The Pearl Company

Ariana Nasr chante PIAF! Friday, October 23, 8:00pm. Tickets: $20/$15 students/seniors. Ariana Nasr’s astounding vocal performance accompanied by Andy Flinn has been delighting audiences all over the Maritimes this summer. It began in 2014 with the addition of a French song to the primarily English repertoire of Andy and Ariana.  In 2015 it has become a full-blown spectacle en français featuring the music of the world-renowned French singer, Édith Piaf.    Already the show has been part of the Halifax Jazz Festival, the Deep Roots Music Festival, Mosaiq Multicultural Festival and many sold-out theatres and music venues in Nova Scotia as well as Ontario. During the show, the songs are all sung in French, however, Ariana has been translating some of the lyrics prior to singing them for the benefit of non-French speakers. A CD “La Vie en Rose” including many of Édith’s hit songs (Non, je ne regrette rien, Hymne à l’amour, La Vie en rose, Padam… Padam) was released in April 2015. Ariana is a singer, multi-instrumentalist and recovering anglophone of Afghan/Canadian decent. She grew up in Wolfville, Nova Scotia where she now lives with her husband Andy Flinn. As the duo Andy and Ariana they have produced 8 CDs of original material and spent many years on the road performing.  www.ariananasr.com/  Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kr_UsZleieY

Lenka Lichtenberg & Fray: Thursday, October 22, 8:00pm. Tickets: $20/$15 students/seniors. Czech-born Canadian chanteuse Lenka Lichtenberg creates aural soundscapes of mesmerizing grandeur and beauty. On this night she performs with her ensemble, comprised of the finest global fusion, jazz and traditional musicians from around the world. Singing in six languages, Lichtenberg seamlessly ranges from innovative expressions of Eastern European and Middle Eastern traditional music to her own compositions which forge her European roots together with North American jazz, Brazilian samba, Indian classical and more, into captivatingly soulful global grooves. Lenka’s odyssey and oeuvre as an artist, parallels her own fascinating journey. The only child of Holocaust survivors, she escaped from behind the Iron Curtain to a new life in Canada, discovering her roots and developing a richly diverse artistic palette along the way. Her ethereal voice can be playful and provocative, or spiritual and deeply introspective. As an instrumentalist, she ranges effortlessly from guitar and keyboards to percussion and harmonium. To date, Lenka has released nine full-length albums. She has toured in 15 countries across four continents and garnered radio play around the world. www.lenkalichtenberg.com/   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I30SvfjMpMU

brenda lennie’s WAM BAM COMEDY JAM – women’s improv show! 15 WOMEN, 10 WORKSHOPS AND THIS IS THE SHOW!! Sunday, October 18. $15. Doors 6:30. 7:pm start. Some have been on stage, for some this is their first experience. these ladies are brave, sassy, will take on anything, they’re smart, they surprise, they’re hilarious! you may know them, come see this side of them!! brenda lennie will coach them thru the process, she is assisted by co host, jim maxwell. the women will play games and do pure improv, hosted by brenda, and jim plays with the students in the show.. A FUN FUN NIGHT FOR ADULTS…ONLY. –
to reserve your seat, hit ‘going’ on the facebook event. it is limited seating, doors open at 630pm. show 7pm, cannot wait!!  brenda https://www.facebook.com/events/1627046334211825/

Dr Faustus: October 8 – 10, 15 – 17. Start time: 7:30pm. Doors 7:00. $20 admission. “Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus is the haunting, macabre tale of the man who sells his soul to the Devil for power and glory.  Its poetry and power have shaken generation after generation and now Make Art Theatre, winners of “Best in Fringe” at this year’s Festival, are bringing the show to life at The Pearl Company. John Faustus, a doctor and intellectual, finds himself frustrated with the frivolous nature of his studies: he cannot gain any real power.  He turns to Black Magic and summons the demon Mephistophiles, who offers Faustus twenty-four years of limitless power in exchange for his immortal soul. As the years go by, Faustus indulges every impulse.  Yet, always, he is tormented by his contract, and must decide between God and the Devil. A perfect outing for October, when Halloween looms large, Doctor Faustus presents a truly eerie story in a way which will delight as well as terrify.  Classical theatre at its finest!”  https://www.facebook.com/make.art.theatre

