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/

An Evening with Ryan Van Sickle: Saturday, January 3; 8:00pm. $20 at the door: Born and raised in Dundas, and having travelled the USA, Ryan Van Sickle rocks The Pearl with his 4^th annual “Let’s Welcome the New Year!” show! The man is an excellent singer/songwriter whose yearly visit we enjoy enormously.  Writing songs of character and integrity that resound with the timeless and universal, Ryan Van Sickle uniquely translates the themes of love, war, life and death and the epic and mundane struggles within. Following in the steps of the masters from his native Canada, Ryan draws on the influences of Neil Young, Daniel Lanois, and Leonard Cohen alongside American greats Bruce Springsteen, Emmylou Harris, Johnny Cash, and Lucinda Williams. With the release of his latest album Ghosts Of The Brokenhearted, Ryan emerges as a powerful songwriter; asserting his prowess in building a lyrical highway with a strong voice to carry listeners on the journey. http://ryanvansicklemusic.com/  Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmBiU67-2q8

Come Fill Your Soul with Jazz & Dance Your Heart Into The New Year @ The Pearl!

Wednesday, December 31, 8:00 ‘til ?  $60 per person.  Fab entertainment and a great buffet. The entertainment will be a brilliant collection of super-gifted jazz musicians. We promise fun people, great conversations, musical magic, and lots of dancing before, between, and after the jazz sets!

To welcome in the New Year:

• Chef Gary Santucci will outdo himself (as always) with a pan-global buffet; new dishes will arrive throughout the night.
• There will be two sets from the incredible collection of jazz artists assembled for the evening and
• Dancing between sets. (Musical requests?)
• We need you to RSVP: Buy tickets online, via email, or phone.  We sold out last year so let us know as soon as you do!

In our warm, welcoming ‘lofty’ atmosphere!

Featuring: The Spanjazz ensemble! Check out the all-star line-up! The Spanjazz Quintet includes Jay Burr – trombone, James Gannet – bass, Bruce Tournay – keyboards, Sal Roselli – reeds, Gary Santucci on guitar, and Steve Wilson on drums.  Wow is the word.  Dancing between sets and lots of food and interesting beverages will round out the evening.

Santa’s Big Sleep:  Sunday, December 21. Matinee, 1 pm. Tickets – $10 Adults, $8 children, $32 Family. This is the 12th Anniversary of SBS presented by Northern Lights Theatre. Start your Christmas season with this magical story about children’s love for Santa and the true spirit of Christmas!
There is a worldwide mail strike and no letters are coming to the North Pole. Santa falls into a deep sleep and we discover that it is the children’s love contained in the letters that keeps Santa alive. Can the Elves solve the problem and wake Santa before Christmas Eve, or will the Spirit of Christmas be lost forever? They will need your help!  Written by Lee William Fairbanks. Directed by Luis Arrojo. Starring Alyssa Nedich, Liz Buchanan, Sean Emberley, Tyler Brent, Ella Burns, Rachel Sheridan, Kamryn Wood and Savannah Bourque. nltc@bell.net  or www.thepearlcompany.ca
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Santas-Big-Sleep/214424055300155?ref=br_tf

The Koren Family Christmas! Saturday, December 20 at 7:00pm: $10 / $5 Students/Seniors/ Everyone with a Food Donation. The Koren Family with The Pearl Company will be hosting an evening of music and much, much, more that evening. All proceeds will be forwarded to Hamilton Food Banks (non-perishable donations will be received at the door). Kim, Frank, Marrakech and Jordan Koren will be your musical hosts!!  The musical line-up to date is amazing: Duane Rutter, Hachey the MouthPEACE, Fred Magie, Good Anya, new comers Katie Harbour and Jocelyn Fairman, Liam McGlashon, Quails in the Nest and Josh Lamothe. And, just added, Harrison Kennedy! A few more may be announced in the next couple of weeks….  Don’t miss out on your chance to be charmed and delighted by this beautiful family event while helping those in need! https://www.facebook.com/events/1505450543062890/?ref=br_tf 

AWAKE: The Life of  Yogananda: Thursday, December 18 @ 7:00pm (doors: 6:30) Friday, December 19 @ 8:00pm (doors 7:30). $15/$10 students/seniors/wage-challenged.  Paramahansa Yogananda is the Author of the famous book ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’ Selected as “One of the 100 Best Spiritual Books of the Twentieth Century”. ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’ is regarded worldwide as a classic of religious literature and it continues to appear on best-seller lists after more than sixty consecutive years in print! The world premiere of AWAKE opened in New York City on October 10. Here’s what is being said about the film…
“The inspirational journey of AWAKE is bound to awaken your own path; don’t miss the opportunity to see this epic and timeless film on the big screen.” —-L.A. Yoga Magazine
“Yogananda was truly one of the great spiritual masters. He shone a light that continues to bless millions of us living on the earth today.” —-Marianne Williamson
“The film tapped into Yogananda’s humanity in a way that was profoundly moving and inspiring to me.” —-Ram Dass
“A beautifully crafted film and a powerful story about a spiritual genius.” —-Russell Simmons
www.awaketheyoganandamovie.com See the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oORHVf3cu8M

