The Pearl Company

The Big Johnny Blue CD Party: Friday, May 11. Doors: 7:30pm. Show: 8:00. Tickets: $20 / $15 students/seniors/un(der)waged.  We are delighted to welcome and celebrate Big Johnny Blues’ first CD. What a success he has had so far. With sales in the hundreds over the last month, Big Johnny is receiving much critical acclaim from his peers and those in the know in the music and media business. Radio personalities like Ronnie Lindsay in Winnipeg and Darren Flowers of Toronto are playing Big Johnny Blues’ music. CB Rocker in Florida will be calling Johnny to do an interview to introduce his music to the United States. Local blues icon Tim Gibbons told Johnny “not to change and thing” and that “he was jealous” of the new CD. Local music and entertainment promoter Helen Graham says that “this is a must have CD for your collection”. Harpdog Brown was heard saying that the Big Johnny Blues CD “is worth every penny.” Radio personality Judy Marsalles says of Johnny’s CD “a very progressive but strong retro sound that endears your spirit.”
With Thom Adkins opening the show for Big Johnny Blue and Charly Chiarelli coming to help celebrate this most important event, you do not want to miss this hot night of great music with Big Johnny Blue!

Jazz, The Pearl, and Adam Vaughan: Monday, April 13 at 7:00pm – 9:30pm. Enjoy an evening of jazz, flamenco and classical guitar with Gary Santucci and conversation with Adam Vaughan, LPC’s housing and urban affairs critic, and Anne Tennier for Hamilton Centre at The Pearl Company, Hamilton’s performing arts gem. Tickets are $100 per person, including light refreshments, and are available by calling 905-523-6575 or online at http://events.liberal.ca/Event/jazz-the-pearl-and-adam-vaughan.aspx?Lang=en&mi=A

The HamilTEN Festival: April 10, 11, & 12.  $15 / $10 income-challenged.  HamilTEN is a festival of ten-minute plays by playwrights from Hamilton and surrounding areas. With more script submissions than Darren has ever had previously, HamilTEN 2015 promises to be our biggest festival yet! We will be presenting ten 10-minute plays at this year’s festival. A ten-minute play is a streak of theatrical lightning. It doesn’t last long but it should hit its mark! The festival is now in its fourth year (!) and they are back at The Pearl Company with something for everyone: a little drama, some comedy, with a little bit of madness to spice things up. All plays are featured at each performance. Darren Stewart-Jones, Artistic Director, is a theatre producer, director and a member of the Playwrights Guild of Canada. He has produced and directed plays in Hamilton, Toronto, and London. He is the proud founder of The HamilTEN. Festival Tickets available at the door (cash only) online at www.ticketscene.ca or www.thepearlcompany.ca and by email at hamiltenfestival@gmail.com  Questions? Email: hamiltenfestival@gmail.com   Check out: http://hamiltenfestival.blogspot.ca https://www.facebook.com/pages/HamilTEN-Festival/
Show times:
Friday, April 10 @ 8pm
Saturday, April 11 @ 8pm
Sunday, April 12 @ 2pm

Our line-up for 2015, in no particular order, is as follows:
The Bridge by Jessica Anderson
Conversations with a Capital “A” by Robin Sadavoy
Tyson by Kevin Somers
Appearances by Katherine Albers
Evinrude Fabio by Colette Kendall
Barbershop Trio by Blending Reality Productions
Pee & Qs by Josh Downing
The Hourglass by Francesa Brugnano
Saint Catherine of Ontario by Bryan Boodhoo
Matter of Negativity by Sean Hurley Read the rest of this entry »

Paul Reddick with his Band! Saturday, April 4:  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

Tim Crofts/Norman Adams/Lukas Pearse with Gerry Hemingway: Friday, April 3. $15/12 students, seniors, artists, un(der)employed. Intrepid, nimble improvising Halifax trio of Tim Crofts (piano), Norman Adams (cello) and Lukas Pearse (bass) will be joined by American master-percussionist, composer, Anthony Braxton Quartet alumni Gerry Hemingway.  This most virtuous unit will grace the Pearl Company stage as part of their coast to coast Canadian tour of select cities (Halifax, Montreal, Vancouver, Victoria, Hamilton, Guelph, Toronto).   The trio, considered “one of Atlantic Canada’s most creative free music ensembles”, has been presented numerous times on the suddenlyLISTEN Series, at the Festival des Musiques de Création Jonquière, The Halifax Jazz Festival and Re:Flux Festival.  With the addition of Hemingway, fresh, spontaneous interaction is the heart and soul of this unit.  The trio has released their first album, Sonomatopia, in 2008 and a second release, Literal Lateral, followed with Hemingway recently.  Don’t miss this Hamilton first! www.zulapresents.org www.suddenlylisten.com/projects/crofts-adams-pearse www.gerryhemingway.com