Kate Reid: Wednesday, October 14. 7:30pm. $15 /$10 students/arts workers. Kate Reid (currently combining her passions in a Master’s degree she is working towards at the University of British Columbia’s Institute for Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice) refined her whipsmart songwriting and warm, wise-cracking stage persona while recording and touring behind three previously released, critically acclaimed independent albums. She is one of Canada’s funniest, sharpest talents – cited for her originality, topical songwriting and laugh-aloud humour. Her socio-political musings about identity, love and queer life are matched with an irreverent, often self-deprecating sense of humour. Reid’s fourth album, and her first for families, children and youth, carries her passion for inclusivity coast-to-coast on an express route to generation next. Queer Across Canada’s collection of groundbreaking tracks traverse a wide landscape of family scenarios as it sensitively addresses (with rootsy rock’n’roll verve) such contemporary realities as surrogate moms, donor dads, same-sex parents, out-of-the-closet fathers, blended families and queer-curious siblings.  “One woman. One guitar. Lots of attitude”. “Edgy, fun and brilliant” www.katereid.net

An Evening with Séan McCann: Monday, October 5.  8:00pm. $25 at the door. A founder of internationally renowned band, Great Big Sea, Séan has spent the last 20 years sailing around the world enamouring audiences from Copenhagen to California. Known as much for his intense sea shanties as his tender ballads, McCann decided it was time to leave the comfort of safe waters and set out on his own. His first post-GBS album, produced by Joel Plaskett, “Help Your Self” is the sound of a man facing his demons and ultimately overcoming them. Now touring the country as a solo artist in intimate venues where he can truly connect with his audience. Séan has also found himself using music as therapy, working with people who face physical, mental, and addiction challenges, and has become a sought after speaker trying to help others to help themselves.
Séan’s journey to find his own peace, love, and happiness continues through his new music. Produced once again by Joel Plaskett, and with an original piece of artwork per song by singer/songwriter Meaghan Smith “You Know I Love You” is a happy collection of songs sung by a man intent on sharing his joy directly with you. Through the years of technological advancement and subsequent social change, two universal energies remain constant— Music and Love. http://www.seanmccannsings.com/   https://www.youtube.com/user/greatbigsean

Allen Swerling’s Farewell Party: Wednesday, September 30. 5:00pm – 8:00pm. Come join Connie and Allen’s family and friends as we celebrate Allen’s life and work. Allen has been so much a part of The Pearl since we started this adventure in 2006.  If he wasn’t helping me stuff ARTBus bags, he was behind the coffee bar or showing his work – he has had a permanent display table at The Pearl for his unique paintings and “cartoons” (which is hardly a word big enough to describe his work!) This will be a pot luck event so if you are able, please bring something. Pass this on to those who knew Allen.

TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE: By Jeffrey Hatcher and Mitch Albom based on the book by Mitch Albom. September 24 – 26, Oct 1 – 3 @ 8:00. Oct 3 also @ 2:00 Tickets: $20/$15 students/seniors/artists. Classical Theatre Presents: A Dramedy About Life’s Greatest Lesson. Directed by Tyler Brent. Starring Steve O’Brien and Peter Anderson. “Take in as much joy as you can.” Tuesdays with Morrie is a play so touching, powerful and celebratory it may change your outlook on life. In this humorous and heartbreaking piece, career-obsessed journalist Mitch reunites with his past-teacher Morrie, who is battling Lou Gherig’s Disease (ALS). This reconnection soon becomes both a weekly pilgrimage and a life-affirming ritual that enables Morrie to teach his final and most important lesson – how to live. This hit story about friendship and the necessity of mentors is a rare gem that is both moving and entertaining.  “A touching, life-affirming, deeply emotional drama with a generous dose of humor.”  – New York Daily News  “Unforgettable! No matter how well you tell the story, the play makes it more vivid, more shattering, more humorous.” – New York Magazine

