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/

SPIRIT OF THE RED PINE: Opening Art Reception: Friday, July 11, 7–9. A fundraising exhibition of works by pARTners for Wolf Lake. Nineteen artists unite their voices in preserving the beauty of Wolf Lake in the Temagami area, NE of Sudbury. It is at the heart of the world’s largest contiguous ancient red pine forest.  This traveling art show and online auction brings awareness to an incredible ecosystem, while art sales contribute to the protection against mining exploration and excavation. The theme of human-environment interaction is woven into the show. The pARTners for Wolf Lake show features works from painters, photographers and poets who have created art inspired by their outdoor experiences and time spent on Wolf Lake.  Among them are two Hamiltonians: painter of shimmering landscapes, E. Robert Ross, and talented photographer Heather Buttrum. “They are bringing the beauty of Wolf Lake to a wider audience” says Bob Olajos, spokesperson for the Wolf Lake Coalition. http://savewolflake.org/  http://partnersforwolflake.ca/ July 11th – August 23rd, 2014. 100% of profits go to the Wolf Lake Coalition. Gallery Open by appointment, by chance, before events and, we hope, Wednesdays 7 to 9. Full Artist List Below:  (more…)

Erin and Nara: Breast Friends! SPECIAL GUEST~ Robin Benedict: Saturday, July 5. 8:00pm. Advance $15/ $20 at the door. MF Arts Productions presents Erin and Nara with their NEW SHOW “Breast Friends”! Partners in love and laughter, Erin and Nara are 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. Robin Benedict: Placing in the top contenders of Canadian Idol, and being scouted by NBC’s The Voice, She’s the REAL THANG! No auto-tune here folks. ADULTS ONLY (Nara excluded) Limited Seating, Reservations recommended. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZH-In4G53bo  https://www.facebook.com/erinandnara

Shari Vandermolen with QUARTER TO NINE: Saturday, June 28: 8:00pm. $20 /$18 students/arts workers/seniors. A sexy, sassy, jazz-soaked treat! Quarter to Nine is a jazzy musical act with the remarkable Shari Vandermolen on vocals.  The name comes from the song “About a Quarter to Nine” from the musical 42nd Street. Incorporating the sweet soft jazz feel of days gone by, or the burlesque feel of risqué blues, Q2Nine influences include Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Etta James, Billie Holiday and the “big-band sound”. They’ll be bringing you Jazz Standards, naughty blues and torch songs peppered with just the right amount of show tunes for good measure. “Shari’s training as an actor imbues her music with an emotional edge that takes us places we have never been with these songs. Quarter to Nine is an experience as much as a concert.” http://www.q29.ca   Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyDlzfMzUkI

Pearl Company “RENT” Party: Friday, June 27: PWYC (Pay What You Can). 8:00 pm. Help us survive the summer! Great music, great food, great vibe! Despite obstacles, in 8 years we have presented over 1000 artistic events. We now need to go public with our very ‘tight’ situation; we are launching a fundraising/refinancing campaign that will continue to build upon our past successes to keep our dream alive and thriving for years to come. This fun and fabulous “Rent Party” will help us make through our most difficult time, those summer months. This will culminate – or continue – with another glorious gathering in September. Now playing at this point!  Lisa Winn and Andrew Aldridge. Mimi Shaw with Orange McFarland and Tor Lukasik-Foss, Chris & Christa (All Local Musical Legends!).  The inimitable Charly Chiarelli is guaranteed to do something entertaining…. Not sure of what sort yet.  There will be even MORE entertainment and though Gary is cooking, he might even play a tune or two…. The possibilities are endless.

The film PINA will be shown: Saturday, June 21.  8pm. This a PWYC event. Pina is a 2011 German 3D documentary film about one of the most significant choreographers of the last 40 years, the contemporary dance choreographer Pina Bausch. The enormously well-respected Wim Wenders directed the film which premiered ‘Out of Competition’ at the 61st Berlin International Film Festival. During the preparation of the documentary, Pina Bausch died unexpectedly. Wenders cancelled the film production, but the other dancers of Tanztheater Wuppertal convinced him to make the film anyway. It showcases these dancers, who talk about Pina and perform some of her best-known pieces, inside the Tanztheater Wuppertal and in various outdoor locations around the city of Wuppertal. “Strikingly picturesque.” Discussion to follow. Refreshments available. See Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNuQVS7q7-A

