The Pearl Company

DRUMHAND: Friday, December 7: 8:00pm, $15 door/$10 artists/students. Propelled by a steamroller of drums and energized by jazz horns, DRUMHAND draws inspiration from the circuitous rhythms of hot climates and the melodic spirit of New Orleans parade bands.  Becoming increasingly known for their innovative orchestrations, unique inclusiveness, uplifting vibe, and artistic accessibility to audiences of all ages, DRUMHAND makes use of a diversity of instruments from around the world to enforce a high-energy, interactive performance. DRUMHAND, was not born out of any particular tradition but has been informed by the many that have been willing to share. Founded in 2008 by percussionists David Chan (Shoot the Cameraman) and Larry Graves (Mr. Something Something), DRUMHAND features the horn work of Marcus Ali (Cruzao/Jason Wilson) and Rebecca Hennessy (Hobson’s Choice/Broken Social Scene). www.reverbnation.com/drumhandmusic

Meaghan Smith: Wednesday, December 5. 8:00pm. $18.50. Juno Award winner, Meaghan Smith, her of the warm and winning voice and personality, is bringing her wonderful Christmas Show to The Pearl. Her album “IT SNOWED!” was inspired by her love of the holidays; it’s an eclectic collection of original and standard holiday favourites with her unique modern/vintage vibe. In her own words, “It’s the traditions, the food, the friends, the family, the lights and the music that I love. I want to be a part of the joy in people’s holidays.”  The album features Meaghan’s antique-sounding samples under her pop melody. There’s a simply haunting vocal rendition of the closing track “Silent Night” that ensures that “IT SNOWED” is sure to be a crowd pleaser for seasons to come.  Smith’s voice and personality reach out and will make you an instant fan!  She’s wonderfully accompanied on guitar by her husband Jason Mingo, and this time the rest of her band will be here too. www.meaghansmith.com Since we are co-presenting with Hamilton Place Studio Theatre , tickets are also available through www.ticketmaster.ca or the Copps box office.

Laura Hubert Band: Saturday, December 1. 8:30pm. $10 at the door. With Opener Andria Simone.  As the co-founder and lead vocalist of the Leslie Spit Treeo, Laura Hubert turned to new (or old) avenues to continue to express her vocal gifts when they parted. She reconnected with pianist Peter Hill, and The Laura Hubert Band was born. Laura’s not a jazz diva, nor a straight blues artist, nor just a pop or country singer. She’s a bit of all these, but Laura thinks of herself as a singer of “old songs.” That term perfectly describes the eclectic repertoire of standards, blues, and western swing that she delivers with such passion and style. Laura is revelling in the opportunity to reinterpret classics by some of the singers she most admires, from the classic blues of Bessie Smith to the full-throated ballads of Dinah Washington. And those old songs have never sounded better. http://www.laurahubert.com http://www.andriasimone.com A Richard Flohil /Tom Dertinger co-presentation with The Pearl Co.

“Compilation” Art Opening: Friday, November 30. 7:00 to 10:00pm. No charge. Curated by Amanda McIntyre. From watercolor, acrylic and sculptural paintings, The Pearl Company is hosting an exhibit of 10 talented artists. The exhibit “Compilation” will be on display from November 30th (opening night) until mid January. Artists include; Elizabeth Gosse, Robin Pulver-Andrews, Danuta and Kasia Niton, Amber Aasman, Amanda Immurs, Heidi Perron, Beverly Sneath, Callie Archer and Amanda McIntyre. Come check out these talented artists and maybe find something special for someone on your list.

Old Man Luedecke with Grey Kingdom: Wednesday, November 28. 8:00pm. $15 at the door. Multiple Juno Award winning Old Man Luedecke isn’t afraid to put his neck on the line. His latest album, Tender Is The Night, goes beyond his beloved solo, banjo-driven folk tunes. Driving a Nashville band from beginning to end with his recognizable voice, this is an artist honing his cunning lyrical flair – tenderly pushing the boundaries of his storytelling with his unique mix of folk, bluegrass and pop hooks. His narrative-driven folk songs are playful, coy, and soul warming, rich in metaphor, heart and instrumentation. “I am running like everyone else. Laughing just to keep from crying. I am always trying to find a way to express,” says Luedecke. “I am a prisoner for my appreciation for language; language that moves me is language that is unusual.” “One of the country’s most engaging young performers.” The National Post http://www.oldmanluedeke.ca
Grey Kingdom: Spencer Burton, who feels, writes, and sings under the moniker of Grey Kingdom was born in Hamilton, raised in Kelowna, and has a hankering for travel, eating pie, and hunting for edible mushrooms. Sometimes shrewd, often reflective, Grey Kingdom is unabridged and heartfelt; it’s a medium for storytelling – a guiding light to Burton’s innermost sincerities. http://www.greykingdom.com

