The Pearl Company

Photo exhibition: Dispossessed but Defiant: Indigenous Struggles from Around the World: Nov. 26-28 & Dec. 1- 9: 7:00-10:00pm. Dec 6, 2:00-6:00pm. Launch Reception: Dec 2: 7:00-10:00pm featuring a panel discussion, dramatic reading and refreshments. Admission Free at all times.
The exhibition, produced by the CJPME Foundation, features over 120 visually compelling photos taken by both professional and amateur photographers at pivotal moments of indigenous peoples’ struggles in South Africa, Palestine, and Canada. Photos spanning 150 years of history – from the very earliest days of photography – form this exhibition.  The exhibition is moving and inspirational, and provides fresh insights into the histories of indigenous struggles.
The Canadian segment includes many rarely seen images, of Indigenous life in the late 1800s and early 1900s, of the controversial residential schools system, and of more recent confrontations over land claims, resource extraction projects, and fishing rights.  The CJPME Foundation gratefully acknowledges The First Nations of Canada who contributed photos to the exhibition, despite the current demands of their ongoing struggle to overcome the legacy of the residential schools system; and thanks the Presbyterian Church of Canada, which has owned up to its part in the residential school tragedy, for helping to provide photos for this segment.
All three segments of the exhibition have been developed in close consultation with recognized academic specialists in the three respective geographical areas covered. See more re the South African and Palestinian Segments. Read the rest of this entry »

Flamenco Tablao / Cante Plazuela: Saturday, December 5. 8:00pm. $20. Kim Macedo (an Oakville / Jerez de la Frontera based artist) brings a “LIBRE” Gyspy Flamenco style to The Pearl Company, the result of studying improvisational Flamenco with Andalusian gypsy artists and mentors.  Flamenco is the complex coming together of Moor, Gypsy and Jewish cultures of the Andalusian landscape. These cultures fused together lend each their own rich colour and emotion to the already rich folkloric art of Andalusia. At a time when repression was high in Spain , Flamenco thrived in private fiestas and in the caves of Sacromonte in Granada. This is the spirit that Cante Plazuela / Flamenco Tablao brings!
The players are : Manuel Moneo Carrasco a Jerez gypsy singer from the barrios of the Plazuela and San Miguel. Jose Vega Jurado a world class concert guitarist from Cadiz, based in Toronto. Carla Soto a viviacious and exhuberent Toronto based dancer with Venezuelan roots, and Kim Macedo an intense gypsy style dancer, inspired in the juergas (jam sessions) of Jerez – with their distinct love of Flamenco, invite you into their evening of heart wrenching song and percussive dance and guitar conversations. Take a look: https://youtu.be/JMeyl8dStjQ

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HEILLIG MANOEUVRE: Friday, December 4. 8:00pm. $20 door/$15 artists/students/un(der)waged. Friendly. Contemporary. Jazz! Heillig Manoeuvre is a Toronto-based quartet formed by Manteca bassist/Musical Director Henry Heillig.  The band’s repertoire is primarily original material which Heillig describes as “friendly, contemporary jazz”.  Of his writing style, Heillig says: “Many of my compositions are inspired by people and places, even the odd cartoon character. Like many a jazz standard, they are written as songs, and they become jazz as we perform them.”
Drummer Charlie Cooley still plays with Manteca; Saxophonist Alison Young has been heard with Joe Sealy, Red Hot Ramble, Big Rude Jake. Pianist Stacie McGregor was Musical Director for the late Archie Alleyne’s  bop ensemble Kollage. They are all accomplished musicians who bring a variety of styles and strengths to the ensemble. The pleasure they derive from each other’s playing is obvious to the listener (and viewer). Heillig says he often feels like Snoopy playing his ‘doghouse’ , smiling and dancing, surrounded by his musical friends.
Heillig Manoeuvre recently released its fourth CD “Wait, There’s More!” Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZFrWL6AyF4 Website:  www.heilligman.com

