The Pearl Company

The Pearl Company Canadian Theatre Festival: August 15-24. $15/show. Social commentary, political satire, comedy, music and spoken word will abound this year at The Pearl Company Canadian Theatre Festival.
The play lineup includes Stephen Harper as a dummy (Stephen Harper: The Musical) and a comedy about a straight man who inadvertently finds himself as best man in an illegal gay marriage ceremony (Boris Chemanski: Defender of Freedom).
Special one-night only events include a “Comedy Cavalcade” with Larry Smith, a delightful one-woman show with Alyssa LeClair, spoken word artists Regie Calico (New York), David Bateman, and Haiku Deathmaster Cathy Petch, and the VOC Silent Film Harmonic performing music to the silent movie classics “The Fall of the House of Usher, & “Un Chien Andalou”.  See the Theatre Festival Tab for more information about the individual plays. Tickets are available under the Buy Tickets Tab or at the door.

The Pearl Company
Summer Canadian Theatre Festival

Tickets: $15 for each show.
*Note: Aug 23/24 are combination tickets only: $30 for both shows.
We are offering an All Event Pass for $90 which will allow the purchaser to come to any event more than once (only Harper and Boris are in repertoire). It will also buy you a drink and dessert each time!

Tickets available online at www.thepearlcompany.ca

For more information: info@thepearlcompany.ca ; 905.524.0606 or nltc@bell.net

Art Opening: Abrazos: Saturday, August 10. 7 – 10 pm. No Charge. Cuban artist, Zunayme Romero is a graduate of the San Alejandro Academy of Fine Arts. She has chosen oils on canvas as her medium and the human body as her preferred subject; in particular the bodies of contemporary dance artists, whose art is to present the many facets of human expression.  Romero, in creating her images from live models, not only captures the reality of the naked form but also delves deeply into her subjects, revealing much more.  Her subjects seem locked in a quiet struggle, contorted, enraptured and at times as if in enveloped in pain. The emotions and entanglements often morph into the abstract leaving us to unravel the mystery.  Abrazos is Spanish for Embrace.

The Jazz Connection Big Band with Andrea Superstein: Friday, August 9. Doors at 8:00; Jazz at 8:30. $15 /$10 students/all artists.  “East meets West”. Well-known Vancouver jazz vocalist, Andrea Superstein teams up with powerhouse jazz ensemble, Jazz Connection Big Band, as part of her eastern Canada tour, guaranteeing another swinging, high-energy jazz show at The Pearl! We already know the 17-piece JCBB delivers uncompromising and straight-ahead jazz, funk, and Latin, combining the highest level of musicianship with great charts. Andrea also brings a reputation for hot jazz with a contemporary vibe which promises an interesting meeting of musical minds.  Check out the top GTA jazz musicians who will be joining the JCBB for this special concert:  Mike Malone, Scott Neilson, Bruce Tournay and James Gannett. “This is one of the most exciting, entertaining and musically interesting jazz ensembles to come along in many years – the musicianship, the repertoire and the energy are all of the highest level!!” Nick Deutsch – Co-ordinator, Mohawk College, Faculty of Music. www.jazzconnection.ca  http://andreasuperstein.com Listen: http://epresskitz.com/index.php?u=2691

Steve Poltz: Thursday August 1. 8:00pm. $15 /$10 students/arts workers. Southern California’s (Canadian-born) Steve Poltz,  one of America’s most talented men has been entertaining the world for more than a decade. He is one of the most beloved songwriters of his generation. His music, as both a solo artist and with cult legends, The Rugburns, has enjoyed long stretches in the Billboard top ten, gobbled up acres of mainstream radio and appeared in scores of television shows, commercials and movies. He has collaborated with everyone from Jewel to Glenn Tillbrook to Mojo Nixon, and his legendary live show has earned him a ferocious global fan base.  With his latest record, Noineen Noiny Noin, (1999 in Australian-ese) Poltz is back to remind the world that the intersection of beauty and madness is a majestic place to spend a little time. Poltz’ 13th full-length album is a wind-in-the-face joyride that takes on a jaw-dropping range of themes, including love, murder, Johnny Cash and transvestites. And that’s just one song. This album rocks, beguiles and entertains, opening like a flower with each new song.
Steve and great friend and co-writer Jewel started writing songs together a few years ago and it was Steve who helped launch Jewel’s career. The most memorable and famous of their co-creations would have to be “You Were Meant For Me” which appeared on the Jewel album, “Pieces Of You”. and was one of the biggest selling singles in recent history. www.poltz.com Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4qmqgjj4Do

