The Pearl Company

Hammer Hoppers Presents: The Peter Shea Quartet: Wednesday, December 14. Doors: 7:00/Lesson: 7:30/Show: 8:00. $15 / $10 students or with a MacSwing membership card. Join us on the dance floor with The Peter Shea Quartet at our holiday dance. Peter Shea hails from the Niagara region and was trained at UofT in Jazz Performance and Composition. Peter has performed on keyboard with comedy groups such as Toronto Second City and Montreal Just For Laughs as well as the hit musical Jersey Boys and has played all over the world and now he and his band will be playing for us in Hamilton so we can dance our socks off. Come hear for yourself why Peter’s music gets the dance floor hoppin’!
Never danced before? We will show you how! We have a Drop-In Beginner Lesson at 7:30PM. Dancing isn’t your thing (yet) but good jazz is? We have lots of extra comfy seating at The Pearl Company. Come be serenaded by Peter’s stylish musical offerings and have a dance with us! The Theme: Silver & Holly. Hammer Hoppers offers dance instruction and socials for vintage swing dances, Lindy Hop, Charleston, Authentic Jazz, and Balboa.
7:30-8:00PM: Drop-In Beginner Lesson
8:00-11:00PM: The Peter Shea Quartet
Listen to Peter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAY1JiG1ZwA

Stephen Jenkinson & Gregory Hoskins: Ramshackling Concerts for Turbulent Times: A night of Grief and Mystery. Saturday, December 3: 7:00pm. $35 door. SOME SEATS STILL AVAILABLE.  On St. Patrick’s Day, 2015, Stephen Jenkinson’s new book Die Wise: A Manifesto for Sanity and Soul was published by North Atlantic Books out of Berkeley, California. Die Wise shares his stories and insights on grief and dying and the great love of life, and it recently won the 2015 Nautilus Award. Video link to Stephen speaking about DIE WISE:
Last year’s book tour brought Stephen’s work to audiences across essentially the world. By fall things gained a certain momentum, and Stephen invited a remarkable Canadian musician, Gregory Hoskins, to join him on the road. These concerts became storied nights of grief, mystery and orphan wisdom for a troubled time. Gregory’s music graced Stephen’s pleas for mercy and for grace under pressure with faithful cantos of muscular sorrow. People came, jammed doorways and stood on chairs and lingered long afterwards, unwilling it seemed to go back to a home unchanged by an unlikely evening of mortal mysteries.
Award-winning filmmaker/media activist Ian Mackenzie joined them on the road in N.Y.C., Boulder, Berkeley and Austin to record those unlikely days and nights. A new film, DIE WISE: The Lost Nation Road, chronicling that tour, is coming out in fall, 2016. In all, some eleven countries and eighty five cities.

GREGORY HOSKINS with TINA NEWLOVE:  ILLUMINATE ME: A Concert and Live Painting Performance. Two nights: Thursday / Friday, December 1 & 2: 8:00pm. $25 door.  A concert presentation of songs from acclaimed Canadian recording artist Gregory Hoskins set against a larger-than-life canvas being painted by Tina Newlove and projected over the singer. The evening begins with Hoskins under the stark light of the projected canvas and ends drowning in colour and form. The songs of Hoskins are cool and warm and sorrowful and hopeful all at the same time and the paintings of Newlove are organic and grounded, abstract just enough to make them otherworldly but recognizable.  The interactions between painter and singer are unrehearsed and the outcome is unplanned as he makes his way through solo renditions of the songs (with a dose of the “between song asides” he is known for) and Newlove’s projected “Hand of God” applies colour in all its’ drippy mess.  The audience gets a taste of the chaos that can lead to form.  And that is where the two meet. www.gregoryhoskins.com   www.tinanewlove.com   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmmUmr0EBKY
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C.R. Avery: Saturday, November 26: 8:00pm, $20 door/$15 students/ seniors/ un(der)waged. CR Avery: Outlaw Hip-Hop Harmonica Player; Beatbox Poet; Punk Piano Player; String Quartet Raconteur; Rock & Roll Matador; Playwright. He is a unique, raw and dynamic performer. He has recorded 15 LPs and presented six hip hop operas; he is writing his fourth book and now paints. His new album All The Angels Didn’t Scare Me, is his 16th.  CR is a Canadian music sensation. His lyrics, vocal delivery, energy, and artistry have won him international acclaim. He is a one-man band, but one for this generation. His incredible live performances have been described as Bob Dylan in the body of Iggy Pop….  Every show is all or nothing and his fearless approach to all genres of music both on stage and in the studio proves the longevity of this talented, astonishing creator who has so much more to come. www.cravery.com

