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/

(more…)

Modern Times; Almost a Musical: November 28 to 30: 8:00 pm. Tickets: $20 General Admission. Lost souls, smart phones, unattended 
packages. Saints, sinners, and an angel on call. Original music performed by Charly Chiarelli and Venesio De Salvo. Drama provided by Ray Rivers, Mike Queripel, John Darling, and Kaime Woody Sherman. Written and directed by David Laing Dawson. Produced by Gallery on the Bay. A play that asks the question, “Is it possible to love Rob Ford and Mike Duffy at the same time, and, if not, well, who wants that last piece of pumpkin pie?”

Little Miss Higgins & the Winnipeg Five: Saturday, November 23, 8:00pm $15 /$10 students/arts workers/seniors From the Great Northern Plains of Western Canada, The award-winning Little Miss Higgins struts and serenades her way, guitar in hand, lips blazoned red, onto any stage. As if she just drove in off the back-road of another time with gravel dust and a sunset trailing behind her, this pocket-sized powerhouse plays music brewed up in old-time country blues sprinkled with a little jazz and maybe a hint of folk. Whether it’s songs about passion or songs about panties, she writes about real things in a rooted and poetic way. Guitar and voice are her main instruments and her theatre background brings a “refreshing sound and story to the stage.” As a songwriter, she has been influenced by a range of artists from Memphis Minnie, Billie Holiday, Big Bill Broonzy to Joni Mitchell, Dolly Parton and Bob Dylan. For her newest release, Bison Ranch Recording Sessions, Little Miss Higgins teamed up with a very talented quintet of musicians from Manitoba. We know them as the f-Holes (they’ve played here 3 or 4 times); she calls them the Winnipeg Five.  As they play music in a similar vein as Higgins, it was a fitting alliance both onstage and in the studio…well, not quite a typical recording studio – the six of them decided to record in a barn, a barn on a bison ranch in rural Manitoba…. www.littlemisshiggins.com  Listen! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcPas_B_CwA

Paula Grove: Intro to Acting: Facing the Jitters! Saturday November 23^rd from 10am – 2pm. Fee: $45. Contact: 289-684-3218. A half day class of introductory theatre training that will also give you basic tools and tips to overcome performance anxiety.  Whether in business, at school, or on stage there are simple ways to harness the fear of being in front of an audience and turn this fear into your friend. This class is for anyone who wants to:

• Increase confidence;
• Bring more freedom to performances;
• Overcome stage fright;
• Be a better public speaker.

Paula is a professional actor who earned her Masters Degree in Acting. She shares her research into performance anxiety in a safe, heart-centered way that includes plenty of laughter. https://www.facebook.com/events/541163612627435/

An Evening with Garnet Rogers:  Friday, November 22, 8:00pm $20 General Admission/$15 students/arts workers/seniors: “A brilliant songwriter. One of the major talents of our time.” — The Boston Globe  “The greatest interpreter and vocalist performing in the contemporary folk scene.” — Sing Out.  We already know this, and we know that he was born in Hamilton to parents of Nova Scotian descent.  We also know that Garnet spent hours listening to Grand Ol’ Opry broadcasts and harmonizing with his brother, the late folk legend Stan Rogers. At 18, Garnet was on the road as a full-time working musician with brother Stan, until Stan died tragically in a plane crash. Since then, Garnet has established himself as a formidable solo artist. Hailed by the Boston Globe as a “…charismatic performer and singer…,” they continue by saying that “Garnet’s vocal and instrumental talents are complimented by an undeniably powerful physical presence — close to six and a half feet tall — with the lungs to match.” With his “smooth, dark baritone” (Washington Post) his incredible range and thoughtful, dramatic phrasing, his music, like the man himself, is literate, passionate, highly sensitive, and deeply purposeful. An optimist at heart, Garnet sings extraordinary songs about people who are not obvious heroes and of the small every-day victories. As memorable as his songs, his over-the-top humor and lightning-quick wit move his audiences from tears to laughter and back again. Though Garnet has enjoyed much popularity over the years, he remains resolutely independent, turning down offers from major labels to ensure that he continues doing music his own way.      https://www.facebook.com/pages/Garnet-Rogers/24500364751  Listen:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHyTxGwAdnk

Don Brownrigg: CD Release Tour: Thursday, November 21, 8:00pm $15 /$10 students/arts workers/seniors.  It Takes All Kinds (to make this world, I find) is both the new CD and Don`s philosophy.  In a country known for multi talented singer/songwriters, the Halifax-based Brownrigg has written 10 honest and vivid tunes resulting in an absolutely unique album. Brownrigg, who is known for his charm on stage, captivates his audiences with his rich voice, with his storytelling and his soulful serenades. He has performed with the likes of Serena Ryder, Shawn Colvin, and Great Lake Swimmers.  “There’s love, there’s loss, there’s hope, there’s regret,”says Brownrigg. “There’s seriousness and there’s silliness. I like it that way. It keeps you thinking about the good and the bad in everything. It takes all kinds.”
The Halifax Musicphile says: “It Takes All Kinds (to make this world, I find) is the best Canadian album released in 2013.  …..  It hits all the right notes.  The album will make you think; it will make you reflect; it will make you dance; it will make you sing; and it may even make you cry.  And as for Brownrigg, this album should make him a household name.”   http://donbrownrigg.ca  Listen:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wg5P3_ai2IY
Wonderful Hamilton singer/songwriter, Matthew de Zoete will open for Don’s concert with his classic songwriting aesthetic of strong melodies and honest lyrics.  Have a listen online at:  www.mathewdezoete.com  

