The Pearl Company

Robin Benedict & Sam Klass Live at The Pearl! Saturday, December 13. $15 / $10 students/seniors/under-waged.  Where else can you hear Hamilton’s own Robin in such an acoustically perfect and intimate situation? First there was the Video that went viral with 4½ million views. Then there was CH Morning Live!! But, we were just along for the ride, while the world was discovering what we already knew; Robin Benedict is a STAR! And the pairing with Sam Klass, couldn’t be a better fit! Her expansive repertoire of everything from rock, reggae and funk, country, folk and blues and her unique, powerful voice has drawn international attention, and regular trips to Nashville to record. She is known for her relaxed and humorous stage presence and ability to move a crowd of any size and demographic to their feet. Sam Klass spent 2 years developing his own looping techniques before taking them across Canada. He has added digital beats and instruments to his act, and has stood up from a formerly seated performance to become  a full on singing, dancing puppet of existential forces! Come on out and see this talented pair of singer/songwriters/musicians in concert. Here’s the viral video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVjCZ0IoKUE  and here’s Robin singing “What’s Up”: http://youtu.be/kFCCe0hleRA  http://www.robinbenedict.ca/

Ron Hynes: Friday, December 12. Doors 7:30 / Concert 8:00pm. $20 advance / $25 at the door. Living legend, musical icon, throat cancer survivor… just a few of his tags…. Hynes’ songs are woven into the fabric of Atlantic Canada, he’s won countless awards, and some of the biggest names in music have covered his work (Emmylou Harris, Murray McLauchlan, Valdy, John McDermott).  For Ron Hynes, it’s all about the songs-and the soul-baring stories… and he has a few left to tell. With a songwriting career that spans more than 30 years, Ron is a six-time East Coast Music Award winner, a Genie Award winner and a past Juno, CCMA and Canadian Folk Music Awards nominee. Frequently referred to as the “man of a thousand songs”, his song “Sonny’s Dream” has become a folk classic, performed and recorded by artists all over the world.  He’s an actor, a songwriter/composer.  The feature film about Ron’s life “The Man of a Thousand Songs” debuted at TIFFestival to sold-out audiences and critical praise.  “He touches people… it’s a rare gift for songwriters to be able to distill a song until only its essence remains. He’s a treasure.” Fan.   For more, visit: www.hynesite.org  Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lV6QlEL46Bs

YOU CAN DO THAT! Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of A HARD DAY’S NIGHT and BEATLES FOR SALE: December 5 & December 6 at 8:00pm. $20/night/ $30 for 2 nights. 2014 marks the 50th anniversary of two albums released by the Beatles, “A Hard Day’s Night” and “Beatles For Sale”. To mark this anniversary, two fundraising shows are being held at The Pearl. Hosted by Christopher Clause, the shows will feature the best local talent performing in the heart of the city. The monies raised from the show will go to FERMATA HAMILTON, specifically the Debbie Clause Recording Fund, which will assist local musicians in making new, recorded music for the world to experience. There will be merchandise from the musicians on sale (which will make excellent Christmas gifts) as well as fine pop art designed by Kryder (Kristie Costello) who designed the image used on the poster for the shows.
The lineup (as of October 30) is as follows and is subject to change at any moment! Andrew Aldridge, The Barr Band, Jennifer Beehler, Robin Benedict, Bob Bryden, Jen Budd, Katie Bulley, Shawn Brush, Parag Chakravarti, Jeff Chase, Christopher Clause, Matthew de Zoete, Robyn Dell’Unto, Nathan Fleet, Andy Griffiths, Bec Jamieson, Chris Jamieson, AaLia Kesari, Frank Koren, Kim Koren, Marra Theresa Koren, Josh Lamothe, Tor Lukasik-Foss, Fred Magie, Melissa Marchese, Lena Montecalvo, Steve Parton, Michael Scott, Slow Burn Jury, Peter Taplay. Here’s a taste!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAnHQ5AIeAI  https://www.facebook.com/events/1471811463084668/?source=1