MATT EPP & CHRISTINA MARTIN: Friday, November 25. Doors: 7:30 / 8pm start. $20 /$15 students/seniors/un(der)waged. Award Winning Nova Scotia Singer-Songwriter Christina Martin’s musical journey has led to extended stays in the United Kingdom and Germany, from where she has cultivated a substantial following across mainland Europe. Along the way, she has earned multiple ECMAs and Music Nova Scotia Awards. In this show the Roots/Rock/Pop songstress will perform original tunes from her award winning album It’ll Be Alright (2016 East Coast Music Award – Pop Recording of the Year), accompanied by her guitar player, acclaimed Nova Scotia producer and musician Dale Murray. “Anyone who has yet to experience her music is missing out.” Sarah Waspe, Grapevine Live UK Listen: https://youtu.be/LSsESMeA-i0  www.christinamartin.net
MATT EPP: After eight records of world-class song writing, constant national and international touring, a loving and dedicated fan base, and building himself into a well-oiled music machine, Matt Epp is exploring a new path. That path has been providing the inspiration for his most electrifying and heart-wrenching music to date. Ready In Time, Epp’s recent release, challenges the listener to see their world, their community, their loves with open eyes, and to do right by them. “…Matt Epp is simply one of the best of a generation of fine songwriters emerging … and carrying forward the torch of Canadian songwriting that goes back to Lightfoot, Mitchell, Young, Cohen and Cockburn. It’s what we’re really good at.” Gary Cristall – Vancouver Folk Music Festival. Listen: http://youtube.com/matteppmusic  www.mattepp.com

Dr.Susan Smith of Atzin Mexico Speaks: “THE LONG HAUL: The Building of Creativity and Resilience in a Troubled Mexican Village”: November 23: 7:00. No Fee. Atzin Desarrollo Comunitario, A.C. (Cuernavaca, México) is a humanitarian, non-profit organization based in Cuernavaca, Morelos, working closely with a sister organization, Atzin Canada, in Ottawa. Since 1997, Atzin has responded to the needs of the Tlamacazapa community in Guerrero by gradually establishing programs in four integrated sectors: Health and healing; Income generation for women; Community education and literacy; and Environment, water and sanitation. www.atzin.org

ART Opening: OPIRG McMaster with ATZIN Mexico: “WE ARE YOUR FUTURE: Art & the Women of Tlamacazapa”: Saturday, November 19. 7:00. No fee.The “We are your Future” art exhibition portrays the daily reality of women weavers of palm who live in acute poverty in Tlamacazapa, Mexico. These Indigenous weavers are caught in a complex web of social disintegration and environmental toxicity with water shortage. Today, they are re-creating a sense of worth and identity through a re-weaving of their perceptions of themselves and of their strengths. Seventy high quality palm weavings accompany thirty original paintings and prints, done by two artists, Alejandro Aranda from Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico and Ray Dirks from Winnipeg. Manitoba. Each artist captured different dimensions of village life and illustrated the essence of development with dignity. www.atzin.org

Spanjazz: A Gary Santucci Project: Friday, November 18. 8:00pm. $20 /$15 students/seniors/ un(der)waged.  A collection of musical compositions inspired by world music rhythms performed in a jazz context by the 7-piece world-beat jazz ensemble, Spanjazz.  Featuring Jordan Abraham – keyboard, Simon Wheeldon – saxophone, Jordan Tunney – trumpet, Aidan Sibley – trombone, James Gannett – bass, Steve Wilson – drums and Gary Santucci – guitar. All musicians in this newly-formed group are highly respected performers in their own fields; the juxtaposition of their different styles and approaches creates the unique sound and experience that is Spanjazz. November 18 will also be a fundraising concert with the ensemble. There will be food and refreshments as well as “Art for Sale” at very reasonable prices. More to come.

Shari Vandermolen & SWINGLINE: Saturday, November 12. 8:00. $20/$15 students/seniors/un(der)waged. SWINGLINE is an inspired and accomplished group of musicians hailing from the greater Hamilton and Toronto areas bringing you big-band jazz standards and a little soulful R & B to round things off.  They originally came together purely for the love of music, for playing together, and for developing new musical connections with other musicians. Now they’re in demand.  Shari Vandermolen’s rich vocals filled the niche completing the band and we now get to listen and appreciate!  Shari Vandermolen’s recent CD release kept her busy but she is thrilled to be back at one of her favourite venues with her favourite “little big-band”.  They will have you humming along and tapping your feet all night long giving you that big-band sound you crave!  http://swingline.webs.com/    Listen:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXw_ytuzvFc