Shari Vandermolen with SWINGLINE: Saturday, March 28. 8:00. $20/$18 students/seniors/income-challenged.  SWINGLINE is an inspired group of musicians hailing from the greater Hamilton and Toronto area bringing you big band standards and some soulful R & B to round things off.  The accomplished musicians of this band were originally brought together purely for the love of music with no ongoing commitment to “join the band”, it was simply an opportunity to play together and develop new musical connections with other musicians from the greater Hamilton/Toronto area. It was through these connections Shari Vandermolen’s rich vocals came to the group; she filled the final niche to complete the band and SwingLine was born. SwingLine will have you humming along and tapping your feet giving you that big-band sound  you crave! http://swingline.webs.com/ Listen:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXw_ytuzvFc

Leonard, Burns, & Dell: The Perfect Strangers. Friday, March 27. 8:00pm. Doors 7:30. Sue Leonard, Brennagh Burns, and Cindy Dell are Leonard, Burns, & Dell: The Perfect Strangers. They will be celebrating the release of their CD and performing songs from it with phenomenal (!) band members Andrew Aldridge, Sean O’Grady, Michael Hickey, and Michael J. Birthelmer. The Perfect Strangers, are no strangers to the music world. Solo artists all, in their own right, they have come together as good friends who love to make music, write songs, and sing harmonies. And they’re good at what they do.
Singer/songwriter Sue Leonard: Two world tours with kd Lang; recorded background vocals on “Constant Craving” and Bon Jovi’s “Lay Your Hands On Me”; has an endless list of recording credits; released two independent CDs; has made numerous appearances on television, -The David Letterman Show, Jay Leno, and Saturday Night Live. Now, she has returned to her Hamilton roots and teamed up with Brennagh and Cindy to write, sing lead, and harmonize.
All her life and throughout North America, Cindy Dell has been writing songs and making music: Picked up the bass as a founding member of the band Tin Angel (signed to Atlantic Records with a self-titled album released worldwide); has four independent CDs; currently sings, co-writes, plays guitar and fiddle.
Brennagh Burns, Baby of the group: Found her passion for music at an early age pounding out tunes on the family piano and a battered old guitar; started writing her own songs when she was 14 years old; released a number of CDs of her compositions working with Nick Blagona and Rob Lamothe; shared the stage with artists like The Dharlings, Run for the Hills. Derek Miller, and The Donefors.
www.reverbnation.com/leonardburnsanddell  Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jKwJofWfqE

THEY CAME FROM AWAY: One Night Only. Saturday, March 21. 8:00pm. $20/$15 income-challenged (Srs/Stdts/etc.).  A one-man play written and performed by Trevor McKinven. How did a young man from North Hatley, Quebec make a name for himself by writing a one-man play and performing as… a Newfoundlander…? When all air traffic was ordered to land on 9/11, the small town of Gander Newfoundland absorbed and embraced over 6500 stranded passengers. They had the airport facilities to accommodate the influx but not the hotels/restaurants, so the townsfolk took the displaced into their homes giving them a place to rest a weary head, have a good home-cooked meal, and a dose of old fashioned Nfld hospitality. Of the “come-from-aways” who became part of the Gander family during that memorable week, many left as life-long friends with their host families. Join four of these ‘plane people’ as they reunite and reflect on that week long international slumber/kitchen party. Trevor McKinven imagines their reunion as they remember their forced and extended stay in a place they’d never heard of. With heart-warming humour, McKinven’s play takes a close look at the bonds that were formed in the midst of those tragic circumstances. https://www.facebook.com/trevor.mckinven  Wee glimpse:  http://youtu.be/vF8e4IUHx-o

Gary Santucci: New Works for Solo Guitar: Friday, March 20. 8:00pm. $20 door/$15 income-challenged(Srs/Stdts/etc.)  To all who complain that Gary doesn’t play enough any more (he’s way too busy running The Pearl District and the rest of the world….). Here’s his response; an intimate evening of guitar music: Selected Classical guitar, World Music, Flamenco, combined with new works from El Santucci. Check out the photo – circa 1995 – he was intense back then too. 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

ALAN REID & ROB VAN SANTE: Thursday, March 19. 8:00pm. Doors 7:30 a remarkable pairing of two seminal members of Scotland’s renowned Battlefield Band. Right here in Hamilton! What more can you ask?  With Alan’s faultless pedigree as musician and songwriter and Rob’s unshakeable reputation as a sympathetic musical partner and excellent engineer, any music they produce will stimulate any listener’s sensitivities.
Alan Reid was nominated as composer of the year at the 2009 Scots Tradition Awards, and was a vital member of Battlefield Band from its inception in 1969. They won awards world-wide and throughout, Alan was at the heart of the band, his keyboards underpinning the bagpipes and the fiddle. In being the first to use keyboards as an integral part of a traditional folk band Alan’s contribution to the band’s story has ensured it’s stature in Scottish culture and its influence on today’s Celtic musicians.
Dutch born Rob van Sante is a guitarist of skill and subtlety. His mother was a child prodigy on piano so it is no surprise that music has played an important part in his life. Rob worked for Battlefield Band for 13 years as their sound engineer for both live and recorded work. He accompanied them on all their tours as their ‘fifth’ member until he left the band in 2010. Rob has worked with most stalwarts of the British Folk and Jazz scene. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2ib7hA7aHE  http://www.reidvansante.com