An Evening with Garnet Rogers:  Saturday, November 29, 8:00pm $20 General Admission/$15 students/arts workers/seniors: “A brilliant songwriter. One of the major talents of our time.” — The Boston Globe  “The greatest interpreter and vocalist performing in the contemporary folk scene.” — Sing Out.  We already know this, and we know that he was born in Hamilton to parents of Nova Scotian descent.  We also know that Garnet spent hours harmonizing with his brother, the late folk legend Stan Rogers and was on the road as a full-time working musician with Stan, until he died tragically in a plane crash. Since then, Garnet has established himself as a formidable solo artist. Again, the Boston Globe; “Garnet’s vocal and instrumental talents are complimented by an undeniably powerful physical presence — close to six and a half feet tall — with the lungs to match.” With his “smooth, dark baritone” (Washington Post) his incredible range and thoughtful, dramatic phrasing, his music, like the man himself, is literate, passionate, highly sensitive, and deeply purposeful. Garnet sings extraordinary songs about people who are not obvious heroes and of small every-day victories; his over-the-top humor and lightning-quick wit move his audiences from tears to laughter and back again. Though Garnet has enjoyed much popularity over the years, he remains resolutely independent, turning down offers from major labels to ensure that he continues doing music his own way.    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Garnet-Rogers/24500364751   Listen:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHyTxGwAdnk

Paul Reddick: Friday, November 28: 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  

Lennie Gallant: Live at The Pearl! Sunday, November 23, 8:00pm $20 General Admission. CD Release Show! Recognized by his peers as one of Canada’s best performing songwriters, Lennie Gallant has previously released nine albums in both French and English which have earned him a host of awards and nominations from the Junos, ECMAs and Prix Eloizes. A recipient of the Order Of Canada, he had his music taken into space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour by astronaut Julie Payette. He has toured many parts of the world and over 30 artists have recorded his songs.
Gallant has just released his tenth album Live Acoustic at The Carleton, which  contains 16 live tracks, a combination of brand new songs and familiar favourites. New songs include “Has Anybody Seen My Skates”, which premiered on Hockey Day in Canada, “God’s Reply”, “Amelia”, inspired by Amelia Earhart (co-written with Liam Titcomb) and “Abegweit”, which was written for his hit show Searching for Abegweit: The Island Songs & Stories of Lennie Gallant, that he starred in at the Mack Theatre in Charlottetown, PEI, were he performed 57 sold out shows this past summer! The album was recorded over two nights in the intimate atmosphere of the award winning songwriter music club – The Carleton in Halifax.  Website – www.lenniegallant.com  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qONe8HuvFl4&index=1&list=PLCIpsbK97eNaL88TuUqjsChrs0-tzCG_G

You Were My Friend: November 7 through November 22. General Admission: $20. Nortesur Productions and the Pearl Company Arts Centre presents, a new drama by Hamilton-based playwright Adam Riggio, opening November 7. You Were My Friend depicts the financial, personal, and moral strains we experience simply trying to live a dignified life in our harsh world. When 18 year old Vicki (Samantha Nemeth) finds herself unexpectedly homeless and broke, she moves in with a total stranger, the independent and sarcastic Madison (Hannah Ziss). Together, these new best friends become a fortress against the assaults of high costs of living, the drudgery of crap jobs in a sluggish economy, and the hardships of city life. But no fortress can hold out forever, and sometimes the world is too much to bear.
Nortesur Productions is a Burlington-based company dedicated to creating drama that speaks to our time. Nortesur’s previous productions at the Pearl Company include Ariel Dorfman’s Death and the Maiden (2013 Hamilton Fringe), and John Logan’s Red (November 2013). Audience Advisory, Because This Is For Adults: Strong Language, Sexual References, Strobe Lighting, and Smoking. https://www.facebook.com/adamriggiowrites 
SHOWTIMES: At 8:00pm: Fri. Nov. 7/ Sat. Nov. 8/ Sun Nov 9. 2:00/ Thurs. Nov. 13/ Fri. Nov. 14/ Sat. Nov. 15/ Thurs. Nov. 20/ Fri. Nov. 21/ Sat. Nov. 22: All at 8pm:
Sun. Nov. 9 at 2pm

Acting For Non-Actors with Paula Grove MFA: Five Saturdays: November 15^th – December 13^th. 1pm – 4pm. $90 for all 5 classes.
This course is based on a class Paula taught at York University that was very successful. “During the time I taught there it was amazing to watch people transform as they learned theatre games, improv skills, etc.”

Explore – Grow – Play In a Safe Atmosphere!
This class is for you if you want to:
* Learn the basics
* Step outside your comfort zone in a non-threatening class
* Develop confidence and presence
* Become a better presenter and speaker

Call: 289-684-3218 to book with Paula.

