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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The HamilTEN Festival: April 4, 5 & 6.  $15 / $10 students/all artists.  HamilTEN is a festival of ten minute plays by playwrights from Hamilton and surrounding areas. A ten minute play is a streak of theatrical lightning. It doesn’t last long but it should hit its mark! The festival is now in its third year (!) and they are back at The Pearl Company with something for everyone; a little drama, some comedy, with a little bit of madness to spice things up. All plays are featured at each performance. Tickets available at the door (cash only) online at www.ticketscene.ca or www.thepearlcompany.ca and by email at hamiltenfestival@gmail.com   See Gary Smith’s write-up in the Spec:  http://www.thespec.com/whatson/article/915250–hamilten-play-festival-explores-10-minute-genre-in-second-season  Questions? Email: hamiltenfestival@gmail.com  Check out: http://hamiltenfestival.blogspot.ca
Show times:
Friday, April 4 @ 8pm
Saturday, April 5 @ 8pm
Sunday, April 6 @ 2pm

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Carlos del Junco and The Blues Mongrels: Saturday, March 29, 2014 at 8pm Tickets: $20 advance/$25 at the door. Carlos is one of those players whose music is so advanced that when it comes to awards, it’s either retire the category or rephrase the question to “Best Harmonica Player Not Named Carlos”. (Eight time Harmonica Player of The Year at the Maple Leaf Blues Awards!). Simultaneously sophisticated and raw, the band’s playing blurs the boundaries between blues and jazz. The emphasis is on blues, but they are not afraid to merrily traipse off in other directions delivering a seamless fusion of New Orleans second line grooves, jazz swing, Latin, hip-hop or ska melodies, to swampy roots rock. The Blues Mongrels are: bassist Henry Heillig (founded the nine piece Latin band Manteca), and guitarist Eric St. Laurent. Get ready to trash all you thought you knew about the harmonica. The Blues Mongrels deliver a no-holds-barred display of fun and melodic virtuosity.  “…a model of focus and urgency..a true virtuoso.. Brad Wheeler – The Globe and Mail http://www.carlosdeljunco.com

FIN DE FIESTA FLAMENCO: Friday, March 28. 8:00pm. $20 /$15 students/seniors/arts workers. This esteemed flamenco collective brings Spanish inspiration to Canadian soil. They are four musicians and dancers, (guitarist and singer Dennis Duffin, singer and dancer Tamar Ilana, and dancers Lia Grainger and Alexandra Talbot) who divide their time between Canada and Seville, Spain. The name FIN DE FIESTA translates to “End of the Party”, a reference to the open jam session that occurs at the end of a traditional flamenco show in Spain when the true improvisational and spirited nature of flamenco shows itself.  It is this lively spirit – unpredictable and unrestrained – that inspires their work. FIN DE FIESTA FLAMENCO is currently touring their latest production, Mala Yerba Nunca Muere (“Wild Flowers Never Die”). The name is taken from an old Spanish idiom that describes the capacity to endure. At the core of this show is an exploration of flamenco’s capacity to invoke striking contrasts, from delicate beauty to a fierceness that borders on carnal. From refined to raw, Mala Yerba Nunca Muere incorporates the traditional and the contemporary to create an electrifying portrait of an art form that shatters traditional stereotypes of beauty. They will perform in Hamilton for one night only. “Simply Awesome!” – The Kitchener-Waterloo Record  Watch on YouTube: http://bit.ly/1ciqkLK   Read Gary Smith’s article about Lia and Fin de Fiesta: http://bit.ly/1636orM  www.findefiestaflamenco.com

Lori Yates w Buckshot Bebee & Duane Rutter: Saturday, March 22. Doors: 7:30 Show: 8:00. $20. “She’s pulling herself up by the bra straps, out of the honky-tonks and into the soft-seaters!” ONE NIGHT ONLY! Veteran singer/songwriter Yates brings her contagious spirit, her finely crafted songs, her glorious voice, and her charismatic stage presence to her first appearance at the Pearl Company. Having written with such legendary songwriters as Guy Clark, Colin Linden, and Don Schlitz (among others), award-winning Yates has completely won the hearts of Hamilton audiences since her move here in 2002. She is joined by stellar musicians: Duane Rutter – acoustic guitar, Steve Wood – pedal steel, Michael Hickey – stand up bass, Andrew Aldridge and Nick Burson on percussion. She is also the creator of the new & wildly popular Creative Genius Songwriting Workshops. www.loriyates.com Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wtwbAgRqbk&feature=em-share_video_user   (more…)