FIN DE FIESTA: Wednesday, July 31. 8:00pm. $15 /$10 students/arts workers. FIN DE FIESTA brings Spanish passion to Canadian soil. They are a group of flamenco artists recently returned to Canada from Seville, Spain where they spent some time studying flamenco intensively, and are now organizing a tour to perform the new material. Most also perform with Flamenguitos del Norte, a flamenco collective that has performed at flamenco festivals across Canada. The name FIN DE FIESTA translates to “End of the Party”, a reference to the open jam session that occurs at the end of a traditional flamenco show in Spain. It is during the fin de fiesta that the true improvisational and spirited nature of flamenco shows itself, and it is that lively spirit that inspires the group. FIN DE FIESTA is made up of guitarist Dennis Duffin, singer Tamar Llana, and dancers Lia Grainger and Alexandra Talbot. Watch on YouTube: http://bit.ly/1ciqkLK  Read Gary Smith’s article about Lia and Fin de Fiesta: http://bit.ly/1636orM 

CHECK THE REVIEW FOR DEATH AND THE MAIDEN:
http://fringefestivalcommunityreviews.wordpress.com/2013/07/21/death-and-the-maiden/

Death and the Maiden: Written by Laurence Olivier Prize Winning playwright Ariel Dorfman. This is the fourth production that Nortesur has developed for the stage; chosen because it speaks passionately about current international events, it asks tough questions about forgiveness and the role of victims and perpetrators in transitory societies, and it is a local opportunity to see a truly amazing piece of theatre written by one of Latin America’s best contemporary playwrights.  It is raw, provocative, and driven by a cast of characters that are all-too-human. Performed, and designed by emerging professional artists from across the golden horseshoe and the GTA, it is an entertaining, insightful, and extraordinarily powerful piece that delivers an evening of truly engaging theatre.  Thurs.July 18@ 8:00pm, Fri.19@8:00pm, Sat.20@7:00pm, Tues.23@8:00pm, Wed.24@7:00pm, Thurs.25@8:00pm,  Fri.26@7:00pm, Sat.27@8:00pm

AND HERE’S  RIDERGIRL’S REVIEW :
http://fringefestivalcommunityreviews.wordpress.com/2013/07/22/ridergirl-second-review/

RiderGirl: Written and performed by Ottawa based actor and Saskatchewan native Colleen Sutton. Professional sports and
independent theatre meet head on in Tiger Town! This is the story of a young woman whose prairie roots and home team inspire her to get off the sidelines and get in the game of her life.  With the end zone in sight, she fights for every down, but fumbles when she tries to go it alone.  Her team is about to make it – can she do the same?  Come in your colours, GAME TIME is here!  Two?time Rideau award nominee Colleen Sutton will energize your inner fan!  “ **** ½ “The only reason I’ve withheld that last half?star is because I cannot in good conscience give 5 stars to a Rider fan. Other than that, the show was superb.” CBC Manitoba.   Note: Fri. 19 – 2 for 1.  Friday, July 19, 6:30; Saturday,  20, 9:00; Sunday,  21, 2:00; Tuesday,  6:30; Wednesday, 24, 9:00; Thursday,  25, 6:30; Friday,  26, 9:00; Saturday, 27, 2:00

Times, dates, and tickets are  on the Fringe website – www.hamiltonfringe.ca 

Fringe Bus Friday, July 19, 6:30. $25 or 2 for $40 (Includes Fringe Button!) Never ‘Fringed’ before? Or curious about what this year’s newly framed, 10^th Anniversary Fringe Festival has to offer? Board the Bus at The Pearl (a Fringe BYOVenue) and celebrate our most exciting theatrical fair (or should that be fare…?) with a personalized tour of the Hamilton Fringe! Whether you come with friends or make them as you ride, we’ll explore a number of Fringe venues; we’ll stop at the Baltimore House, (this year’s ‘Fringe Club’ where we will receive a vision of the Fringe that is designed specifically for us); we’ll see one of the “Short Shows in Small Spaces”; we’ll party!  And we will do all this with Fringe guides, Fringe cameos and all the Fringe info you need to get you furiously “Fringing”! Fringe Bus sponsored by Judy Marsales Real Estate Brokerage: www.hamiltonfringe.ca For tickets contact: HamiltonArtBus@gmail.com or call The Pearl at 905 524-0606