THE FULL BAWDY COMEDY SHOW: Friday, June 20: 9:00pm. Admission: $20 advance/$25 door. Shelley Marshall, HAMILTON’S OWN world-renowned Comedienne and 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 back to The Pearl Company. TFBCS is 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: Precious Chong, Rachelle Elie; Hamilton Music Award Winners: Ginger St James and Robin Benedict; Juno Award Winner Lori Yates and many more!  June 20 Line-up: Shelley Marshall Hosts: Phil Luzi Winner Canadian Comedy Award. Morgan Joy Toronto International Clown Festival 2014. Musical Guest: Mimi Shaw, Burlesque Performer: Fionna Flauntit, Stand Up: Amanda Day, Character Performer: Rachelle Elie.  Come with an open mind and you’ll leave with a Full Heart! Adult Content. www.shelleymarshall.com Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=omL9gW9h04g (905) 524-0606 CALL FOR RESERVATIONS or visit http://www.ticketscene.ca/events/10818/LF972

The Art Bus is Sponsored by Judy Marsales Real Estate Brokerage:

The ARTBus Hamilton! Friday, June 6: We will continue to check out Hamilton’s unique and constantly evolving art scene.

Join Barbara Milne  as the journey of the ARTBus Hamilton continues. Our usual fine evening is planned again for June 6; we will begin by checking out a segment of the exciting art scene on James North – at least 3 galleries – James North Gallery, you me gallery, and not sure yet… Next to the Carnegie Gallery in Dundas and then the very cool studios and gallery in the Oddfellows Hall also in Dundas.  Join us!  Call Barbara, at (905.524.0606) or email hamiltonartbus@gmail.com to reserve your seat.

Please note new departure time: 7:00pm!

We leave from The Pearl Company at 16 Steven Street in Hamilton promptly at 7:00pm. Please arrive earlier and visit the gallery spaces on the second floor to confirm your ticket. There is plenty of free parking – just look for the guy in the neon vest. On our return around 9:30/10:00pm you are often welcome to join the musical event in progress and/or visit the galleries in The Pearl District.

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Dave Gould’s AUDIOTORIUM Sound/Art Show! CLOSING PARTY/SOCIAL: An Open Invite to Improvise with Sound…. June 14th 8:00pm (Pay What You Can) Dave Gould has created an exhibition at the Pearl Company Gallery featuring his entire collection of musical inventions. Are they musical instruments or sound sculptures? This will be a fun open jam/social that will include refreshments and food and where everyone will have a chance to explore the instruments and experience their sounds in a hands-on, collaborative live setting. The Pearl Company stage is an acoustically amazing opportunity to experience these sound inventions. The show will (of course) include Dave’s infamous toileteering on an antique toilet rigged with pickups, smoke, and lights. And, the audience is welcome to improvise their way around this array of cool sounding oddities.
More information and videos are available at: www.reverbnation.com/davegould  Please email or call Dave for more information: 905-537-0463 daverobgould@gmail.com
“Voodoo- influenced, maritime country with hints of electro-acoustic experimentation.” .BROKEN PENCIL MAGAZINE – Toronto. Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFOoCmBF-cc

Jazz Connection Big Band w Sophia Perlman: Friday, June 13. Doors at 7:30, Jazz at 8:00. Cover of $15 / $25 for couples. $10 for artists/students/seniors. The JCBB is a well-established 17-piece jazz ensemble delivering 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. Sophia Perlman has become a fixture of the Ontario jazz and blues scene. Her musicality, old-soul voice, and skill as an improviser have made her a first-call featured singer with some of the top ensembles and musicians in the country. In addition to performing and touring with her own quartet, she performs regularly with numerous artists and ensembles, including Adrean Farrugia, The Toronto Jazz Orchestra, and The Darcy Hepner Jazz Orchestra. “Perlman’s approach is all at once soulful, gut-wrenching, funky and provocative” WholeNote Magazine re JCBB “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 – Co-ordinator, Mohawk College, Faculty of Music www.jazzconnection.ca  Listen: http://epresskitz.com/index.php?u=2691  Listen to Sophia: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjzKseuIpa4

Social Animals: Saturday, June 7: Doors at 8pm, $10 cover. Band starts at 9pm. All ages welcome. Join Social Animals for the debut of their new album, Innominate. CDs will be available at the show. The band evolved from the song-writing of Chris and Christa Bradbury, a couple from opposite sides of the globe, who met by chance, fell in love and were drawn into sharing their passion for music.  The band is a collective of talent with the duo supported by the heavy groove of David Guild. The electro-acoustic instrumentation is perfectly balanced by the powerful and dynamic rasp of Christa’s bluesy vocals. The band’s stage presence elicits the use of superlatives.  For example: “larger than life”, “gave me goose bumps”, and “mind-blowing!”
Overseeing the development of the sound and the recording of their début album is the Spectrebox production team made up of David Guild, and Producer Jordan Abraham Social Animals are; Chris (Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Vocals) and Christa Bradbury (Lead Vocals, Keyboards), David Guild (Drums), Geoff Hlibka (Guitar, Vocals), and Jarrod Ross (Bass). Visit the Social Animals web site: www.socialanimals.ca  Brothers and sisters, you are about to be Socialized! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8L2AMn8BLRw

