The Pearl Company

Astrid Young & Friends: Friday, October 18: 8:00pm. $15 /$10 students/arts workers/seniors.  Another of those talented Youngs! Astrid is a singer-songwriter with a half-brother and fellow musician by the name of Neil. She has explored a multitude of instruments in a range of styles, from classical to heavy rock, with a healthy dose of blues and country in between.  Astrid cites her primary influences as David Bowie, Pink Floyd, and Black Sabbath: an eclectic mix of styles indeed, whose parallels have never been so evident as in Astrid’s unique expression. Astrid’s solo acoustic shows have been compared to “Alice In Chains Unplugged” and have rallied fans all over the world, from the Whiskey-A-Go-Go in Hollywood to Paradiso in Amsterdam. Some notable co-writes include Bernie Taupin & Martin Page, Lisa DalBello, Nancy Wilson (Heart), the late West Arkeen (Guns & Roses) and Tom Wilson (Junkhouse, Lee Harvey Osmond). Other artists with whom Astrid has had the pleasure of working with both live and in the studio include Neil Young, Ann & Nancy Wilson, Graham Bonnet, Johnny Cash, Nicolette Larson, Gerry Goffin…. www.astridyoung.net  Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXF49XYEGsg

Shari Vandermolen with SWINGLINE: Saturday, October 12: 8:00pm. $15 /$10 students/arts workers/seniors. What began as a rehearsal band in Millgrove, a project organized by Darren Blundell and Urmas Soomet, has now become a powerhouse of sound that is ready to be let out! The musicians of this band were originally brought together purely for the love of music with no ongoing commitment to “join the band”; it was simply an opportunity to play together and develop new musical connections. And then Shari Vandermolen’s rich vocals filled the niche that completed the band and SwingLine was born – an inspired band playing big band standards with some soulful R&B to round things off. This 10-piece “little big band” has got all the big-band-sound you’re looking for and they’ll be bringing you many of your favourite standards suitable for dancing or for sitting back and listening. https://swingline.webs.com 

Kim Wempe: Friday, October 11: 8:00pm. $15 /$10 students/arts workers/seniors. A powerful performer with smoky vocals and an undeniable stage presence, Kim Wempe has been tearing up highways and stomping her way across every stage in the country for the past three years. On the heels of her 2010 East Coast Music Award win and a 2011 ECMA nomination, her new album ‘Coalition’ is a big, bold, unapologetic leap into a whole new sound and has brought her a lot of attention from her peers. “Kim Wempe has one of those strong, raspy voices that’s only made better by whisky and more emotive by a sad song. She embodies the storytelling nature of the country genre, that slow burning hurt we know to be true of the blues, and these soulful gospel melodies that recall something almost spiritual.” -Alan Cross-Rock and Roll Journalist.  “Kim Wempe sings directly from the soul, and the result is incredibly powerful. She instantly draws you in with her voice, and holds you there with the strength of her performance and her songs.” – Jill Barber  http://kimwempe.com Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=- XFpv3CJ1qE

Norbert Kögging with his band, KØGGING: Wednesday, October 9: 8:00pm. $15 /$10 students/arts workers/seniors. Dutch vocalist, Norbert Kögging, embarks on a tour from Toronto to Vancouver and one of the stops is Hamilton! KØGGING recorded their debut album, Daydreaming, at the Banff Centre for the Arts in 2011. The music, described as singer-songwriter jazz, is intimate, distinct, and sincere. Norbert is a convincing story-teller who shares his experiences honestly and from the heart.  The tour marks Norbert’s fourth visit to Canada, a nation that holds a dear place in his heart. “This is where it all started,” Norbert recalls when KØGGING recorded Daydreaming, at the Centre in 2011. The album, which harnesses the inspiration that Norbert found there, is about fresh ideas, open space and the opportunities to come.  http://norbertkogging.nl Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaS7_ov2pRg