Amanda Rheaume: Wednesday, July 17. 8:00pm. $15 /$10 students/arts workers. Métis singer/songwriter Rheaume is a powerful vocalist with just a touch of grit and an instantly-accessible roots-pop-Americana sound. Her new album, Light of Another Day is a collection of catchy, country-tinged tracks, notable at times for their airy upbeatness and at others for their goose bump-inducing tenderness. In addition to her superb musicianship, Rheaume has distinguished herself as a community activist, organizing Ottawa’s Bluebird North songwriter showcases, raising money for breast cancer, recording a charity Christmas EP for the Boys and Girls club of Ottawa, and even performing for the troops in Afghanistan…twice. She`s also sung at Lilith Fair. Much of the inspiration for her new album comes precisely from the day-to-day struggles of the developing artist – the automobile breakdowns at the side of the highway, the uninspiring day jobs that help pay the bills, and, of course, the budding romances that die from too much distance. Rheaume is an instantly-likeable artist both on and off the stage and one whose got the voice, the sound and the songwriting chops to share stages with the best. www.amandarheaume.com  Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-cfkDef8W4

Amber: Whiskey Epiphany: Alligator Baby: Saturday, July 13: 8:00pm. $10 at the door. Amber is a local singer-songwriter whose piano rocks her sound: www.ambersings.com  Whiskey Epiphany is an Oakville group, a mix of acoustic rock, folk, and a bit of blues. www.whiskeyepiphany.com  The music of Alligator Baby from Montreal is as quirky, charming, and versatile as its members. They’re an amiable rock band promoting their recently released Album “The Cool Side of the Pillow” www.alligatorbaby.com

Willy Blizzard: Friday, July 12. 8:00pm. $15 /$10 students/arts workers.   Willy Blizzard is a touring band from Vancouver, riding a musical journey that literally spans the decades, even the centuries.  This acoustic trio plays original music in the folk/roots genre featuring beautiful vocal harmonies, guitars, banjo, and stand-up bass. Willy Blizzard is fronted by principal songwriter / lead vocalist John Hough who has shared stages with David Rea, Jesse Winchester, and Valdy, and who is so earth-centred he actually holds a degree in Agriculture. “The richest baritone west of The Rockies” (Vancouver Province). Fran Madigan takes care of lead guitar, banjo, vocals; (he’s translated his R&B beginnings into some cool roots/country lead breaks on his red Telecaster). Andrea Law is on upright bass, piano, washboard, and vocals, bringing great stage presence and impeccable rhythm to the band.  Willy Blizzard’s recent album In From The Cold is essential Americana. Its rich detail has met with generous praise from press and critics both in Canada and Europe. In Willy Blizzard, right brain meets left brain to sustain an enduring encounter through music. “Truly gorgeous Canadiana” —  Penguin Eggs www.willyblizzard.com  Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GP1nhfD3O4I

Amelia Curran: Thursday, July 11. 8:00pm. $15 /$10 students/arts workers. This super-fine Juno Award winning singer/songwriter was nominated again this past year for her great new CD, Spectators and lost to her good friend Rose Cousins (another Pearl Co favourite). What a tricky job that jury must have had! Amelia’s new CD has garnered numerous rave reviews. A meditation on frailty, restlessness, time and its finitudes, Spectators is a highly accomplished disc; it raises the bar on her signature lyricism, and pushes beyond the folk boundaries that have defined her previous releases. “Curran’s sense of adventure extends to her lyrics, which are by turns philosophical and intimately personal…. This is simply superb stuff.” Exclaim.ca.  With a number of East Coast Music Awards and an extensive discography, she’s a songwriter by trade, and a writer at heart.  “One of this country’s finest singer-songwriters.” Montreal Gazette.  www.ameliacurran.com  Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pPn7W4E5SI
Andrew James O’Brien is a 3 time Music Newfoundland and Labrador Award winner (2011). He was named Male Artist of the Year, Rising Star of the Year and his debut album, Songs for Searchers, was named the Pop/Rock Recording of the Year. Jamie Fitzpatrick of CBC Radio’s Performance Hour says he will be, “The next big songwriter to emerge from Newfoundland”. John Clarke, Events Coordinator for the …Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Arts Society says, “Andrew O’Brien plumbs the depth of human experience and bares his heart, soul, and liver in an outpouring of emotion and feeling against a catchy, melodic backdrop of contemporary folk, pop and rock”. www.andrewjamesobrien.com