Bill Powell’s Goodbye Party and Wake! : 1:00pm – 4:00pm Per his wishes, in lieu of a funeral, we are having a celebration of his life. He said, “Throw me a party!” and that’s what we are doing. Please feel free to pass the word out to Bill’s friends. Bill was a great friend and supporter of The Pearl. It is a very mixed pleasure to have Bill’s final goodbye here. You have done so much for Hamilton, Bill.  Hamilton is already missing you.

Les Chiclettes & The Harlequin Singers. Monday, September 21, 7:30pm. $40.  Award Winning Toronto based vocal trio Les Chiclettes (reminiscent of the Andrews Sisters with a French twist) joins forces with acclaimed Hamilton choir, The Harlequin Singers, to present an evening of music and fundraising.
Meet these adventurous and fiercely determined Franco-Ontarian women, with a thirst for novelty and a desire to experience life differently. Les Chiclettes: comprised of Nathalie Nadon, Julie Kim Beaudry and Geneviève Cholette will be presenting their second album entitled, “Voyage à Trois”.  For the occasion, they have joined up with acclaimed community choir The Harlequin Singers to help raise funds for their 2015-2016 season. “Everytime we perform in Hamilton, our show is sold out! … So when the opportunity presented itself to raise funds for The Harlequin Singers upcoming season, we said YES immediately” explains the trio. Michael Barber, Harlequin’s choir director and Les Chiclettes musical director is the common thread between the two groups.  “The Harlequin Singers have been performing for over 45 years in and around Hamilton and the idea of sharing the bill with a professional French vocal trio can only mean two things for us and our audience: fun and more fun!” www.leschiclettes.com   http://www.harlequinsingers.com/  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2lhgd4DljQ

Dala: Saturday, September 19. 8:00pm. Tickets: $30 / $25 Students/Seniors. Juno nominees and winners of the 2010 Canadian Folk Music Award for Vocal Group of the Year, Amanda Walther and Sheila Carabine of Dala write and sing in harmony best described as angelic. Darlings of the Canadian music scene, Dala are poised to bring their fresh brand of acoustic pop music to the world. Drawing upon influences like The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and Bob Dylan, Dala write songs that are both catchy and insightful. Amanda’s ethereal soprano voice blends seamlessly with Sheila’s velvety alto, creating the lush harmonies that have become their trademark. The sheer joy with which they perform is infectious; they are equally entertaining between songs, telling funny and down to earth stories that make every show unique. Dala have opened for artists such as Tom Cochrane, Richie Havens, Arlo Guthrie, and joined Stuart McLean on the CBC’s Vinyl Café. They have performed at The New Orleans Jazz Festival, The Edmonton Folk Festival, California’s Strawberry Festival and Mariposa. In 2009, they were the only Canadian act invited to play at the 50th Anniversary of the Newport Folk Festival. www.dalagirls.com Read the rest of this entry »

Welcome to Our Season!  Friday, September 18: 8:00pm start. $20/$15. We have an exciting season of theatre and music in store for you in 2015- 
16! The Season Preview Gala, giving you a taste of our truly exciting season of theatre and music in 2015-16. What a show it will be!

