21-year-old, but when she begins to sing her entire body is taken over by the most powerful force, and the songs become a lot more than just words or music…. her stage presence is the most visually grabbing I’ve ever seen. I was stunned at the intense connection between herself and what she was singing; I thought of the strength of character that embodied Janis Joplin’s performances.”  And then Bernie Taupin (Elton John’s lyricist) says: “I’m staggered by how good she is….after hearing her available tracks I can honestly say she’s the single most exciting thing I’ve heard in a very long time.” Finally, Dave Marsh, music critic of Rolling Stone Magazine: “Ariana Gillis may be the best new emerging artist anywhere!”  There can’t possibly be anything left to say; just be here for this remarkable performer. www.arianagillis.com

Rose Cousins / Jennah Barry: Thursday, October 25, 8:00pm. $15 door/$10 artists/students: Rooted in authenticity and conviction of voice, you feel as though Rose Cousins sings for you, about your life. It is that sincerity that leads some to compare Cousins to our most beloved songwriters, and yet, her passionate delivery is distinctly, Rose.  Her lone voice reaches out to listeners; all of us surrounded by our own forms of darkness, and charges us to have the courage to forge ahead. Cousins recently took home 2011 East Coast Music Awards for Female Solo Recording and Songwriter of the Year. “rich emotional nuances… gorgeous vocals… astonishing harmonies” –Chromewaves And from the stage at The Pearl Company a few weeks ago, Valdy stated simply, “Do not miss this amazing singer!” www.rosecousins.com Jennah Barry’s new album,Young Men wavers between dreamily bucolic and quietly haunting. With a voice that glides triumphantly over a period of bleak times, Jennah’s debut is at times lush, at times minimal, but always captivating.  http://jennahwbarry.bandcamp.com

Let’s get together and watch the final Presidential Debate: Monday October 22. No charge. Just bring your own debating skills.  You’ve seen, heard, or read about the first two debates, what will the third one bring?  We’ve had “Big Bird” and “Women in Binders”, any guesses what meme will emerge from this final convergence?  Ripe territory from which to take our very Canadian and very distant stand. We’ll start welcoming guests any time after 7:00 and we’ll indulge in snacks, munchies and conversation until the debate starts at 9:00.  All political attitudes welcome. Lively debate definitely encouraged.