Clayton Bellamy: Wednesday, July 10. 8:00. $15 /$10 students/arts workers: Most people know multiple award winner Clayton Bellamy from his years with his platinum selling band The Road Hammers, but this is only one piece of a large and varied musical background. His many awards include a Juno for Best Country Recording; he’s a four time Canadian Country Music Award winner Canadian Country Music Awards, and SOCAN Songwriter of the Year award. He’s performed at the Grand Ole Opry and even for President Carter. He’s a radio host in Edmonton, Alberta and he’s got a great new solo album “Five Crow Silver” which he is touring across Canada.
He’s delved deep into his roots rock influences, and enlisted a who’s who of rock n’ roll royalty to flesh out this new collection of songs. The line up includes Garth Hudson (The Band), Bobby Keys (The Rolling Stones), Gordie Johnson (Big Sugar), Hamilton’s Tom Wilson (Blackie and the Rodeo King’s, Lee Harvey Osmond), Audley Freed (The Black Crowes), Mike Plume and his old buddies from The Road Hammers, Chris Byrne and Corbett Frasz. While the supporting cast is truly stellar, the main emphasis is still on Clayton’s hard charging vocals, his cohesive musical vision, and his unflinching autobiographical look at life, love, music and the never-ending quest for redemption and fulfillment. www.claytonbellamyband.com  Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9bIGytjDkc

The Art Bus is Sponsored by Judy Marsales Real Estate Brokerage:

Last Art Bus for the Summer! Check out Hamilton’s unique and constantly evolving art scene! Call Barbara (905.524.0606) or email (info@thepearlcompany.ca) to reserve your seat. Next dates: Sept 6 & 20. Cost: $15/$10 students/artists. Group rates available.  Start: 6:30 from The Pearl.

• July 5: (L’Arche Gallery, Workers Arts & Heritage, Nathaniel Hughson, Book Club Gallery, Manta Gallery) This will be another varied and interesting trip with specially-opened galleries, and tours of places you have never been before!

Sherman Downey and The Ambiguous Case:  Saturday, June 29. Doors: 7:30. Showtime: 8:00 PM. $20. Winners of the recent CBC Searchlight Competition, they’re a roots rock band from Newfoundland armed with an energetic live show, charming melodies, toe-tapping rhythms, and a story to tell, a band that creates an easy-going party wherever their van stops. They write and perform amazing songs on a wild variety of acoustic instruments. Formed several years ago, the band has toured relentlessly, developing a solid following for their rootsy sound, born out of the sunshine and blue water of Gros Morne Park and the mountains and fjords of that coast. Their first release, Honey for Bees, is not just a collection of fun songs about muddy jackets, lost kittens and cheap suits. Beneath the rolling bluegrassy folk pop, there is an uncommon sweetness to be found. Check these Quotes: “With thick dreadlocks and a disarming stage presence, Downey unexpectedly puts you at ease. Honey For Bees is a collection of original sounding, feel-good music that will actually put you in a better mood….” The Broken Speaker dot com.  “The album is chock full of positive vibes from beginning to the end. The way the vocals are delivered with spunk and happiness, banjo, a little mild yodeling here and there, and soft percussion all give the listener a sense that Sherman loves what he does.” The Muse. Sherman was awarded MusicNL’s ‘Male Artist of The Year’ for 2010 and the band recieved multiple award nominations including ECMA “Rising Star Recording” and“Best Group Recording”. www.shermandowney.ca    Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCg3CtDs9YY

The Jazz Connection Big Band: Friday, June 28. Doors at 8:00, Jazz at 8:30. $15 /$10 students/all artists.  Catch the powerful sound of this big band in our relaxed and atmospheric venue. The JCBB is a well-established 17-piece jazz ensemble comprised of professional and semi-professional musicians from the Hamilton/Toronto area, performing only the best modern big band charts from the books of Goodwin, Martin, Menza, Rich, Basie, and many other great contemporary composers. Jazz Connection delivers 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. The incredible acoustics at The Pearl easily accommodate their very cool (but hot!) surround-sound. It is always a great evening for the ears!  “Jazz Connection WILL get your blood flowing! These guys swing hard with great charts, infectious energy and stirring solos!!” – Paul Hoffert – Co-leader/founder of Lighthouse  “This is one of the most exciting, entertaining and musically interesting jazz ensembles to come along in many years – the musicianship, the repertoire and the energy are all of the highest level!!” Nick Deutsch – Co-ordinator, Mohawk College, Faculty of Music www.jazzconnection.ca Listen: http://epresskitz.com/index.php?u=2691