The Hamilton Sculptors’ Guild (HSG) Fall/Winter Exhibition: Opening Sunday Nov 17th, 3pm to 8pm. Join us for an exhibition of works in stone, wood, metal, clay and more from some of the finest sculptors in Hamilton & area. Participants: Lia Van Pelt Ridell, John Tice, Sandor Monos, Vida Cegys, Naomi Frohlich, Carolyn Lehmann, Monika Minnis, Malcolm Cumming, Bruna Sbranchella, Joseph Sawicki, Stone Carver, & Jennifer Wilson-Bridgman.  Exhibition runs thru Jan 12th, 2013

RED: November 7 to 16: 8:00 pm. Tickets: $20 General Admission. Written by John Logan. Directed by Mel Aravena. Featuring Rod McTaggart as Mark Rothko and Mischa Aravena as Ken. Master Abstract Expressionist painter Mark Rothko has just landed the biggest commission in the history of modern art, a series of murals for New York’s famed Four Seasons Restaurant. In the two fascinating years that follow, Rothko works feverishly with his young assistant, Ken, in his studio on the Bowery. But when Ken gains the confidence to challenge him, Rothko faces the agonizing possibility that his crowning achievement could also become his undoing. Raw and provocative, RED is a searing portrait of an artist’s ambition and vulnerability as he tries to create a definitive work for an extraordinary setting.
Thurs Nov 7 @ 8:00pm     Fri Nov 8 @ 8:00pm     Sat Nov 9 @ 8:00pm
Thurs Nov 14 @ 8:00pm   Fri Nov 15 @ 8:00pm   Sat Nov 16 @ 8:00pm
RED is Approximately 90 Minutes Long. “RED” is presented by special arrangement with the Dramatist Play Service. http://www.nortesurproductions.com/  SEE GARY SMITH’S ARTICLE IN THE SPEC: http://bit.ly/16AwTaB 

Dean Hollin: BILLY BISHOP GOES TO WAR: November 1 & 2: Doors: 7:30, Show: 8:00pm. $20 adm. Written by John MacLachlan Gray in collaboration with the actor Eric Peterson, Billy Bishop Goes to War recreates the role of WWI fighter pilot, William Avery Bishop. Dean Hollin returns playing Billy (and 17 other characters) in one of Canada’s most famous and widely-produced musicals. Following Billy’s humble beginnings in Owen Sound to fame and glory as this country’s top-scoring pilot of the First World War, this tour-de-force performance, presented in the simplicity of its original form, is not to be missed! “Hamilton-born actor-singer Dean Hollin…grew up playing plenty of leads in community theatre. He was terrific in everything he tackled …. Boyish, cute and personable, Hollin had the right stuff. He still does.” Gary Smith; The Spec.  Musical accompaniment: Michael Mulrooney.

Postponed: Stardust -The Ultimate Tribute to David Bowie: Thursday, October 31: 8:00pm. $15 /$10 students/arts workers/seniors. David Bowie is undisputedly an artistic genius, a musical and fashion chameleon, and one of the most electrifying theatrical performers in rock history. Always years ahead in trends, Bowie’s songs continue to fascinate fans of all ages world-wide, and his live shows are no less than legendary. Stardust is the ultimate tribute to the rock icon. The band brings together four gifted and accomplished musicians from Hamilton. William Becker: Lead vocals, acoustic guitar, harmonica: A frontman and guitarist for the successful alt-rock band Instant Gothic, lead guitarist for Cadillac Bill, and Hamilton Music Awards 2004 nominated Guitarist of the Year. Chris Wilson: Lead guitar, backing vocals, sonics, (filling the Platform-shoed role of Mick Ronson): This unbridled and gifted guitarist was the brains and frontman for the award winning “Perennials”. He’s also a recognized music producer with his own studio. Pete Grove: Bass guitar: He’s called the ‘secret weapon’ of Stardust as the fluid, precise bassist, bringing years of experience touring with the Earthlings as well as playing with Instant Gothic with Becker), and either Steve Sinnicks or Bill Majoros: Drums and percussion: Steve And Bill are both multi-talented musicians. They’ve been performing shows for years releasing many highly acclaimed albums and have drummed with numerous touring bands. Costumes encouraged – especially a la Bowie – but not essential.