“Spirit of the Narrows”: One woman’s journey into the world of Aboriginal fiddling. Seven performances only: Nov. 19-22  & Nov. 26-28. $25/$20 Seniors/Students/Un(der)waged. All shows @8, Nov 22 Matinee @2:00.  This fascinating voyage is created and written by internationally respected, award-winning fiddler, Anne Lederman, and performed by Anne and Capucine Onn, As a young musician, Anne became fascinated with the unusual sound of Métis and First Nations fiddling in her home province of Manitoba.
Her journey to learn more introduced her to fiddlers such as Carl Grexton, Emile Spence, Teddy Boy Houle, and a host of others. Entering a world very different from her own, the play is her journey – from present to past, from one culture to another, also from one state of mind to another. It is the story of a uniquely Canadian music, of the people who created it, and who, against all odds, continue to play it. It embodies Ojibwa, Cree, Scottish, French, English, American, and Eastern European traditions, all played on a small box with four strings.
Anne has performed a solo version of the show from Wells B.C. to Aberdeen, Scotland, in theatres, classrooms, folk clubs, and Church basements. In 2004, the Blyth Festival invited her to adapt it to a two-person theatrical experience, which did so well they brought it back for a second season on 2005. The Pearl Company is delighted to revive the show for the first time in Hamilton. http://www.annelederman.com/

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Laura Smith & Naming The Twins: Sunday, November 22: 7:30. $20 advance and $25 at the door. Canadian songstress and icon, Laura Smith, Naming The Twins  with Paul Mills on guitar. ‘The’ Laura Smith, was a household name for many (especially with CBC listeners in the mid-90’s), with her captivating songwriting and haunting voice especially her moving recreation of “My Bonny”.  It has been 16 years since her last album, but songs like “Four Letter Word (for Lonesome),” “Clean Up Your Own Back Yard,” and “It’s a Personal Thing” have built her a loyal following.  A CBC Radio documentary, The Blues and I, told the story of a series of accidents that left her in chronic pain, and addicted to pain-killers. Along the way, she performed fewer and fewer concerts, and lost the will — and even the ability – to write. With the release of Everything is Moving, her recovery and return is a joyful occasion. Her new recording includes five original songs, including “The Blues and I”.  Naming the Twins is the harmonizing duo of Robbie Smith and Kathleen Glauser, whose well-matched voices sound a bit like Simon & Garfunkel if Art was a girl, a bit like Peter, Paul & Mary, if one of the boys was taking the night off. www.laurasmith.ca  Listen:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2sCagV6Ayw   http://www.namingthetwins.com

Zachary’s Paws For Healing: Holiday Dog Portrait Fundraiser.  Saturday, November 21.  10 am – 4 pm.  Zachary’s Paws For Healing and Juravinski Hospital have teamed up to be the first in Canada to provide a unique pet visitation program for hospital patients.  Zachary’s Paws For Healing facilitates visits with patients and their own companion dog or cat.  They are strictly a volunteer organization and rely on donations and fundraisers.
Whether your dog has been naughty or nice, you will want a professional portrait keepsake of your pet.  No appointment necessary.  No sitting fee.  One portrait $25 or two portraits for $40.  Holiday props and costumes will be available or you can have the portrait of your dog done tout naturel. Come out for a great cause and have your pet’s portrait done by well-known dog photographers. Contact:  Donna Jenkins, Founder, Zachary’s Paws For Healing: zacharyspawsforhealing@gmail.com  289-682-7925 www.zacharyspawsforhealing.com
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Andy White: Sunday, November 15. 8:00pm. $20 door/$15 artists/students: 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 and toured the world many times over. This singer-songwriter carries a 12-string guitar and wears his particular brand of Irish charm on his sleeve. With the political edge of Billy Bragg, the romance of David Gray and the Celtic lyricism of the Waterboys, Andy is a fully paid up ‘21st Century Troubadour’ (and that’s also the title of his first book, recently published in Ireland to rave reviews). You may have heard Andy at The Pearl when he appears as Fearing & White, his collaboration with Canadian singer-songwriter Stephen Fearing. His Latest album “How Things Are” is receiving great reviews; “…wondrous stuff…” Andy Snipper Music-news.com Listen:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ik5i4bPQDGU  www.andywhite.com

Erin and Nara: The Sound of a Premiere! Saturday, November 14. 8:00pm. Advance $15/ $20 at the door. Partner’s in love and laughter, Erin and Nara are pleased to announce their Latest Video Parody Release! They decided to have the talent involved in the parody put on a FULL SHOW to celebrate the event! Performers include: ERIN AND NARA; ROBIN BENEDICT; XTACY LOVE; BRENNAGH BURNS; SCOTTY BAKALAR; SARAH FARR; STEVE PARTON. Erin and Nara are best known for their original song “Sexy Cuz We’re Lesbians” and for being the over-the-top hilarious hosts of Shelley Marshall’s The Full Bawdy Comedy Show at The Pearl. They are unbelievably creative, hysterically funny, and just generally not-to-be-missed!
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_jiv6N2SCE   https://www.facebook.com/erinandnara   www.erinandnara.com