Here’s the lineup!
Everybody’s favourite comical MCs, Erin & Nara will guide us through the evening (and we will need lots of guiding!)
Previews of upcoming theatre:
Tuesdays with Morrie
Dr. Faustus
Spirit of the Narrows
Music from some Pearl Company favourites:
Leonard, Burns & Dell
Duane Rutter
Rae Billing
Big Johnny Blue
Performances from:
Hammer Hoppers (Dance Nights)
Brenda Lennie (Wam Bam Comedy Workshops)

A new offering  this September is a Season Ticket Package for our Fall 2015 Theatrical Season.  The Season Ticket Package will cost $65 for all three shows — that’s a 15% savings over buying tickets separately!  As an extra benefit, Season Ticket subscribers will receive a pair of 10% discount coupons, which can be used at selected musical performances in the 2015-16 season!
As above, the three theatrical performances we will be presenting this fall are:
Tuesdays with Morrie  (Classical Theatre Company) with Peter Anderson
& Steve O’Brien
Dr. Faustus (Make Art Theatre) with Ryan Sero, Jay Shand, Sean Emberley
and more!
Spirit of the Narrows with Anne Lederman (Internationally respected fiddler with
a story to tell)
Season Ticket Packages will be available for purchase on TicketScene or at our box office from September 1, 2015 to October 2, 2015.
If you buy a Season Ticket Package before or on September 18th, for this jam-packed evening of theatre and music you’ll get in for a mere $10!

Tablao Flamenco Toronto: Thursday, September 17. Doors 7:30/Show 8:pm. $20/ $15 stds/srs.  On the heels of their sold-out show in Toronto, Tablao Flamenco Toronto brings  these vibrant flamenco artists to Hamilton in this tablao style show. Tablao is a colloquial Spanish term for the “floorboard” that represented the local establishments where flamenco artists performed their shows throughout Spain dating back to the 1960’s. The artists featured during this one-night-only Hamilton show are Ana Lia Arias Garrido (song), Nazanin Meshkat (dance), Dino Toledo (guitar), and Zingari Alejandra Garcia (dance). You are guaranteed a true flamenco experience here at The Pearl Company! Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9QC0_lTlWM&feature=youtu.be

CANCELLED! 123 DANCE! September 10, 11 & 12. 8:00pm. Doors 7:30 $15/$10Srs/Stdnts/Artists.  A Call for Dance Artists of all Disciplines and Audiences of all kinds! 123 Dance is a dance festival that offers a platform for choreographers, dancers, and dance companies of all disciplines to perform their work, new ideas, research, and movement explorations. 123 Dance comes from the need to encourage and foster the development of dance in our community, Gary Santucci, Artistic Director of The Pearl in collaboration with John Gerena (Dance Artist, Choreographer, and dancer), Artistic Director of the festival and of his own company – “Grado Cero”, are opening the doors of The Pearl Company for this innovative dance event.  The Festival invites its participants to explore dance and its limits, and to try out new ideas in public.
Ballerina Sarah Murphy-Dyson will be performing as one of our guest artists as will John Gerena.
We are pleased to announce that 123 Dance is introducing a fundraising component to the festival. We couldn’t have found a better fit than the charitable organization DANCING WITH PARKINSON’S.
Why 123? All proposals are: maximum of 3 minutes performance time; Up to 3 elements of props; Up to 3 participants on stage. All proposals must involve the body as a main element of the piece.  https://www.facebook.com/events/972950422726007/

Sophia/Adrean/Ross/Jeff at the Pearl Company! Friday, July 24 at 9:00pm. Doors at 8:30. Tickets $20 ($15 st/sr). Sophia Perlman (voice), Adrean Farrugia (piano), Ross MacIntyre (bass) and Jeff Halischuk (drums) have been playing music together and in various combinations for more years than are worth keeping track. Four musicians who know each other really well, playing songs they really love, just to see what happens. Join them! Tickets available at www.thepearlcompany.ca or by calling 905.524.0606 www.sophiaperlman.com www.adreanfarrugia.com www.rossmacintyre.com Jeff Halischuk: https://www.facebook.com/jeff.halischuk?fref=ts Listen! http://youtu.be/APu1KnTLz0M?list=PLg_IEAnbcRZtAfREQZlg1WW69m06vsbsT