THE HOLIDAY CONCERT: A Festive Evening of Christmas, Jazz, & Brazilian Music: Wednesday, December 17. doors at 7:00.  Concert 7:30 – 9:30pm. $15/$10 students/seniors/under-waged.  This group; Bob Shields, Mike Malone, Clark Johnston, Carolyn Credico, & Anthony Michelli has played together in various formats for many years. The band consists of some of Canada’s finest jazz musicians and jazz educators and one rising star. All the musicians have roots locally and have been good friends for most of their careers. They all have a passion for good music and wanted to do something special locally for this holiday season. They have chosen Christmas music (of course) as the focus for this concert. However, as all these musicians share a love for both jazz and Brazilian music, they are infusing the concert with these influences. This will be a beautiful evening of festive music!
Carolyn Credico is a ‘not to be missed’ rising talent. Her voice is soulful as well as technically masterful. Bob Shields: Jazz, contemporary, and Brazilian guitar styles with decades of performing and recording experience nationally and internationally with some of Canada’s finest musicians. Mike Malone: Since the nineteen seventies Mike has been one of the country’s leading trumpet and Flugel horn players and arrangers. Anthony Michelli: Anthony is one of our country’s finest jazz drummers. with countless recordings under his belt. Clark Johnston: Clark is one of the most ‘in demand bassists’ around. Performing currently with the finest musicians in Canada such as Don Thompson, Reg Schwager and Terry Clark.  Longer Performer Bios:

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THE NAUGHTY NUTCRACKER! Presented by Love Letters Cabaret: Sunday, December 14. 8:00pm – 9:30pm (Doors 7:30pm) Admission: $20 Advance/ $25 @ Door.  Ever wonder what happened to all the toys too naughty to make it into Santa’s bag? Immerse yourself in Pastel Supernova’s fantasy world, as she invites you into Santa’s naughty toyshop. Witness how unruly toys behave when left to play unattended. Enjoy Burlesque from Toronto’s most edgy, exciting and sexually charged theater dance company! This innovative and interactive company is the creation of Artistic Director and Choreographer Pastel Supernova (dubbed by Flare magazine as “One of Canada’s most influential women”). She is a former international dancer for Nelly Furtado with appearances on the David Letterman Show and more. Pastel packs the stage with beauty and talent using elements of vaudeville, contemporary dance and burlesque to tell stories, explore decadence & primal instincts. Witness a cast whose collective credits include: the National Ballet, the Canadian Opera Company, Mirvish Productions and Second City Productions just to name a few. You’ve never seen them? Here’s a peek: http://youtu.be/1MvSqS1uscY  www.loveletterscabaret.com

Robin Benedict & Sam Klass Live at The Pearl! Saturday, December 13. $15 / $10 students/seniors/under-waged.  Where else can you hear Hamilton’s own Robin in such an acoustically perfect and intimate situation? First there was the Video that went viral with 4½ million views. Then there was CH Morning Live!! But, we were just along for the ride, while the world was discovering what we already knew; Robin Benedict is a STAR! And the pairing with Sam Klass, couldn’t be a better fit! Her expansive repertoire of everything from rock, reggae and funk, country, folk and blues and her unique, powerful voice has drawn international attention, and regular trips to Nashville to record. She is known for her relaxed and humorous stage presence and ability to move a crowd of any size and demographic to their feet. Sam Klass spent 2 years developing his own looping techniques before taking them across Canada. He has added digital beats and instruments to his act, and has stood up from a formerly seated performance to become  a full on singing, dancing puppet of existential forces! Come on out and see this talented pair of singer/songwriters/musicians in concert. Here’s the viral video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVjCZ0IoKUE  and here’s Robin singing “What’s Up”: http://youtu.be/kFCCe0hleRA  http://www.robinbenedict.ca/

