The Pearl Company

The Ernesto Cervini Quartet: Friday, May 18. 8:00pm. $15 /$10 students/all artists.  In just a few years, this quartet has earned a reputation as one of North America’s most exciting modern jazz groups featuring drummer-leader Ernesto Cervini, saxophonist Joel Frahm, pianist Adrean Farrugia and bassist Dan Loomis. Of their recording, ‘There’, The Ottawa Citizen said: “On ‘There’, you can practically hear the musicians smiling and reveling in their creativity and musical repartee. Some superb, high-energy, spur-of-the-moment music.” http://www.ernestocervini.com/

Gary Santucci’s Spanjazz: Thursday, May 17. 8:00pm. $15 /$10 students/all artists.  A collection of musical compositions inspired by world music rhythms performed in a jazz context. Featuring Jordan Abraham, keyboard, Sal Rosselli, saxophone, Rich Moore, bass, Steve Wilson, drums and Gary Santucci, Guitar. All musicians in this newly-formed quintet are highly respected performers in their own fields; the juxtaposition of their different styles and approaches will create that unique sound and experience that is Spanjazz.

Amelia Curran with Anthony Damiao: Wednesday, May 16. 8:00pm. $15 /$10 students/all artists. The National Post describes her music as “a bit like Leonard Cohen being channeled in a dusty saloon by Patsy Cline.”  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
Anthony Damiao plays a mean fingerpicking guitar while  focusing on lyrics and character to bring out the soul of his music.  His introspective songs easily maintain the energy and joy he puts into them.  He also writes articles for such online magazines as The Cord, Spill Magazine, Blueprint, CanadaOrganic.com and for Toronto’s Static Zine. He Greyhounds around Eastern Canada playing songs for people while living in Waterloo, finishing an arts degree, and living on sandwiches and radio. www.myspace.com/anthonydamiao

Ladybird Animal Sanctuary Spring Fair: Sunday, May 13^th. Time: 1pm – 5pm. Admission: Pay What You Can!  A fundraiser to help Ladybird Animal Sanctuary help homeless pets.  What started as the dream of three talented Canadian singers to rescue forgotten animals from high kill shelters and find them loving ‘forever’ homes is now a two year old reality as The Ladybird Animal Sanctuary celebrates their 2nd Anniversary with a Spring Fair.  The event, hosted by ‘Ladybirds’ Melissa McClelland, Lisa Winn, and Janine Stoll takes place at The Pearl Company. ‘We chose Mother’s Day to honour all the Mom’s out there both two legged and four legged!’ said Melissa. ‘There will be free massages for Mom’s, yummy baked goods and beautiful crafts to buy, face painting, crafts and activities for kids…and much more’.
Live Bluegrass from ‘Houndstooth’, Baked Goods, Crafts and Art for sale. Free Massages and Tarot Card Readings for Moms. Face Painting, Crafts, Drum Circle and Yoga for Kids.  100% of proceeds to help homeless animals find ‘forever’ homes. Contact:  ladybirdanimalsanctuary@gmail.com

Alignment: Saturday, May 12, 7:00pm start! $15 at the door: A multi-disciplinary event brought to you by PENTA (People Engaging and Networking Through the Arts), Nationless Minds, and the Burlington Slam Project: Hosted by the dynamic Greg “Ritallin” Frankson, Alignment  converges on 2 floors of The Pearl Company and brings you a stellar line-up of performers and artists exploring where various artistic expressions intersect and align with spoken word.  Spoken word is getting more attention all the time. Performers like Ian Keteku are at the forefront of this movement and PENTA is happy to have him join their first installation piece “Alignment”. The night will be filled with inspiring talents like Truth Is…, Prufrock, Shadowrunner, Hyf, Brad Morden, Electric Jon, The Burlington 2011 Slam Team, and Komi Olafimihan.  Being a PENTA show, these poets will be surrounded by photography, music, film, movement… What better way to experience a painting than to see it made from beginning to end while hearing the influences around it?  PENTA fills beautiful spaces with all the senses. Tickets: Available in advance at various spoken word events throughout April in southern Ontario, or contact PENTA at: we.are.PENTA@gmail.com for online purchase. http://www.wearepenta.com

Impact Africa – Benefit Concert & Art Auction: Friday, May 11 – 7:30pm to 11pm, $20 admission
– kids 12 and under are free.  All proceeds go to the Mennonite Central Committee’s ‘Generations at Risk’ – which sends desperately needed medical supplies and money benefiting those living with the realities of  HIV/AIDS in Africa. Remember to bring cash or cheques! www.mcc.org
Featuring Music by: Darin Martin and Eclectislav
Featuring Art by: Dave Hind, Karyn Black, Heather Vollans, Scott Ireland, Sara Sears, Bryce Huffman, Harry Gils, Dana Cowie, Christina Vandermark, Crystal Sanderson, Sylvia Nickelson, Chris Cuthill, Matt McInnes, Andrew Hunter, Reid Flock

TREASA LEVASSEUR: THIS WOMAN MEANS BUSINESS: Thursday, May 10. 8:00pm. $15 /$10 students/all artists.  This self-proclaimed “classy broad” is smart, sassy and takes no prisoners. Brand new Juno-nominated, blues-based old-school soul, hook-laden songs of lost-and-found love, pride, and affirmation, all delivered by a powerful singer who means every word she sings. She’s on an Ontario tour reprising her new CD, Broad. (All the songs on Broad were written by Levasseur, with the exception of three covers, by Randy Newman, Neil Young and fellow independent artist Mike Evin.) Born in Winnipeg and raised in North Bay, Levasseur is major participant in Toronto’s roots music scene; she plays and records with Corin Raymond, Justin Rutledge and many others. An indication of her versatility and the way she crosses different genres is her list of major appearances at the Toronto’s Downtown Jazz Festival (on a bill with George Benson), the Mariposa Folk Festival, the Beaches Jazz Festival and the Kitchener Blues Festival. www.treasalevasseur.com
Quote: “If I were a Hepburn, I’d be Katherine, not Audrey… I’m a lot more interested in being smart than I am in being cute.”