What The Folk: Sunday, November 9. Doors at 7:00/ Concert at 7:30pm. Tickets are $15, $10 for the financially challenged. Hamilton’s popular group, comprised of classically trained musicians, What The Folk, performs and celebrates music from the heart of Ontario to the East Coast of Canada, and across the British Isles. They are well known for wowing audiences with rousing harmonies, thrilling a capella songs, foot-stomping instrumental tunes, and various blends thereof. Join us the evening of November 9th to share in songs of glory, songs of tragedy, and songs of hope for a world without war. Gord Simmons will be presenting a brief opening set of music and story, followed by two sets of music from What The Folk: one in remembrance, and then a more typical collection of What The Folk favourites: Their multi-voice harmonies give new life to traditional (and not so traditional!) tunes and pay tribute to Canadian and celtic heritage. Their instruments are: “Guitars, violins, cellos, anything we like that helps us tell our stories; from schooner ships to coal miners and war stories, we mix the sounds of yesteryear with the now.” http://www.whatthefolk.ca/  

Curtains: Saturday, November 1: 8:00pm. Tickets: $15.00/ Students/Artists/Seniors $10.00. “Curtains” is a 1983 Canadian cult horror film directed by Richard Ciupka, and starring John Vernon, Samantha Eggar, Lesleh Donaldson, Linda Thorson and Lynne Griffin.  And! Lynne Griffin will be in attendance! The plot tells the story of a group of actresses targeted by a masked killer at a prestigious director’s remote mansion where they are auditioning for a role in a movie. “Curtains” didn’t create much of a stir in 1983, yet has built a passionate cult following in the years since. There are several reasons why, “Curtains” has a stellar, entirely adult cast and a layered narrative that embraces its eccentricities. The central goal is not to merely slice through the ensemble—though this does happen—but to explore the seedier cutthroat politics of moviemaking and the desperation that often comes when reality does not match up to one’s aspirations. Beyond that, the film features a truly disconcerting killer cloaked in an old hag’s mask, and a round-up of outstanding horror set pieces. The climactic chase through a backstage prop shed, the darkness of the space lit by a large “applause” sign in the background, cooks up crafty tension and a quirky visual spark. The closer one peers into the weird and macabre pleasures of “Curtains,” the more its technical mastery and subtextual implications reveal themselves. Here’s a trailer:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOp7HbnUKic  Check out the recently and beautifully painted new poster by Juan José Saldarriaga!

Nightmare on Steven Street! HaLLoWeeN PaRtY and ShoW: Friday, October 31…Show starts at 8. Doors at 7. Limited Seating; Tickets $25/ $20 advance. MF Arts Productions presents… Partner’s in love and laughter, Erin and Nara are pleased to announce their HALLOWEEN SHOW! This SCaRy… ok… FuNNy SHoW is comprised of Comedy skits, Song and Dance will have you lol-ing and possibly even rofl-ing. Maybe even a blood curdling scream!! With CREEPY GUESTS~ Robin Benedict, Brennagh Burns, and Stevie Pea. Severed Finger Foods, Refleshments! This couple is best known for their original song “Sexy Cuz We’re Lesbians” and for hosting Shelley Marshall’s The Full Bawdy Comedy Show. Open Mic and Karaoke after the show. COSTUME PRIZES AND HAUNTED HOUSE!! ORDER TICKETS ONLINE (coming soon) Reservations recommended. ADULTS ONLY (Nara excluded).  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZH-In4G53bo  https://www.facebook.com/erinandnara 

Light, Water, and Fantasy: Cora and Eric Brittan:  Opening: Sunday, October 26. 2:00 – 5:00pm. No charge. Cora and Eric spend their time between two worlds. From their homes here on Lake Ontario and in Mexico on the Pacific, they conjure their magical and compelling works celebrating nature, life, light, and fantasy. Cora and Eric are natural teachers lovingly passing on their passion for their art. They have enjoyed numerous solo, group, and two person exhibitions, with works in many private and corporate collections. We are honoured and delighted to be showing them on our walls.  They are local art royalty! www.brittanart.com

The 2014 Steel City Jazz Festival! September 23, 2014: The Steel City Jazz Festival is a Hamilton-based music festival celebrating the city’s talented and diverse jazz community. Now in its second year, the Festival kicks off on October 15 and runs until October 26 at two of Hamilton’s premiere jazz venues, Artword Artbar (15 Colbourne Street, James North area) and The Pearl.
Performances at Artword Artbar: Oct 15: The Hamilton Dixieland All-Stars. Oct 16: Chris Platt and Bob Shields; the Jason Jones Unit. Oct 17: The Aaron Zukewich Trio; The Sean Dowhaniuk Group. Oct 18: A Night of Latin Jazz. Oct 19: Adrean Farrugia and Sophia Perlman.