Parker Abbott Trio/ Aubrey Wilson Quartet: Friday, November 11. Doors: 7:30 / 8pm start. $20 /$15 students/ seniors /un(der)waged. Two top-quality jazz groups for the price of one. The Parker Abbott Trio is a keyboard-centric group of Toronto based musicians exploring the intersections between two pianists (Teri Parker and Simeon Abbott) and a drummer (percussive powerhouse Mark Segger) and using a huge sonic palette to do so. Using a plethora of keyboard instruments and a pan-stylistic approach to composition and improvisation, the trio has created an utterly original, multi-faceted jazz group. This show is a CD release show for their third album ‘Elevation.’
The show also features a set by the local and highly respected Aubrey Wilson Quartet (voice, piano, bass, and drums, playing standards). The two jazz bands have their own unique sound. There also just might be a Remembrance Day spin on the show…. Listen to the Parker Abbott Trio: http://parkerabbotttrio.com/ .

The 2016 Steel City Jazz Fest! November 2 – 5 @The Pearl: The Steel City Jazz Festival is a Hamilton-based music festival celebrating the city’s talented and diverse jazz community. Now in its fourth year, the Festival kicks off on October 27, and runs until November 5 at two of Hamilton’s premiere jazz venues, Artword Artbar and The Pearl Company Arts Centre.
Check out the complete festival schedule and events at www.steelcityjazzfest.com  and follow them @steelcityjazz on instragram and twitter.
Online ticket sales @: https://www.bruha.com/  
Schedule:
November 2: Hammer Hoppers Present Alex Pangman & The Alleycats November 3: Mike Malone & All-Star Sextet “Kind of Blue”
November 4: Jazz Connection Big Band
November 5: Graduating Students from Mohawk’s Contemporary Music Program: “Scenic”

Hammer Hoppers Presents: Alex Pangman & Her Alleycats: Wednesday, November 2. Doors: 7:00/Lesson: 7:30/Show: 8:00. $15 / $10 with a MacSwing membership card…  Hammer Hoppers presents Canada’s Sweetheart of Swing, Alex Pangman. Vocalist and band leader Alex Pangman knows exactly how to get the dance floor jumping. Her music has been showcased three times at the Montreal International Jazz Festival, on a national tour, and was recently recognized with a Juno Award nomination for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year with her album ‘New’. Join us on the dance floor and be serenaded by Alex’s stylish musical offerings. The Theme: Classic Vintage. Hammer Hoppers offers dance instruction and socials for vintage swing dances, Lindy Hop, Charleston, Authentic Jazz, and Balboa.
7:30-8:00PM: Drop-In Beginner Lesson
8:00-11:00PM: Alex Pangman & Her Alleycats
Listen to Alex: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJcAQPyTkak
Online ticket sales @: https://www.bruha.com/  

Mike Malone & All-Star Sextet! Thursday, November 3^rd. Doors: 7:30 / 8pm start. $15 General Admission. The all-star sextet is made up of Michael Stuart and Darcy Hepner on saxophones, Pat Collins on bass, Kevin Dempsey on drums and Adrean Farrugia once again on piano, performing music from Miles Davis’ seminal 1959 album ‘Kind of Blue’. ‘Kind of Blue’ is regarded as one of the greatest albums (jazz or otherwise) of all-time, and not just because of the quality of the players. Miles’ (and Bill Evans’) compositions have all proven themselves to be worthy standards; each responding capably to multiple interpretations and recordings. The band Mike has assembled to delve into this material is certainly up to the task, featuring a line-up of Canadian jazz veterans who over the years have played with jazz luminaries such as Oscar Peterson, Diana Krall, Tony Bennett, Lee Konitz, Elvin Jones and more.
Online ticket sales @: https://www.bruha.com/  

The Jazz Connection Big Band: Friday, November 4. Doors at 7:30, Jazz at 8:00. $15 General Admission. They’re back!!! 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, 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 engages both the jazz enthusiast and the casual listener. The incredible acoustics at The Pearl easily accommodate their very cool (or 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
Online ticket sales @: https://www.bruha.com/  

“Scenic”: Graduating Students from Mohawk’s Contemporary Music Program: Saturday, November 5. Doors: 7:30 / 8pm start. $15 General Admission.  After their sold-out show at The Pearl Company last spring, “Scenic”, comprised of graduating students from Mohawk’s Contemporary Music program present songs from the American Songbook and the songs that they believe should be added to the list! “Scenic” is: Alyssa Giammaria, Aoife-Louise Doyle, Leah Korkowsi, Chanille Blair, Summer Mortimer, Stephanie Sloss, Chris Power, voice, plus: Ian Brown – piano, Keegan Larose – guitar, Zach Bennigner – bass, Nigel Stewart, drums.  Each musician in the band offers something unique to blend and balance their sound. They are looking forward to showcasing their growth to the music community! Online ticket sales @: https://www.bruha.com/