“Beatles 63+73”: Saturday October 26. 8 p.m. $10 cover. Clearly well versed in all things “Fab”, Christopher Clause has been hosting Beatles’ tribute shows in Hamilton for over 11 years now and has won three Hamilton Music Awards for his commitment. Once again he invites local talent to perform not only the 50th anniversary of the “With the Beatles” album but also the 40th anniversary of the solo recordings of 1973. “1973 was an important year for the Beatles, when each member released some of the best albums of their solo careers.  When you hear the music back to back, the 10-year growth of the musicians is striking, hence the name 63+73.”  The show is divided into two sections.  First half: “With the Beatles” in its entirety, featuring a number of guest artists as well as Christopher’s band THE KINGS OF MARIGOLD (Chris Jamieson, Michael Scott, Andrew Aldridge and Peter Taplay).  Second half: selections from the four solo albums, “Mind Games”, “Band on the Run”, “Living in the Material World”, and “Ringo”.  The moneys raised for the show will go to FERMATA, a benevolent fund for local musicians and artists in need.  The Pearl Company is excited and delighted to host this show which until this year, has been held at James Street Baptist Church (Tears here for the loss of that grand building.) Some of the guest artists for the show (at the time of writing; subject to change): Christopher Clause, Spider Costello, Fred D Smith, Gentleman Spectacles, Joshua Blair Lamothe, Nathan Fleet, Deborah McIvor, Susan Edwards.

THE FUGITIVES: Friday, October 25: 8:00pm. $15 /$10 students/arts workers/seniors: This award-winning super-band’s current frontmen and songwriters, Brendan McLeod, and Adrian Glynn, when not touring as musicians, are active in other artistic pursuits. McLeod is an award winning novelist and former Canadian SLAM poetry champion, while Glynn is a working actor receiving rave reviews for his roles. Their band is similarly eclectic, boasting prominent former members like Mark Berube and CR Avery, and a current rotating cast of supporters that includes violin-looping prodigy Hannah Epperson, multi-instrumentalist Steve Charles, and renowned actor Benjamin Elliot, alongside a host of multi-instrumentalists whose styles range from bluegrass to jazz. As McLeod puts it, “We’re like Broken Social Scene. But acoustic, and way less famous.” “The Fugitives are capable of achieving dizzying, Arcade Fire-ish crescendos, replete with parallel melodies, complex harmonies and brimming torrents of emotion.” UPTOWN MAGAZINE “This show is simply brilliant.” CBC http://www.fugitives.ca Very, very cool Fugitive’s video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uW4fI5-MRs
White Ash Falls opens: As one of Vancouver’s most sought-after sidemen, there’s no questioning Andy Bishop’s craftsmanship and musical smarts. He was a touring member of the rock band Yukon Blonde, the bassist for popsmith James Younger, and a singer-guitarist in the atmospheric folk group Twin River. It’s this balance of precision and spontaneity that shaped the sound of his sophomore album when penning his own country-tinged material as White Ash Falls, ‘Over the Night’. https://www.facebook.com/whiteashfalls/info

Matt Mays Solo Tour with Special Guest Adam Baldwin: Sunday, October 20: 8:00. Admission: $27.50 adv. $30 @ door. Coyote is Matt’s fifth album since his self-titled debut. He’s won numerous ECMAs and been nominated for four JUNO Awards. He’s toured Canada, the USA, and the UK. Whether it’s a California stoned and hazy rock and roll song like ‘Indio’, or an alone at the microphone heart-string strummer like ‘Chase The Light’, you’ll feel it. In every song you can hear a freedom in his voice, “I wanted to make songs that followed my outlook on life as honestly as possible and record them as honestly as possible. That’s it.” “Matt will bring this sound to your town and he will play it loud. He will sing these songs with soul because every verse means the world to him. After all, he chased them down, in a journey around the world, to sing them for you.” www.mattmays.com This event is being presented by FRONT ROOM ENTERTAINMENT. Buy Tickets: http://www.ticketscene.ca/events/9063/  Listen to Matt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXx2Xx2FGBA
Here’s an interview with Matt on Q: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxK0Q2SHf5A

THE FULL BAWDY COMEDY SHOW: Saturday, October 19: 8:00. Admission: $20.00 adv. $25 @ door.  Shelley Marshall, world renowned Comedienne and the  winner of  Hamilton’s 2013 Best Local Theatre Production View Magazine for her One Woman Show “Hold Mommy’s Cigarette brings her production of the edgy and irreverent, THE FULL BAWDY COMEDY SHOW, an always SOLD OUT vaudevillian variety show that celebrates the diversity of comedy through Music, Burlesque, Stand-up, Circus and more! Featuring original material from the funniest-and raciest-Stars this country (and beyond) has to offer The show has featured some of the creamiest of the Canadian funny crop such as; Nikki Payne and Debra Digiovanni both Canadian Comedy Award and  Gemini Winners, Canadian Comedy Award Winner’s, Sandra Battaglini and Christele Bartalese, Fringe Festival Winners Evelyn Reese, Precious Chong, Rachelle Elie, Hamilton Music Award Winners Ginger St James and Robin Benedict,  Juno Award Winner Lori Yates  and many more!  Come with an open mind and you’ll leave with a Full Heart. Adult Content. www.shelleymarshall.com  Check this out! https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=omL9gW9h04g