GALEN WESTON Plugged In! Friday, November 13^th. 8 pm doors, 9 pm concert. $15 advance @ Eventbrite. $20 door. Freelton’s own GALEN WESTON returns for a debut Hamilton performance. Fueled by jazz and rock guitarists such as Mike Stern, Wes Montgomery, and Mark Knopfler, the record showcases his formidable guitar talents in the company of some of finest cross-genre musicians in Canada: David Woodhead (fretless bass), Al Cross (drums), Matt Horner (piano & keyboards), Richard Underhill (alto sax) and Rick Shadrach Lazar (percussion); as well as a guest appearance by Prague-born vocalist Lenka Lichtenberg.
“Plugged In represents a two-year journey of writing and recording across a vast musical territory. It’s a sonic and personal exploration with my Yellow Stratocaster, ES-335 and other instruments. The album is the culmination of many hours ….. in the simple yet enduring search of great tones,” says Weston. For more information: Official website: www.galenweston.org  Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/GalenWestonBand  Preview Plugged In on SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/gweston
“… beautifully written and warmly performed … What he calls influences and styles are really his own colors on his sonic palette. ~ Travis Rogers, JazzTimes

The Holy Shift Tour: Grand Finale & Filming! 2 Nights! Wed Nov 11/ Thurs 12. Tickets: $8 in advance online, $10 at the door. Doors at 7:30; show at 8pm on the dot! Canadian pastor and church planter Kevin Makins has been cycling from city to city, speaking in bars and cafes, using history, stories, and (gasp!) the bible to share about how everything is moving and changing… and now the show is coming to the best city in the world: Hamilton! Lots of people are interested in talking about God and spirituality, but don’t feel comfortable in traditional religious institutions. This is designed to work for anyone open and curious about the big questions: God, life, death, how to deal with annoying people in our lives, making peace with your own past, the bible… you know, lighthearted stuff! You don’t need to be religious or spiritual to appreciate the talk. It’s not a church service. The whole thing is designed to be accessible for everyone – believer, skeptic, or somewhere in between.
Jeff Wynands will provide music using only a bicycle and a sampler. It’s weird and awesome. Kevin will give a talk that is part TEDtalk / part self-deprecating personal stories. Conversational will happen. We’ll probably laugh once or twice. In addition to being a live show, we are going to be filming the talk to be released at a later date. Be a part of (very specific) history!
Six days of riding, six nights of shows… it was a terrible idea! But now we just need to bike 10 minutes down the road to this great venue! Get tickets for either night at www.Eventbrite.com  Enter Holy Shift Tour in search.

Big Johnny Blue & Special Guest Frank Cosentino ! Friday, November 6, 8:00pm, $20 at the door. Big Johnny Blue and Strange Cargo welcome blues guitar great Frank Cosentino, to an evening of blues at The Pearl! Frank Cosentino is considered “The Master Of The Blues Guitar”. Just back from his European Tour, Frank is set to wow us with his sound.  Big Johnny Blue is 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. With Strange Cargo and Frank Cosentino, this will be an outstanding show!  https://www.facebook.com/bigjohnnyblueandstrangecargo/    http://cosentinofrank.com/  Listen:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSnjYpA336I

Bob Wegner Birthday Extravaganza – One Man Show:  Saturday, November 7. Doors: 7:00. Show: 7:30 pm. $20. In Bob’s words: “Homecoming solo guitar show after half a year at sea! Arrrrr. A ton of new material in the repertoire, including a complete Pink Floyd album on acoustic guitar.” Bob is a professional musician with many years experience as a performer, songwriter, and recording engineer. Career highlights include playing with Classic Albums Live, performing on Canadian Idol, and after several years of teaching and playing guitar in various theatre productions, he landed the role as one of the two guitarists in the ‘We Will Rock You’ musical in Toronto. He also performs as a solo artist, playing anything from Indian classical music to Bach to flamenco. Bob can play just about any instrument in just about any style: his one-man show is an evening of both great music and storytelling. This is a unique chance to catch this master at his best! http://www.bobwegner.ca/   Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=un5r6Abuk9I