Ron Hynes: Friday, December 12. Doors 7:30 / Concert 8:00pm. $20 advance / $25 at the door. Living legend, musical icon, throat cancer survivor… just a few of his tags…. Hynes’ songs are woven into the fabric of Atlantic Canada, he’s won countless awards, and some of the biggest names in music have covered his work (Emmylou Harris, Murray McLauchlan, Valdy, John McDermott).  For Ron Hynes, it’s all about the songs-and the soul-baring stories… and he has a few left to tell. With a songwriting career that spans more than 30 years, Ron is a six-time East Coast Music Award winner, a Genie Award winner and a past Juno, CCMA and Canadian Folk Music Awards nominee. Frequently referred to as the “man of a thousand songs”, his song “Sonny’s Dream” has become a folk classic, performed and recorded by artists all over the world.  He’s an actor, a songwriter/composer.  The feature film about Ron’s life “The Man of a Thousand Songs” debuted at TIFFestival to sold-out audiences and critical praise.  “He touches people… it’s a rare gift for songwriters to be able to distill a song until only its essence remains. He’s a treasure.” Fan.   For more, visit: www.hynesite.org  Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lV6QlEL46Bs

An Evening with Garnet Rogers:  Saturday, November 29, 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 harmonizing with his brother, the late folk legend Stan Rogers and was on the road as a full-time working musician with Stan, until he died tragically in a plane crash. Since then, Garnet has established himself as a formidable solo artist. Again, the Boston Globe; “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. Garnet sings extraordinary songs about people who are not obvious heroes and of small every-day victories; 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

Paul Reddick: Friday, November 28: 8:00pm. $20 /$15 students/seniors/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  

Lennie Gallant: Live at The Pearl! Sunday, November 23, 8:00pm $20 General Admission. CD Release Show! Recognized by his peers as one of Canada’s best performing songwriters, Lennie Gallant has previously released nine albums in both French and English which have earned him a host of awards and nominations from the Junos, ECMAs and Prix Eloizes. A recipient of the Order Of Canada, he had his music taken into space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour by astronaut Julie Payette. He has toured many parts of the world and over 30 artists have recorded his songs.
Gallant has just released his tenth album Live Acoustic at The Carleton, which  contains 16 live tracks, a combination of brand new songs and familiar favourites. New songs include “Has Anybody Seen My Skates”, which premiered on Hockey Day in Canada, “God’s Reply”, “Amelia”, inspired by Amelia Earhart (co-written with Liam Titcomb) and “Abegweit”, which was written for his hit show Searching for Abegweit: The Island Songs & Stories of Lennie Gallant, that he starred in at the Mack Theatre in Charlottetown, PEI, were he performed 57 sold out shows this past summer! The album was recorded over two nights in the intimate atmosphere of the award winning songwriter music club – The Carleton in Halifax.  Website – www.lenniegallant.com  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qONe8HuvFl4&index=1&list=PLCIpsbK97eNaL88TuUqjsChrs0-tzCG_G

You Were My Friend: November 7 through November 22. General Admission: $20. Nortesur Productions and the Pearl Company Arts Centre presents, a new drama by Hamilton-based playwright Adam Riggio, opening November 7. You Were My Friend depicts the financial, personal, and moral strains we experience simply trying to live a dignified life in our harsh world. When 18 year old Vicki (Samantha Nemeth) finds herself unexpectedly homeless and broke, she moves in with a total stranger, the independent and sarcastic Madison (Hannah Ziss). Together, these new best friends become a fortress against the assaults of high costs of living, the drudgery of crap jobs in a sluggish economy, and the hardships of city life. But no fortress can hold out forever, and sometimes the world is too much to bear.
Nortesur Productions is a Burlington-based company dedicated to creating drama that speaks to our time. Nortesur’s previous productions at the Pearl Company include Ariel Dorfman’s Death and the Maiden (2013 Hamilton Fringe), and John Logan’s Red (November 2013). Audience Advisory, Because This Is For Adults: Strong Language, Sexual References, Strobe Lighting, and Smoking. https://www.facebook.com/adamriggiowrites 
SHOWTIMES: At 8:00pm: Fri. Nov. 7/ Sat. Nov. 8/ Sun Nov 9. 2:00/ Thurs. Nov. 13/ Fri. Nov. 14/ Sat. Nov. 15/ Thurs. Nov. 20/ Fri. Nov. 21/ Sat. Nov. 22: All at 8pm:
Sun. Nov. 9 at 2pm

Acting For Non-Actors with Paula Grove MFA: Five Saturdays: November 15^th – December 13^th. 1pm – 4pm. $90 for all 5 classes.
This course is based on a class Paula taught at York University that was very successful. “During the time I taught there it was amazing to watch people transform as they learned theatre games, improv skills, etc.”

Explore – Grow – Play In a Safe Atmosphere!
This class is for you if you want to:
* Learn the basics
* Step outside your comfort zone in a non-threatening class
* Develop confidence and presence
* Become a better presenter and speaker

Call: 289-684-3218 to book with Paula.