The Pearl Company

Carlos del Junco and The Blues Mongrels: Saturday April 16, at 8pm Tickets: $20 advance/$25 at the door. Carlos is one of those players whose music is so advanced that he’s not allowed to compete any more (Eight time Harmonica Player of The Year at the Maple Leaf Blues Awards!). Simultaneously sophisticated and raw, his backing 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  Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpuBtxuE_xo

Little Miss Higgins & Jordie Lane: Friday, April 15, 8:00pm $20 /$15 students/seniors/wage-challenged. From the Great Northern Plains of Western Canada, The award-winning Little Miss Higgins struts and serenades her way, guitar in hand, lips blazoned red, onto any stage. As if she just drove in off the back-road of another time with gravel dust and a sunset trailing behind her, this pocket-sized powerhouse plays music brewed up in old-time country blues sprinkled with a little jazz and maybe a hint of folk. Whether it’s songs about passion or songs about panties, she writes about real things in a rooted and poetic way. Guitar and voice are her main instruments and her theatre background brings a “refreshing sound and story to the stage.” As a songwriter, she has been influenced by a range of artists from Memphis Minnie, Billie Holiday, Big Bill Broonzy to Joni Mitchell, Dolly Parton and Bob Dylan. www.littlemisshiggins.com   Listen! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcPas_B_CwA

Hammer Hoppers Presents: Alex Pangman & Her Alleycats: Wednesday, April 13. Doors: 7:00/Lesson: 7:30/Show: 8:00. $15 / $10 with a MacSwing membership card…  Hammer Hoppers is pleased to present Canada’s Sweetheart of Swing, Alex Pangman, to perform at the next social. 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: Florals (April Showers Bring May Flowers). 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

Big Johnny Blue w Special Guest Voodoo Walter: Saturday, April 9. 8:00pm, $20 / $15 students/seniors/wage-challenged….  Like the blues?  You’ll love them Big Johnny Blue style.  Big Johnny’s a Hamilton guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and founding member of The Hamilton Blues Society. He has written hundreds of songs, and played with countless local musicians over the years. He is committed to supporting local music and musicians, especially by supporting efforts to tell the story of Hamilton’s blues history, and the power of music to improve the life of every man.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XE8p_zRZeIs&index=1&list=PLB3320D903F7A1FCE       https://www.facebook.com/bigjohnnyblueandstrangecargo/

An Evening of Kurt Weill: Interpreted by 2^nd Year Mohawk Music! Friday, April 8. Doors: 7:30 / Show: 8:00.The wonderful voices of second year music students from Mohawk College are pleased to present an evening of Kurt Weill. Their performance will showcase the influence Weill had on music created after his time. The evening is sure to be a fun night of fusing past and present sounds! We all know who Sophia Perlman is and what a talent she brings.  This is Sophia’s class; I’ve heard them and they are a talented enthusiastic group itching to show you what they can do.  Don’t disappoint them!

“THIS FOOL’S LIFE”…Robin Benedict & Friends: Friday, April 1. 8:00. Doors: 7:30. Show: 8:00 p.m. $20.00. Told through Comedy, Music and Good Friends! This fool, Robin’s signature style is of raw and fearless vocals, with a distinctly vulnerable cadence, self-deprecating humour, and passion. She packs a powerful punch live. A few high notes: the Video that went viral with 4½ million views; her expansive repertoire of everything from rock, reggae and funk, country, folk and blues; her unique, powerful voice which has drawn international attention, and regular trips to Nashville; and finally there’s her relaxed and humorous stage presence and ability to move a crowd of any size and demographic to their feet. With Robin will be Musical Guests: Walter Cernile / Jamie Cameron; Special Guests: our favourite comedy duo, Erin and Nara with Sarah Farr & Misha Fotos.  Here’s the viral video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVjCZ0IoKUE  Robin singing “What’s Up”: http://youtu.be/kFCCe0hleRA  http://www.robinbenedict.ca/

The Gary Santucci Project: Spanjazz: Friday, March 25. 8:00pm. $20 /$15 students/seniors/wage-challenged.  A collection of musical compositions inspired by world music rhythms performed in a jazz context. Featuring Jordan Abraham – keyboard, Jeff Plumbley – trumpet, Aidan Sibley – trombone, James Gannett – bass, Steve Wilson – drums and Gary Santucci – guitar. All musicians in this newly-formed quintet are highly respected performers in their own fields; the juxtaposition of their different styles and approaches will create the unique sound and experience that is Spanjazz.

LEARNING WITH LEXI PRESENTS: LOVE YOUR VERVE AND FIND YOUR ZING: A March Break Children’s Show! Wednesday, March 16: 10:00am / 2:00pm / 7:00pm. $10 Admission. Love your life and find your ‘get up and go’ is the attitude Lexi brings to her performances. Learning with Lexi (Alexis Rakovac) is a children’s show that promotes the importance of self love, positive thinking, imagination and creativity in your child’s life. She takes the children on a journey. They are encouraged to like themselves, believe in themselves and look to the bright side of life. Through the world of imaginary integrated play and music, we venture into unique situations where children are able to identify their strengths, cope with their challenges, recognize their potential and see that it is okay to step outside their comfort zone and just go for it!!!!
“Children are encouraged to courageously develop life skills for independence and making choices for themselves with confidence. I want so very much to empower all of our children to dare to dream and BELIEVE….” Lexi
“Not only is Lexi an engaging and entertaining personality, she is as genuine as they come.  Our children adore her….”
“She has a special gift for connecting with children and she shares that gift passionately.”
www.learningwithlexi.ca FB: learningwithlexi  learningwithlexi123@gmail.com

