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/

Fearing & White: Sunday, September 21, 8:00. $25 / $20 Students/ Seniors/ Artists at the door. These two “music-lifers” Stephen Fearing and Andy White have traded lyrics, melodies, harmonies, and arrangement ideas for years and have slowly crafted a body of songs that is uniquely different from either of their solo work. ‘Fearing & White’ is the happy result of a long friendship that has survived both the tyranny of distance and the travails of the road. White now calls Melbourne, Australia, home, while Fearing lives in Halifax. These two individually talented and acclaimed singer / songwriters (over twenty albums between them) have a new album. Tea and Confidences is an incredibly strong statement about where each man is in their lives and the power of collaboration with music rich in big tones and the pure excitement of creation.
Fearing is well known within the international folk and roots music community as one of its most accomplished songsmiths, storytellers and guitarists. A double Juno award winner, he has experienced commercial and critical success, both in his solo career and with roots/rock supergroup Blackie and The Rodeo Kings. Northern Ireland born and raised Andy White has earned a global following for blending folk and pop stylings with a poet’s sensibility. Working with the great names of Irish music – Sinead O’Connor, Van Morrison – and writing with the likes of Peter Gabriel and Neil and Tim Finn, Andy has won Ireland’s top songwriting awards. . www.fearingandwhite.com   Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nU2-Mq90dZE

THE FULL BAWDY COMEDY SHOW: Saturday, September 20: 8:30pm. Admission: $20 advance/$25 door.  SHE’S BACK! 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 us her production of the edgy and irreverent THE FULL BAWDY COMEDY SHOW with hosts, Erin & Nara. 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, Debra Digiovanni both Canadian Comedy Award and Gemini Winners; Canadian Comedy Award Winners: Sandra Battaglini, Christele Bartalese; Fringe Festival Winners: Precious Chong, Rachelle Elie; Hamilton Music Award Winners: Ginger St James, Robin Benedict; Juno Award Winner Lori Yates and many more!  Sept 20 Line-up: Shelley Marshall: Musical Guests: THE PERFECT STRANGERS: Brennagh Burns, Cindy Dell, Sue Leonard. Stand Up: Erin Keaney, Stand Up Man of The Hour: Todd Graham . Drag Queen: Artemis Simetra.  Come with an open mind and you’ll leave with a Full Heart! Adult Content. www.shelleymarshall.com  Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=omL9gW9h04g  (905) 524-0606 CALL FOR RESERVATIONS or visit http://www.ticketscene.ca/events/

Shari Vandermolen with QUARTER TO NINE: Friday, September 19: 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

Troll and Gnome: Wednesday, September 17: 8:00 pm.  $15 / $10 Students/ Seniors/ Artists. Shirley Gnome is a musical comedian/songwriter. Armed with only a guitar and a sassmouth, she belts out original tunes about the embarrassing, profound, and hilarious adventures that happen when bodies collide. Her music, while smothered in unambiguous language and racy humor, is sung with the voice of “an angel dry humping a cloud.” This divine yet profane combination has found her a devoted audience with her shameless renderings of sex and romance. Sometimes tongue-in-cheek, other times insightful and honest, Shirley weaves a live show that has people in hysterics – often in spite of themselves. With two albums under her belt, and a live album to be recorded later this year, Shirley continues to delight, shock, and amuse audiences wherever she can. Shirley Gnome has been nominated for a Canadian Comedy Award for Best Variety Act 2014!
“…gut-busting funny… Onstage Ottawa. “This is everything you want from a comedy show; frivolous, embarrassing and simply brilliant. ….. equipped with the voice of a goddess, the burlesque comedy singer-songwriter takes the audience on a musical journey…” -Three Weeks  http://www.shirleygnome.com

Open House: An ARTBus Farewell & Art Sale: Friday, September 12 / Saturday, September 13; 7:00 pm to 11:00. No Charge, or Pay What You Wish. The weekend will be a combination Rent Party and Farewell to the ARTBus (in its current form). Over the years, we have accumulated art that has been donated, abandoned, or collected. These pieces will be on display and you will decide whether they are worth taking home.  And, what might be their actual value….
The ARTBus has been a crucial ingredient in bringing awareness to an (already) thriving Art scene back when James North was a scary idea and people were not as aware as they should have been of the many galleries throughout the city showing unique, thought-provoking work. Now, the bus’s mission has been accomplished and it is going on sabbatical.  In order to give the bus a worthy send-off, we thought it made sense to combine an ARTBus farewell with an ARTSale.
Join us in sending the ARTBus off and while you are here take a look at what we have collected over the years.  It is art. It is memorabilia. It is looking for a home. Come on down.