DANIEL CHAMPAGNE Live at The Pearl: Monday, November 2, 7:30:pm. $20 / $15 Students/ Seniors/ Artists. This exhilarating Australian one-of-a-kind guitar virtuoso/singer-songwriter announces his first headline tour of North America with over fifty shows and The Pearl Company is one!. Daniel first picked up his instrument of choice as a five-year-old. He began writing songs at 12, training classically throughout his teens, and performed solo wherever he could. He honed his craft, developing what would become the dynamite live show that he is renowned for today – sharing stages with the likes of Lucinda Williams, Judy Collins, Clannard, and Ani DiFranco. 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 calls Nashville home now. He has since toured non-stop across the continent, picking up an International Acoustic Music Award for best Folk/Americana/Roots song with ‘Holding The Moon’ from his latest album – The Gypsy Moon Volume II and garnered rave reviews from all corners. http://www.danielchampagnemusic.com/  Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdKMLCBuJfY  “The superb talent of Daniel Champagne can’t be explained by mere words; it must be seen to be believed.” 

Week One (Oct 21 to 25) of the 2015 Steel City Jazz Festival is at Artword Artbar. http://www.artword.net/artbar/  Week Two (Oct 29 to Nov 1) is at The Pearl Company. The artist-in-residence for this year’s festival is jazz pianist Adrean Farrugia.   http://steelcityjazzfest.com/

Schedule: 2015 Steel City Jazz Festival @The Pearl

The Koopa Troop: October 24, 2pm FREE. Your favourite videogame hits from Mario Kart to Metroid, played with serious jazz chops! Featuring Tom Altobelli on bass, Chelsea McBride on saxophone, Chris Bruder on keys, Wilson McLeish on guitar and Tyler Goertzen on drums.
The Chris Bruder Quintet play Speak No Evil: October 29   8pm $15/$10 for students/seniors. One of Hamilton’s most exciting and talented young pianists leads an all-star quintet playing the entirety of Wayne Shorter’s classic 1964 album Speak No Evil. Featuring Mike Malone on trumpet, Clark Johnston and bass, Adam Fielding on drums, Scott Neilson on saxophone and Chris Bruder on piano.
The Jazz Connection Big Band: October 30, 8pm. $15/$10 for students. The baddest big band in town, the Jazz Connection are a powder-keg of funk and swing, playing everything from Ellington classics to Janelle Monae, all in their distinctive, powerful style (with a healthy dose of humour on the side). With years of experience under the belts and lauded performances at the Beaches Jazz Festival, Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival and the Rex Hotel, a Jazz Connection performance is always a high-energy, must-see affair.
Terry Clarke with Adrean Farrugia and Neil Swainson: October 31, 8pm $15/$10 for students. The 2015 Steel City Jazz Festival Artist-in-Residence series concludes with a very special performance from Canadian jazz luminary Terry Clarke. Over a career spanning the past five decades Terry has played all over the world with many of the best players in jazz, including time spent with jazz legends Jim Hall and Oscar Peterson. Terry is a Juno and National Jazz Award-winning drummer and a member of the Order of Canada, and will be joined by Steel City Jazz Festival Artist-in-Residence Adrean Farrugia and bassist Neil Swainson.
Intercurrents: Roy Patterson and Brian Dickinson. November 1, 2:30pm. $15/$10 for students. Guitarist Roy Patterson and pianist Brian Dickinson join forces to explore the music of one of jazz’s most famous guitar and piano duos: Jim Hall and Bill Evans, as recorded on their albums Undercurrent and Intermodulation. Roy has played guitar around the world and is an adjunct faculty member at York University, as well a new Hamiltonian! Brian Dickinson is a two-time Juno Award winning pianist who has recorded on over sixty albums, including ten of his own.

Hammer Hoppers Presents The Solomon Douglas Quartet: Wednesday, October 28. Doors: 7:00/Lesson: 7:30/Show: 8:00. $15 / $10 with a MacSwing membership card…  Hammer Hoppers is very excited to offer a special night of dancing to the live musical offerings of the Solomon Douglas Quartet. Musician and dancer, Solomon Douglas is currently based out of New York City and Seattle, and has played in Asia, Australia, and across North America for lindy hoppers at hundreds of dance events. Come find out for yourself why his music is sought after by dancers worldwide. The theme this night is Halloween; come in costume! 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 Solomon Douglas Quartet
info@hammerhoppers.com  http://www.hammerhoppers.com