Elise LeBlanc & Band: Saturday, March 14. Doors 7:00 Show 7:30 pm. $15/$10 income-challenged…. On her first Ontario tour, singer-songwriter Elise LeBlanc will be joined by a full band and special guests for a night of original music from her debut album, Runaway Kites.  Set to her own blend of neo-folk and vintage pop, Elise’s bright vocals speak with authenticity and stubborn optimism.  Combining jazzy, old school rhythms with folk instrumentation (think Billie Holiday with a banjo), the songs in Runaway Kites weave a tapestry of sound that’s upbeat, soulful and woodsy.
In 2013, Elise (with a recording grant from FACTOR Canada) worked with Juno-winning producer Howard Redekopp (Tegan & Sara, Said the Whale).  The Canadian singer-songwriter is excited to be returning from the west coast for this special show in her hometown. Now based in Oregon, Elise has been making her mark in the Portland music scene. Oregon Music News raved of a recent performance: “Elise LeBlanc…captivated the room from her first song. Her pipes paired well with her ukulele, bright drums, and exuberant bass, but nothing sounded more appropriate than when Elise sat down on the house piano and belted out her songs. She resonates with the English soul scene, Lisa Hannigan and Adele. Look out for her new album…” Website: http://www.eliseleblanc.com  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/eliseleblancmusic

Jon Brooks: Thursday, March 12: 8:00pm, $20 door/$15 artists/students. A songwriter with an honest, gritty delivery and straight-shooting songwriting (which honours the tradition of folk music) and who is dedicated to uniting folk tradition with today’s stories. His new album of Canadian murder ballads, THE SMILING AND BEAUTIFUL COUNTRYSIDE (Borealis) has just recently been released and is currently subject to lots of excellent reviews; he is bringing this strange and compelling show to his favourite Hamilton venue: The Pearl Company!   “…. The highest aim of song is to invoke empathy – to offer that rare sight of ourselves in others. In this sense, the folk singer is simply trying to politicize love, hence, my contention that today’s songwriter should be a lobbyist for compassion to be our principle representative in government office.” [Amen, says Barbara!]  Brooks’ songs are underscored throughout by his gently weather-beaten voice, the singularly beautiful sound of hand on guitar, and his uncanny ability to press his ear against the heartbeat and the soul of the times we live in. http://www.jonbrooks.ca

Celebrating Gerardo Mansang and Gallery “Casa Mansang”: Saturday, March 7: Starting at 8:00pm to midnight. Cost: $10 at the door. The Pearl Company and  Gerardo invite you to a Fiesta, featuring Gerardo Mansang’s vibrant art. This Colombian artist (trained as an architect) understands colour, warmth, and symbolism! He paints from very large to small canvases, all in brilliant acrylics.  We are planning dancing, great food and perhaps some breakout guitar sessions! A splendid evening of cultural entertainment with a Rumba Loca (Mad Party!). You can win an original Gerardo Mansang art piece.  All proceeds from the evening will go to help Gerardo maintain his gallery and his dream of  a successful life in Hamilton as the brilliant and creative artist he is. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Casa-Mansang-Gallery 

FOR GEORGE: Celebrating the music of George Harrison:Friday, February 27: 8:00pm. Advance tickets: $20, $25 at the door. Christopher Clause and Chris Jamieson organized the first Beatles Tribute Show in 2002, as a way of remembering the life and music of George Harrison on the year anniversary of his passing. This warm and heart-felt collective tribute to George which featured friends and family was held in the grand hall of James Street Baptist Church, now no longer standing but the shows carry on in the new unofficial home of the Beatles’ tribute shows, The Pearl Company. The artists appearing at this year’s celebration are (as of January 29 – line up subject to change): The Barr Band, Jennifer Beehler, Austin Browne, Christopher Clause, Bec Jamieson, Chris Jamieson, Frank Koren, Fred Magie, Steve Parton, Dave Pomfret, Michael Scott, Spider Costello & Stone Blue, Peter Taplay and more!!! Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsoPxd9QKg8 (Sound not great but enthusiasm over the top!) *Funds raised from this show will go towards the Debbie Clause Recording Fund, which will help local musicians get their recorded works completed. Submissions for this Fund will be open until April 10th and forms can be found at www.fermatahamilton.org. Tickets available online through www.ticketscene.ca and Dr. Disc. Read the rest of this entry »

Bob Wegner: A One Man Show with Robin Lee & Special Guests: Sunday, February 22. 7:00 pm. $15 / $20 at the door.  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 being personally selected by Brian May of Queen to play guitar 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. His one-man show is an evening of great music, entertainment and storytelling.  Bob teaches many instruments, and is on the faculty at the Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts as well as teaching privately.  His playing can also be heard on jingles on TV and the internet. As a part of a trio called Euphonic, Bob creates music that almost defies categorization – a hybrid of various styles including latino, folk, ragtime, classical and jazz. Bob can play just about any instrument in just about any style.  Bob does not often display his versatility solo; this is a unique chance to catch this master at his best! http://www.bobwegner.ca/  Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=un5r6Abuk9I