DANIEL CHAMPAGNE Live at The Pearl: Thursday, September 4, 8:pm. $15 / $10 Students/ Seniors/ Artists. This exhilarating Australian one-of-a-kind guitar virtuoso/singer-songwriter first picked up his instrument of choice as a five-year-old following in the footsteps of a musical father. He began writing songs at 12, training classically throughout his teens and performing solo wherever he could; he honed his craft and developed what would become the dynamite live show that he is renowned for today. Now regarded as a leading light in acoustic music, with a firm reputation for making festivals buzz, holding crowds in his palm, dropping jaws, and breaking guitars wherever he goes. Daniel Champagne has recently signed to US booking agency Fleming Artists and relocated to North America where he continues his exciting career as an international touring and recording artist. “In the short time he’s been out there, Champagne has proven that he’s a talent you can’t possibly ignore. His live shows have drawn rapturous responses from all corners”. Rhythms Magazine.  http://www.danielchampagnemusic.com/ Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7soZ9irnAZo#t=15

The Pearl Company Canadian Summer Theatre Festival: August 8 – 23. $15 per show. Three brilliant world-class performers bring their career-topping works to The Pearl Company this year for 3 weekends of captivating, enchanting, intense, thrilling, mesmerizing, challenging and flat-out exciting entertainment. All 3 will perform on each date, so catch ‘em all. Festival opens Aug 8 at 7 pm. All shows $15 each.

Check out a great review of all three plays under  “Read More” below!

We are thrilled to present:

Sean Sullivan: Baby Redboots’ Revenge:  “A virtual Nijinsky of performance art” – New York Times. “Sullivan, with the range of a Chaplin or Keaton, with a touch of Baryshnikov and Danny Kaye, is one in a million” – Performing Arts Review, New York City. “Baby Redboots’ Revenge keeps us on the edge of our seats for 65 breathless minutes.” -NYtheatre.com, 2012.  A “Best of the New York Fringe” play.
Fri. Aug. 8, 7:00; Sat. 9, 9:30; Thu.14, 8:15; Fri. 15, 7:00; Sat.16, 9:30; Thu. 21, 8:15; Fri. 22, 7:00; Sat. 23, 9:30.

The Naked Ballerina: Sarah Murphy-Dyson “Discover the darkness behind the curtain, as the former Royal Winnipeg Ballet first soloist & Gemini Award winner brings you backstage into her world of blood, sweat and secrets. Illusions of perfection onstage and off are shattered as she seeks the courage to expose her truth to herself and the world.” Glenn Sumi, Now Magazine.
Fri. Aug. 8, 9:30; Sat. 9, 8:15; Thu.14, 7:00; Fri. 15, 9:30; Sat.16, 8:15; Thu. 21, 7:00; Fri. 22, 9:30; Sat. 23, 8:15.

Resurrection: Learie McNicolls: – Classical Dancer, actor, director and Two-Time Dora Award Winner Learie McNicolls performs his spoken word and movement magnum opus about Redemption and the Resurrection of one’s Soul. A semi-autobiographical story woven through the experience of a young boy and complex family relationships, expressed through the lexicon of the music of the 50’s and 60’s.
Fri. Aug. 8, 8:15; Sat. 9, 7:00;  Thu.14, 9:30; Fri.15, 8:15; Sat.16, 7:00; Thu. 21, 9:30; Fri. 22, 8:15; Sat. 23, 7:00.

The Pearl Company Canadian Theatre Festival Schedule: Summer 2014 

Tickets available online at www.thepearlcompany.ca Tickets: $15 for EACH show.

For more information: info@thepearlcompany.ca;  905.524.0606 or nltc@bell.net

Link to the Festival Facebook Site: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Pearl-Company-Canadian-Theatre-Festival/149388245141853

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Jeff Giles: Live at The Pearl! Wednesday, August 20: 8:00pm. Tickets $15 at the door. Fresh from a month-long engagement in Berlin, Germany, Actor/Singer-Songwriter and Hamilton native Jeff Giles returns home for a unique night of music. Join him at the Pearl Company where he will be playing songs from his upcoming debut album. Designed as a “pre-recording party”, in addition to listening to some great music, audience members can also vote for their favourites of the night, and be involved in selecting which songs will make it to the album.
Whether you’ve heard his own music before, seen him play Buddy Holly at Theatre Aquarius or somewhere across Canada, or attended his successful solo theatre show “Letters To Hope” at Theatre Aquarius last fall, or if you’re just looking for a great night out, you are cordially invited to come join Jeff in celebrating the love and power of live music and intimate songwriting. Jeff’s work is influenced by many styles, though it is the threads of blues and roots music, both old and new, that hold his songs together.  www.jeffgiles.ca  Listen:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMxQ9xtS00M   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3-iF69Yjzk  See more at: http://www.ticketscene.ca/events/11172#sthash.tz2K8Phf.dpuf