riot nrrd: Friday, June 6: Doors: 7:30; Show: 8:30; Opening act: Dave Gould. $15 door, $10 students/ retired/ fixed income. (With CD: $25 admission, $20 for students/ retired/ fixed income) riot nrrd: at 9:30. riot nrrd is a Hamilton-based musician, (aka Conrad Sichler, a holistic medicine practitioner) belting out his own folk-pop-punk on his own, or Can-rock with a band. This is music for people who think too much. Among his influences are Billy Bragg, The Weakerthans, The Replacements, The recording band is Bob Doidge (bass and more!), Danny Lockwood (Drums), Frank Koren (electric guitars), Amy King (back-up vocals, piano), Vince Rinaldo (keys), and Neil Nikafor (bass on some songs). And oh, Conrad Sichler (vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, percussion, back-up vocals, song-writing, masterminding). The album was recorded in Hamilton at Grant Avenue Studios with Bob Doidge producing. What’s particularly endearing about riot nrrd is that the music is not over-produced, dolled-up drivel. It’s raw, unadulterated feeling expressed through fun folk-rock. https://www.facebook.com/riotnrrdmusic

60 DAYS OF SUMMER: Fri, May 30. Sat, May 31. Sun, June 1. Tickets: $10 students. $15 adults. $5 for all tickets on May 30. This Eco Theatre project has emerged from a partnership between Scene Change and Environment Hamilton.  60 Days of Summer is a story is written by local students and teachers which follows the misadventures of a group of students who attempt to live a full summer with no eco-footprint. Earth is personified through song and movement. Packed with interpersonal tensions, dream sequences and plot twists, the outcome is not what the students expect.
“60 days of Summer takes us on a theatrical adventure where young people challenge themselves to leave “no impact”on the earth – not just for “Earth hour”- but for an entire summer. The variety of backgrounds and world experiences in this diverse cast allows them to explore some tough questions about the price of climate change and who pays. Infused with music, dance, and eco-inventions – the play has something for everyone in this fun, at times wacky, but ultimately inspiring production. Leaving “no-impact” on the earth – leaves a lasting impact on the audience!” ~ Catherine Silverglen (OCT)
Times: Fri, May 30 @ 12:30pm.
Sat, May 31 @7pm.
Sun, June 1 @ 2:30pm.

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Learie McNicolls: RESURRECTION – May 22 (PWYC Preview), 23 & 24. 8:00PM. $20 Admission. Classical Dancer Learie McNicolls performs his magnum opus about Redemption and the Resurrection of one’s Soul.  The evidence is in the body.  The body never forgets.  God bless. “For 40 years I walked in anger, slept in anger, spoke in anger, danced in anger and no one noticed….not even me. We speak of the roots of a Culture….a Tradition….Source of a river. This then is my Source.  Where Anger hibernated for decades and caused untold grief and suffering.  So I beat myself up. This Dancer became internalized like a crazed Demon and pummeled me like a Boxer, who I recognized as The Trickster in us all. The voices in my head deserve a response.  I answer back.  They are silent.”  Written, Directed, Choreographed and Performed by: Learie McNicolls
Co-Director: Gary Santucci
Original Score: Learie McNicolls
Image: MaxxProducers: Myth Productions
Sponsor: The Pearl Company Arts Centre

Celebration of Latin American Art in Hamilton May 16, 17:  May 16, 8pm: Spanjazz….See Below….    

Saturday, May 17: 12:00 – 5:00pm: Opening! Casa Mansang: Casa Mansang features the art of artists and artisans from South and Central America; also guest exhibitions of local established artists. The gallery is packed with gloriously colourful and upbeat art, jewellery, ‘artwear’, and curiosities, perfect for gifts and for just plain decorating!  If you want to be cheered by a vibrant and eye-catching display, check out the Face Book site: http://on.fb.me/1erjrvw  or come on by!     

Saturday, May 17: 8:00pm. Music Gala with  Singer, Idalid Parra. Dancing to follow…. $15.00/$10.00 students/artists. Idalid Parra is a Colombian singer with a deep understanding of the roots of Ranchera music. She started singing at the age of 6, performing in social events, weddings, birthdays, shows, and competitions. This talented, friendly, and fun singer also loves to dance, and is an equally capable artist drawing faces and places. She is active in the AFH Fraternity Hispanic Association in Canada. https://www.facebook.com/lindaforever?fref=ts&ref=br_tf  
This is an event with Latin American artists….  Dancing can break out at any time but especially after Idalid sings! Or maybe during…..