Kat Goldman: Saturday, November 24. 8:00pm. $10 at the door.  Gypsy Girl, (11 songs which explore the call to run from one’s roots and the yearning to find what is “home”) Kat Goldman’s third CD is, according to the UK roots music magazine Maverick, “spellbinding.” Produced in both Boston and Toronto (cities she has been moving between for the last 15 years) Gypsy Girl is both tougher and gentler — and far more observant — than most “singer-songwriter” releases. She’s pursuing a degree in English literature at Harvard and Boston University,  that might have something to do with why she writes such literate songs!
Kat’s songs have been covered by Grammy-nominated Canadian band “The Duhks” and have been sought after by Sophie Milman, Dar Willliams among others. Her song “Annabel” was the inspiration for Giller prize nominee Kathleen Winter’s novel. After hearing the title track, “Gypsy Girl,” Ron Sexsmith emailed her personally to congratulate her. This is one serious songwriter. http://katgoldmanmusic.com A Richard Flohil /Tom Dertinger co-presentation with The Pearl Co.

Kate Reid: Friday, November 23. 8:00pm. $15 /$10 students/arts workers. Kate Reid has a stack of press clippings that invariably cite her originality, topical songwriting and laugh-aloud humour. She is one of Canada’s funniest, sharpest new talents – a whipsmart wordsmith with a stage presence 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. Season these songs with one of Kate’s warm, disarming laughs and you’ll understand why listeners of all persuasions have taken such a shine to her. “One woman. One guitar. Lots of attitude”. “Edgy, fun and brilliant” www.katereid.net

Jason Wilson & Dave Swarbrick  with Paul Woolner & Limehouse: CANCELLED – “Swarb” has had to return to England. Sunday, November 18, 7:30 pm doors, 8 pm concert. $15 advance / $20 at the door.  Scottish-Canadian reggae artist and visionary, Jason Wilson & English fiddle legend, Dave Swarbrick are touring their new CD, Lion Rampant, a breathtaking mixture of folk and reggae surveying the history of those rebel musics that have traversed back and forth across the “Black Atlantic” for the past three centuries. The album includes both traditional and self-penned titles, as well as a few modern covers. Alongside a host of genre-stretching originals, we find a Morris set, some Scottish trad and so much more.  Having located the intersections of various rebel musics of the past three hundred years, Wilson & Swarbrick – with help from their friends and Wilson’s fantastic Canadian quintet – invite you to join their folky, jazzy, punky reggae party! Experience the fruits of this unique partnership live on their album release tour. Opening is veteran Toronto roots/folk/rock explorer Paul Woolner and his outstanding band Limehouse, who in March released a well-received EP Suitably Ragged. www.jasonwilsonmusic.com www.folkicons.co.uk/swarb.htm www.paulwoolner.com “To see them live – bringing together reggae, jazz and British folk into an utterly joyful sound all their own – is to witness cross-generational, cross-genre magic…” ~ The Live Music Report In order to read more about these three marvellous musicians:  Read the rest of this entry »

A Bookbinding Workshop with BeetleBarrow Books – Western Hardcover. Sunday November 18, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – A Bookbinding Workshop with BeetleBarrow Books – Western Hardcover. Interested in a traveller’s best friend?  Join Chandra Rice and Lindsay Wood Slavin for the day to learn how to make a Western Hardcover Book. This type of bookbinding is the one we are most familiar with. This durable book is great for sketchbooks and journalling and makes a beautiful handmade gift (only 37 days ‘til Christmas!)
In this workshop, learn how to fold and sew together a series of signatures to create your text block.  Then create a cover and spine to house your text block.  The end result is a durable beautiful book that you’ve made from start to finish!
The all day workshop is $90 and includes use of tools, all materials, and even a home-made lunch. All skill levels are made to look good! Visit www.beetlebarrow.ca to see other classes available and to learn more. To register for this workshop, either use our Etsy Store – www.reversestitch.etsy.com (if you wish to pay with paypal) or email makers@beetlebarrow.ca (to pay by cash or cheque). Like BeetleBarrow on facebook www.facebook.com/BeetleBarrow to keep up with all the bookbinding news.

“Raise the Roof”: Saturday, November 17, 8:00pm.  The Pearl is hosting this fundraising gala and with your generous support, we will celebrate the completion of a fundraising milestone that will see the construction of three desperately-needed classrooms in the Guatemalan village of San Lucas, Ixcan. This town is the birthplace of adopted Hamiltonian, Eugenia (Sheny) Rodrigues. Her special vision was to help the youth of her town to have the education that was not possible for her until she came to Canada.
The goal is to raise $10,000.00 to complete the fundraising and begin construction of the school. The people of Guatemala have suffered a brutal civil war and continue to suffer under the repressive regime.  Education of their young people is the first line of defense for a better future. There are 100 tickets available; they are $100.00 each. If you have attended one of our New Year’s Eve parties this event will be similar, however, with the addition of our favourite 17-piece Big Band “The Jazz Connection”. And yes, there will be dancing!  We would like this event to help Sheny and the many people who have worked on this project for years to realize their dream. For more information on this project and the fundraiser please go to http://www.cheprojects.ca/index.html