SELF HELP PROMOTION WORKSHOP with Shelley Marshall: ONE DAY! Sunday, August 10 11:00am – 2:00pm. $75. Includes USB stick with all shared info including media contact list. Email: shelley@shelleymarshall.com to register. $25 registration fee. https://www.facebook.com/events/810438265641324/
Shelley:  “This workshop focuses on discovering your brand, creating a style of promoting that suits YOUR style and to connect yourself to the world of media and your audience. I’ve worked for the largest Entertainment Company in Canada, I’ve toured 11 countries doing Stand up, I’ve been a radio show host, hosted television shows, produced shows, starred in shows, and this is what I know… You have one chance to make a first impression, this workshop helps you to figure out how to make that impression stick, stay, and grow.
I invite you to come if you need motivation, if you have a hard time understanding what the difference between promoting yourself and bragging is (there IS a difference) or if you want to take your career and run with it.. The point is … YOU are an ARTist and you know there is nothing else you can do but to create YOUR art. You’ll leave feeling inspired, educated and with a USB stick that helps you to plan out your success, including media contact lists, press kit examples, bio writing , CV writing, and so much more.
Whether you are beginning your career, wanting to re-connect with your career or discover if you want a career, this workshop is for YOU.” (more…)

Paul Reddick: Friday, July 25: 8:00pm. $20 /$15 students/arts workers. He’s back by popular demand (and ours)! Paul Reddick calls Toronto home, but his reputation is spreading internationally. The award-winning (phenomenal!) harmonica player, bandleader and songwriter described his most recent CD, Wishbone, as “a soundtrack for dancing and sex.” (!) The January ‘12 issue of Mojo, listed the CD in the #3 spot on its annual list of the Top 10 blues records of 2012. And if those accolades weren’t enough, here’s internationally renowned Scottish crime writer Ian Rankin, a long-time Reddick fan, “Wishbone is terrific!”  When Reddick, nominated for no less than five Maple Blues Awards, was asked “What is the blues?” the answer: “The Blues will always provide a soundtrack, a language, an endless landscape. It offers an unlimited means to express, explore and experience everything and every question that matters most.  It can be the heart singing its deepest song.” http://www.paulreddick.ca  Listen:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dcae11Tx0w

Charity Art Auction/Comedy Show: Saturday, July 19.  Auction and FUN for KIDS: 1pm – 5pm. Kid’s Kingdom proudly presents: Charity Art Auction with 100 kids painting and 100 pieces of art auctioned off for $10!  This is a Free Event with prizes and games for kids.  
https://www.facebook.com/groups/763098573701136/?ref=br_tf 

Standup Comedy Show: 7pm – 11pm. $20 admission. Featuring: Larry Smith, Neil Griffin, Matthew Surina, Voodoo Ray, Kevin Spencer, Maysin’s Dad.
All proceeds go to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hamilton and to the McMaster Children’s Hospital Foundation
Tickets: http://www.ticketscene.ca/events/10842/ 

Robin Benedict’s “By the Seat of Her Pants Fun Raiser” at The Pearl: Friday, July 18: PWYC (Pay What You Can). Doors at 7:00 pm (Hang out, check the auction items…) Show at 8:00. In conjunction with Rebels Rock! Robin, bless her generous heart (although she’s just making sure she can still sing here!) is pulling together a show that will blow our wee minds.  We have Erin and Nara hosting; Cindy Dell and Sue Leonard performing as Perfect Strangers; Robin will sing, of course. Music happening both here and at Rebels.  Added to the final lineup are! Lori Yates and Duane Rutter, Social Animals; aka Chris and Christa Bradbury, Annette Green on piano. There will be a silent auction, 50-50 Draw. Who knows what all might happen! Wow, all you marvelous women. You really know how to get things done – by the seat of your pants!

Board the FRINGE BUS: Friday, July 18^th, 6:30pm. $25 or 2 for $40 (Includes a Fringe Backer Button!).  Never ‘Fringed’ before? Or curious about what this year’s festival has to offer? Supported by and modelled after our popular Pearl Company ARTBus, the Fringe Bus offers a totally unique and immersive tour of the festival hosted by The Hamilton Spectator’s JEFF MAHONEY! Board the Bus at The Baltimore House (the Fringe Club) and celebrate the city’s most lively theatrical fare with a tour of the Hamilton Fringe! Whether you come with friends or make them as you ride, we’ll tour the city to point out all the Fringe hot spots; take in guest performances on route; and drop into see one of the “SHORT Shows in SMALL Spaces.” And we will do all this with Fringe guides, Fringe cameos, and all the Fringe info you need to get you furiously “Fringing”! TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE: http://hamiltonfringe.ca/tickets/ or call 289-698-2234. Sponsored by: Judy Marsales Real Estate Ltd.

Linda Chenoweth Candidate for Ward 4 Public School Trustee: Campaign Launch! Thursday, July 17. Drop by The Pearl Company between 7 and 10 and support Linda’s efforts to represent the children, families and community of Ward 4.  Entertainment, draws, drinks and munchies.
Linda is a 25 year resident of Hamilton’s East End with a Physical Education degree from McMaster University and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Western Ontario. As a Primary/Junior Physical Education Specialist teacher employed by the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board for 25 years, she was passionate about teaching children body awareness, movement skills, and healthy active living. She taught at Rosedale School for 19 years and left because of her disillusionment with the state of education in Ontario. She has decided to act upon her concerns about our education system and seek election as the Ward 4 Public School Trustee.  www.lindachenoweth.com