Defining Moments in Development – Presentation and discussion with Dr. Susan Smith, Saturday, March 22. 10:30 am until 12 noon. No Charge. Presented by The Pearl Company, Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace, and the OPIRG McMaster Guatemalan Solidarity Working Group. Dr. Susan Smith is the Founder and Director of Atzin in Mexico. While development work has taken her across the globe, Susan Smith is the founder and director of Atzin Community Development, a non-profit working collaboratively with the Indigenous community of Tlamacazapa, Guerrero, Mexico for the past 17 years.  Atzin is a Nahuatl word meaning ‘Sacred Waters’. Susan was chosen as the University of Calgary’s top alumnus in 2008; and CBC The National produced “Walking Together” in 2006 as special report on her work in Tlamacazapa. For more info:  shelley.opirg@gmail.com

The Jazz Connection Big Band: Friday, March 21. Doors at 7:30, Jazz at 8:00. $15 /$10 students/all artists. With special guests Adrean Farrugia on keyboard and  Ian Macgillivary on trumpet. Catch the powerful sound of this fabulous big band in our relaxed and atmospheric venue. The JCBB is a well-established 17-piece jazz ensemble comprised of professional and semi-professional musicians from the Hamilton/Toronto area, performing 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 high energy, uncompromising and straight ahead jazz, funk, and Latin, combining the highest level of musicianship and great charts in an entertaining show that equally engages both the jazz enthusiast and the casual listener. The incredible acoustics at The Pearl easily accommodate their very cool (also hot!) surround-sound. “This is one of the most exciting, entertaining and musically interesting jazz ensembles to come along in many years – the musicianship, the repertoire and the energy are all of the highest level!!” Nick Deutsch –Mohawk College, Faculty of Music www.jazzconnection.ca Listen: http://epresskitz.com/index.php?u=2691

Erin and Nara: First Show: Saturday, March 15. 8:00pm. $20 at the door. Shelley Marshall presents… A Vaudevillian show about firsts in their very first show!   Partners in love and laughter, Erin and Nara are pleased to announce their VERY OWN SHOW! This couple is best known for their original song “Sexy Cuz We’re Lesbians” and for being the over-the-top hysterical hosts of Shelley Marshall’s The Full Bawdy Comedy Show at The Pearl Company. This Vaudeville inspired show of “Firsts” comprised of Comedy Skits, Song, and Dance will have you lol-ing and possibly even rofl-ing. With SPECIAL GUEST~ Drag Superstar~ Ms Xtacy Love!! Winner of Crews and Tango’s Next Drag Superstar Competition 2013, Ms Xtacy Love is taking the Toronto Drag scene to a new level with her plus size fashions and outrageous song choices.  A winner of many competitions even though fairly new to the scene.
ADULTS ONLY (Nara excluded) Limited Seating, Tickets $20, Reservations recommended.  Check them out!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_jiv6N2SCE&feature=youtu.be

Rant Maggie Rant: A Celtic Celebration for St Paddy’s Day! Friday, March 14. 8:00 pm. $20 advance/$25 at the door. Rant Maggie Rant, one of Canada’s most exciting Celtic fusion ensembles, hits the road again. Since their formation in 2008, this Stratford-based band has been wowing audiences at festivals, concert halls and symphonic stages across Canada and the U.S. with their outstanding artistry and on-stage vibe. Rant Maggie Rant brings together four superbly talented musicians who like to colour outside the lines. During their concerts, they will deliver a beautiful traditional ballad, chase it up with an Appalachian-style groove and end with a killer jig or reel. Traditionalists love their time-honoured style, while new Celtic music listeners are drawn to the band’s fusion of World influences. “Rant Maggie Rant exudes a style and brand of Celtic entertainment that is both new and old. Their showmanship, and delivery combined with their diversity of traditional sound coupled with upbeat and unexpected blends, makes them a welcome addition to any musical line up….”  Maggie Durocher, Windsor Celtic Festival. More info: www.RantMaggieRant.com Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH_bD3Ojt5M

Michael Williams Dance Party! Saturday March 8. 8:00pm. $15/$10 students/artists/seniors. Michael Williams (whom you may know from his days as a VJ on Much Music) has been our go-to DJ, with his sidekick Paul Chin, for many an event at The Pearl.  If you’ve been here, you know that they get us moving! We are hoping to make this a regular thing, happening every few months, since there are lots of people out there who love to dance (who me?).  Michael and Paul are very open to musical requests and they are such fun to have around.  Let’s Party!