An Invitation: The Jazz Connection Big Band! “We have, at long last, produced our first CD – “Live At The Pearl”. To celebrate this milestone we are having a CD release party and would be delighted if you could attend. Details: Date – Friday, Nov 16. Doors open at 8:00. Cover – $20ea/$30couple (includes complimentary CD) There will be “finger foods” and non alcoholic drinks, performances by the current Jazz Connection Big Band and by alumni sitting in with the band to “jam”. Please RSVP as we are expecting quite a number of fellow musicians, media, supporters, fans of good music, friends etc. Hope to see you there!”
Catch the powerful sound of this band in The Pearl’s relaxed, funky venue.  They are a well-established 17-piece jazz ensemble comprised of professional and semi-professional musicians from the Hamilton/Toronto area. Jazz Connection delivers a high energy, uncompromising, straight ahead jazz performance combining the highest level of musicianship with great charts in an entertaining show that easily engages both the jazz enthusiast and the casual listener. www.jazzconnection.ca

C.R. Avery & The Madison 22 Review: Live at The Pearl: The 5-person East Van wrecking crew! Thursday, November 15. Tickets for this Sensational Spectacle are: Adults: $20 (adv)/$25 (door) Students: $15 (adv)/$20 (door). Doors at 7:30pm. Show at 8:00pm.
The masterful outlaw Hip-Hop harmonica-playing, beat-box poetics of C.R. Avery meets with the tasteful art of Hot Burlesque, in a performance, the likes of which you will have never witnessed before! Toss into the mix some dirty 12-Bar Blues and you’ve got C.R. Avery & The Madison 22 Review…all the way from Canada’s West Coast! C.R. Avery is a unique, raw and dynamic performer. His genius lies in many genres – blues, hip-hop, spoken word and rock & roll. His incredible live performances have been described as Bob Dylan in the body of Iggy Pop….  Every show is all or nothing and his fearless approach to all genres of music both on stage and in the studio proves the longevity of this talented, astonishing creator who has so much more to come. www.cravery.com

The Parachute Club & Lorraine Segato: Saturday, November 10. 8:00. $25 at the door. As one of Canada’s most internationally renowned trans-cultural music bands, The Parachute Club has garnered five Junos, numerous memorable performances, and the political yet optimistic “power to the people” song “Rise Up”.  They will be performing and filming for a documentary in the unique ambiance of The Pearl.
Lead vocalist Lorraine Segato, a Hamilton native, fondly recalls “kicking around James Street” with Daniel Lanois. As the relationship developed, Lanois was recruited to produce the band’s debut album before he went on to produce all those other big names. Of course, Grant Avenue Studio is only a block and a half away from The Pearl and Lorraine informs me that she went to Cathedral Girls. Let’s keep it in the ‘hood’!
After reuniting in 2012 with rave reviews at the world renowned Edmonton Folk Festival the band is preparing to release a new single ‘Only Human’ and record this very special intimate concert in Hamilton.  Here’s Graham Rockingham’s article and just in case you need reminding, the old ‘Rise Up’ video is in it! http://bit.ly/SN42bI

The Pearl Company Announces Sponsorship Opportunity: Thursday, November 8. 7:30 – 9:00pm. No charge.
The Pearl Company will be unveiling their sponsorship packages for their 2013 season.  We have a very charming young actor/singer supporter who has been working very hard to bring sponsorship money to The Pearl.  Matt Cassidy has been working with Media Saver Hamilton, putting together some very attractive packages which work both ways – for us and for our sponsors.  The rewards can be more than the warm, fuzzy feeling that comes with aligning yourself with culture!

There will be a wide range of advertising opportunities for local businesses that will help to establish a profitable, sustainable, mutually beneficial business relationship.  We all know a vibrant arts scene improves the community both culturally and economically. We are very excited at the prospect; If you are interested or know anyone who might be, come on down.  There will be food, drink and entertainment on hand.

Amelia Curran: Friday, November 9. 8:00pm. $15 /$10 students/arts workers. Amelia’s on a CD Release Tour and this new CD is garnering rave reviews. A meditation on frailty, restlessness, time and its finitudes, Spectators is both storm and harbour. It is a highly accomplished disc, one that definitely goes beyond orthodox folk territory. “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, Curran describes the craft of song-writing as an act of “expressing the inexpressible, …. describing the indescribable.” “.  In addition to being a musician, Curran is also a playwright and actor, and has had her plays performed in fringe festivals.  “One of this country’s finest singer-songwriters.” Montreal Gazette.  www.ameliacurran.com
Amelia plays to a sold out hometown crowd. Listen to the podcast at Radio 3 CBC. http://radio3.cbc.ca/#/concerts/Amelia-Curran-2009-09-03