Sherman Downey: Saturday, March 12. Doors: 7:30. Showtime: 8:00 PM. $20/$15. With infectious melodies, toe-tapping rhythms, and a story to tell, multiple award-winning Sherman Downey presents his craft with a charm and poignancy that leaves a lasting impression. After releasing his 2009 debut “Honey For Bees”, Sherman took his energetic performances to stages ranging from the Vancouver Olympics to Australia’s Woodford Folk Festival, earning international radio play. His highly anticipated  second release “The Sun In Your Eyes” was awarded MusicNL’s ‘Pop/Rock Recording of the Year’ and earned him Newfoundland and Labrador’s ‘SOCAN Songwriter of the Year’ distinction. The album’s first single ‘Thick as Thieves’ won CBC’s inaugural Searchlight Prize and ‘Canada’s Best New Artist’ accolade, while increasing his profile as a touring act and garnering an even broader fan base.
As work begins on his third album, Sherman Downey continues to craft songs that are both whimsical and poignant; performing them with unabashed honesty and has carved out a spot as one of Canada’s must-see acts. www.shermandowney.ca   Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCg3CtDs9YY

Big Johnny Blue w Special Guest Richard Thornton of The Jack De Keyzer Band: Friday, March 11. 8:00pm, $20 / $15 students/seniors/wage-challenged….  Like the blues?  You’ll love them Big Johnny Blue style. Big Johnny & Strange Cargo welcome Richard Thornton to The Pearl Company for a night of great music and great blues. Richard is the saxaphonist for the Jack De keyzer Band. Big Johnny’s a Hamilton guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and founding member of The Hamilton Blues Society. He has written hundreds of songs, and played with countless local musicians over the years. He is committed to supporting local music and musicians, especially by supporting efforts to tell the story of Hamilton’s blues history, and the power of music to improve the life of every man. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XE8p_zRZeIs&index=1&list=PLB3320D903F7A1FCE   https://www.facebook.com/bigjohnnyblueandstrangecargo/

Ted Basciano: WHO IMAGINED?! Friday, March 4: 7:00–10:00pm. Art Opening: No Charge. Ted Basciano is a nomad and the thread that brings him back home is his art.  He does much of his work when he is away in Korea, teaching; he comes back home to show it. His quirky, very “Ted” works are mostly colourful, mosaic sculptures on a variety of themes which have evolved from his experiences in Korea. The shards have been gathered from the streets and temples of Naju and other areas in the Asian country. This new work depicts whimsical figures and complete abstract forms.  “The characters in my new works show a range of emotions: joy, wonder, thankfulness, frustration, anxiousness, and sorrow.  All of the characters have been given simplified settings: a bedroom, a park, a cafe. I have used a variety of symbols: hearts, sunbeams, tears.  With emotions, settings, and symbols, I have tried to be a storyteller.”

FOR GEORGE 2016: Friday, February 26. Doors 7:30/Show 8:00. Tickets are $15, available at the door and online at ticketscene.ca  A musical event celebrating the life and music of George Harrison featuring local independent musicians and hosted by Christopher Clause. All moneys raised go towards “gracenotes” (musician benevolent fund) and the Debbie Clause Recording Fund. The brand new recording, “THE WORD IS LOVE” will be available at the shows as well as other music and merchandise from the guest artists.
The guests for FOR GEORGE are as follows (line up subject to change):
Kim and Frank Koren
Andy Griffiths
The Wonderwalls featuring James Greenspan, Johnny Mack, Mark Ripp & Taras Skirkos
The Barr Band
Dave Pomfret and more!!!!
Featuring the Kings of Marigold as the backing band for the night:
Chris Jamieson
Michael Scott
Peter Taplay
Bec Jamieson

Hammer Hoppers Presents: Bertie & The Gents: Wednesday, February 24. Doors: 7:00/Lesson: 7:30/Show: 8:00. $15 / $10 with a MacSwing membership card…  Hammer Hoppers is overjoyed to be presenting Bertie & The Gents at their next social dance. Pianist and band leader Roberta Hunt is sought after throughout Ontario to bring her charismatic and dynamic music for swing dancers. Her music embodies the spirit of New Orleans jazz having participated in the French Quarter Festival in New Orleans among other jazz festivals. Roberta’s infectious energy and exuberant personality will be sure to inspire you on the dance floor so don’t miss out. The Theme: Blue (Broken Hearted Blues)
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: Bertie & The Gents

PUBLICITY PLANNING SECRETS 101 WITH LISA MILLAR: Sunday, February 21. 10am- 3:30 pm. Have you ever wondered how to get that Standing Room Only show or successfully launch a product or CD? For the low introductory price of $60, Lisa’s hands-on workshop will take you through the steps to understand The Product, The Pitch and The Launch. By the end of the day you will have had a chance to fully plan an event from start to finish. Seating is limited to 30 people so reserve your seat now by paying via email at the address below. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact: lisamillarsmusic@gmail.com  Photo by Benjamin Washington https://www.facebook.com/TheRealLisaMillar?fref=photo

Gary Santucci: Solo Guitar: Saturday, February 20. 8:00pm. $20 door/$15 income-challenged(Srs/Stdts/etc.) An intimate evening of guitar music from the masterful fingers of one of Canada’s top flamenco guitarists: Selected Classical guitar, World Music, Flamenco, combined with new works from El Santucci. Trained in Spain (and Canada) and playing his unique brand of flamenco and world music for over 35 years, he has become a consummate musician whose repertoire spans numerous genres. Among his awards is Best Classical Musician 1982 [Hamilton Wentworth Council of the Arts],  The City of Hamilton Arts Award for Music 2004, and together with Barbara Milne, The City of Hamilton Arts Award 2008 for Lifetime Achievement.  Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzKBk4LxbRU