Performances: @The Pearl Company: 
Thursday October 23, at 8 pm, $20.  The Brad Cheeseman Group: Brad Cheeseman’s first release as leader, Mixed Messages, offers all the twists, turns and subtleties of the best modern jazz music, so it’s no surprise that it was awarded the 2013 Hamilton Music Award for Instrumental Recording of the Year.  Plus The Blank Quintet: a group of young Toronto musicians creating their own adventurous take on modern jazz. Max Forster trumpet & flugelhorn, Nick Marshal trombone, Sean Clary guitar, Nick Arseneau bass, Alejandro Luna drums.

Friday October 24, at 8 pm, $20. The Jazz Connection Big Band: a well-established 17-piece jazz ensemble delivering high energy, uncompromising and straight ahead jazz, funk, and Latin combining the highest level of musicianship and great charts in an entertaining show that equally engages both the jazz enthusiast and the casual listener.

Saturday October 25, at 8 pm, $20. Spanjazz: An evening of original jazz compositions inspired by world beat rhythms and composed by Gary Santucci: with Chris Bruder on keyboards;  Steve Wilson drums;  Brandon Walker multi-reeds;  Ian McGillivary trumpet;  Jillian McKenna bass; Gary Santucci guitar.

Sunday October 26, at 7:30 pm, $20. The Steel City Jazz Festival Closing Concert at The Pearl Company. Quarter to Nine: a musical act with Shari Vandermolen on vocals with a 5-piece band. Influences include Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Etta James, Billie Holiday and “big-band sound” bringing you Jazz Standards, risqué blues and torch songs peppered with just the right amount of showtunes for good measure. plus the Messore-Palka Quintet: featuring Thomas Messore vocals, Amber-Leigh Palka vocals, Scott Taplay guitar, Matthew Pullicino drums, Hope Bozzo bass.

Full concert listings,  can be found at www.steelcityjazzfestival.com/schedule. Tickets to all performances can be purchased at the door, and reservations can be placed by emailing steelcityjazzfestival@gmail.com or by contacting the host venues: Artword Artbar, 905-543-8512, http://www.artword.net/artbar or The Pearl Company.
The Steel City Jazz Festival is a grassroots festival made possible through donations from community members and our sponsor NLP Canada Training.
For more information  please contact: Chris Ferguson, Festival Director 905-616-5960  chris.ferguson5@gmail.com

TAINTED: A cross-Ontario reading of this powerful play about the blood crisis. October 21: 7:30. NO CHARGE. A family fights to stay intact when the unimaginable happens. Set against the backdrop of the tainted blood crisis, Tainted is a story about, love, loss, justice, and the enduring power of forgiveness.
Tainted is an original work and premiered in Toronto in 2013, sparking a debate on the current issues facing our public blood system today. Inspired by the true stories of families who endured the worst public health disaster in our history, Tainted is a harrowing, unforgettable story.
This one night event is a special presentation of the play as a rehearsed reading. A short panel discussion and Q&A will follow. Come and share this night with us!
Written by: Kat Lanteigne, Directed by: Vikki Anderson, SM: AJ Laflamme
Cast: Beryl Bain, Dmitry Chepovetsky, Dillan Chiblow, Neil Foster, Alex Furber, Kat Lanteigne, & Maria Vacratsis
http://gromkat.com/tainted/  

Democracy is Dead: Subtitled “What are we going to do about it?” Preview: Oct 14. Runs: Oct 15 – 18. 8:00 pm. Tickets: $15.00/ Students/Artists/Seniors $10.00 or Pay What You Can. Democracy is Dead is a new multi-disciplinary, multi- media theatrical work written and directed by Gary Santucci. It is a wake-up call to the generations of the 60’s and 70’s to join the young people of today to begin to repair the damage that we all have caused and allowed to be inflicted on our environment, our institutions and our societies. The work was inspired through and by the cathartic exercise of creating the Pearl Company Arts Centre in Hamilton’s sacrifice zone. We have made this show affordable for all because we want to see you and hear from you! Info & tickets 905 524 0606

CAST: Gary Santucci – Alpha; Rod Mctaggart – Beta; JonGordon Odegaard – Gamma; Greek Chorus: Francis X. Rocchi – Jason; Val Kay – Helen; Robert Inness – Homer; Jolanta Bace – Aphrodite; David Minnick – Euclid; Steve Wilson – Orpheus.

Tickets available online at: http://www.ticketscene.ca/ (At The door subject to availability) Or from the Ticket Tab at www.thepearlcompany.ca