The Pearl Music Collective Presents: Spanjazz! Friday, February 28. 8:00pm. $15.00/$10.00 students/artists. An evening of Original Jazz Compositions: Inspired by world beat rhythms and composed by Gary Santucci: with Jordan Abraham – Keyboards; Steve Wilson – Drums; Brandon Walker – multi-reeds; Ian McGillivary – Trumpet; James Gannett – Bass; Gary Santucci – Guitar. The Pearl Music Collective encourages the creation, performance, and presentation of new instrumental music drawn from the influences of Jazz, Classical and World Beat Music. Post performance reception.

Barry Payne & Rick Taylor. Duane Rutter Opens. Saturday, February 22. Doors 7:00/ Show 8:00pm. $20. Two great Canadian roots singer / songwriters join forces. Folk-roots artist Barry James Payne (AKA String Bone) and Canadian Roots and Blues legend, Rick Taylor,  deliver a concert of original music focusing on their roots. Taylor has recorded and performed with Willie P. Bennett, Stan Rogers, and Colleen Peterson and has fronted many of his own bands with 3 solo CD’s to his credit. www.ricktaylormusic.com  He joins Payne of the popular Celtic band Rant Maggie Rant (also the prolific folk-country-blues songwriter String Bone), and the two collaborate on country-blues tinged folk songs about everyday life. This is an opportunity to see – and hear – a very special collaboration.
Payne’s String Bone band has received accolades from music aficionados from Europe to the USA. His record ‘nadir’ was cited as being reminiscent of Dylan’s ‘Blood On The Tracks’, Springsteen’s ‘Nebraska’, Wilco’s ‘AM’ and Lucinda Williams’ ‘Car Wheels On A Gravel Road’. High praise indeed for a relatively unknown songwriter. www.stringbone.ca
Duane Rutter has been writing and performing original material throughout Canada for over three decades. He has two albums released on Busted Flat Records (www.duaneruttermusic.com)

Ben Sures with Amber Suchy: Friday, February 21: 8:00pm, $15  / $10 students/arts workers/seniors. Singer/songwriter extraordinaire, Ben Sure’s live show is captivating. He’s a great entertainer – funny, smart, musical and a gifted, well-respected guitar player.  He has won or been a finalist in all the International Songwriting contests, John Lennon, International and The USA songwriting competition and more….. He has four critically acclaimed recordings to his credit and is also the current regular music guest on CBC Radio’s national produced sketch comedy program ‘The Irrelevant Show’. He has worked as a commissioned songwriter for CBC radio in Winnipeg , Vancouver and Edmonton and done music for film and television including Sesame Street and has performed with many great Canadian Artists including Rita Chiarelli, Angie Nussey, The Wyrd Sisters, Grievious Angels, Paul Reddick and many more. He has performed as a support act for Ray Davies of The Kinks, The Preservation Hall band, The Good Lovelies, and more….. Edmonton’s Amber Suchy, also known as the lead singer of Ska band King Muskafa, appears with Ben with her strong voice, and her catchy poppy songs, ballads, and interesting rhythms. Listen to Amber: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Inm2pYwKkXI Ben: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4tPWfp3AgM  www.bensures.com

Meaghan Blanchard: Thursday, February 20. 8:00pm. $15 /$10 students/arts workers/seniors. Vibrant, red-headed Meaghan Blanchard is a 24 year old singer/songwriter from Hunter River PEI.  She has drawn a lot of her inspiration from her grandparents and the Saturday night dances at the community hall where they played and sang. Meaghan’s first collection of songs at the age of 18 “Changing Things”, garnered notable success across Canada receiving 4 MusicPEI awards and 2 ECMA nods. Meaghan’s second recording in 2011 “Chasin’ Lonely Again” was Country Recording of the Year at the ECMA awards. Her third album “She’s Gonna Fly” has just been released. John Keane, (REM, The Indigo Girls, Nanci Griffith!) has helped Meaghan craft a record that is (amazingly) head and shoulders above anything she’s done before.
Blanchard’s influences are many and varied, from the more traditional country sounds of artists like Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris to western swing, country gospel and more contemporary country fare as well as Americana like Patti Griffin and Shawn Colvin. “She is an artist with a definite vision of how to use her wonderful voice and pair it with songs that truly move you.” Maverick UK  http://meaghanblanchard.com/