Ron Hynes: Wednesday, May 9, Doors 7:30 / Concert 8:00pm. $25 at the door. His songs are woven into the fabric of Atlantic Canada, he’s won countless awards and his work has been covered by some of the biggest names in music.  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”, Ron Hynes’ songs have been covered by dozens of artists worldwide, including Emmylou Harris, Murray McLauchlan, Valdy, John McDermott, and Prairie Oyster. 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 the Toronto International Film Festival 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

Matthew de Zoete with Lisa Winn: Colour Film CD Release Concert: Saturday, May 5. Doors at 8pm, concert at 8.30. $10 at the door.  A special full band concert celebrating the release of his third album!  Fresh from playing a three month European tour, Matthew de Zoete is back home in Hamilton to celebrate the release of his third album Colour Film with his full band. Colour Film is produced by Les Cooper (Jill Barber, Good Lovelies) and features gorgeous harmonies by Julie Fader (Great Lake Swimmers, Sarah Harmer); the CD is a big step in a new direction for Matthew. His classic songwriting aesthetic of strong melodies and honest lyrics has found a spacious and modern home. “Think of Nick Drake cheering up a bit and living long enough to work with Beck.” Have a listen online at www.matthewdezoete.com Opening the concert will be Lisa Winn, the very talented singer, songwriter, and pillar of the Hamilton music community. www.facebook.com/lisawinnmusic

BeetleBarrow Bookbinding Workshops: May 5 – June 12
Saturday May 5 – Japanese Stab Hardcover Workshop, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 8 – Single and Two-Sewn-As One Workshop, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Saturday May 12 – Japanese Stab Hardcover Workshop, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 15 – Japanese Stab Softcover Workshop, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Saturday June 9 – Western Hardcover, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 12 – Japanese Stab Softcover, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Saturday May 5 – Japanese Stab Hardcover –  9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Join artists Chandra Rice and Lindsay E. Wood Slavin for the day to learn how to bind books! The Japanese Stab Hardcover binding comes from Japan, and makes an elegant alternative to traditional western forms.  This type is particularly useful for binding together pages that already have something on them.  Poets can bind their writing for loved ones.  Moms can bind together their child’s artwork.  Or blank paper can be inspiration.
In this workshop, bind your own hardcover book using ancient Japanese techniques and modern tricks of the trade. Choose papers, threads, and book cloth to create your cover.  Choose paper for your text block and any ornamentation.  Then bring it all together using a hemp or noble or tortoise shell stitch!  Walk away with a beautiful book with a touch of the east.
The all day workshop costs $70 and includes use of tools, all materials, and even a home made lunch. All skill levels are made too look good! Visit www.beetlebarrow.ca to learn more. Email makers@beetlebarrow.ca to register for the workshop. www.beetlebarrow.ca

Tuesday May 8 – Single and Two-Sewn-As One – 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Join Chandra and Lindsay for the evening to learn how to bind books! Are you a scrapbooker, or card maker, or paper artist looking to expand your craft?  Have you always loved paper and are looking for a way to make beautiful objects from paper?  This playful workshop explores a variety of simple fun bindings.  Single, accordion, two-sewn-as-one, and other simple bindings will be taught in this workshop.  Go home with a variety of books and a whole lot of ideas.
The evening workshop costs $40 and includes use of tools, all materials, and even tea and biscuits. All skill levels are made too look good! Visit www.beetlebarrow.ca to learn more. Email makers@beetlebarrow.ca to register for the workshop.

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Prom at The Pearl: A Fundraiser for Colin Macdonald Community School:
Saturday, April 28 at 8:00pm. Pricing: $30 single / $50 couple / $80 for four.  Music by Voodoo Chicken with DJ Andrea Redhill.  Come on out, support this unique, friendly, child-centred school, and enjoy a fun evening with lots of entertainment, dancing, and good conversation. 50/50 draw; silent auction; finger foods and appetizers; prom photo booth.  Have you still got your prom dress/suit? Wear it! But if you can’t, (for whatever reason) dress for a fab evening out!  www.colinmacdonald.ca

The Jazz Connection Big Band: Friday, April 27. Doors at 8:00, jazz at 8:30. $15 /$10 students/all artists: The JCBB is a well-established 17-piece jazz ensemble comprised of professional and semi-professional musicians from the Hamilton/Toronto area. They perform only the best modern big band charts from the books of Goodwin, Martin, Menza, Rich, Basie, and many other great contemporary composers. Jazz Connection’s approach is high energy, uncompromising, straight ahead jazz. They combine the highest level of musicianship with great charts in an entertaining show that engages both the jazz enthusiast and the casual listener equally. The incredible acoustics at The Pearl easily accommodate their very cool (although also very hot!) surround-sound big-band music; we are delighted to have them back once more and they will return May 23 to 25 for a rousing 3-day recording marathon! Watch for more info re this intriguing experience.  http://www.jazzconnection.ca

JACLYN GUILLOU: Thursday, April 26. 8:00pm. $15 door/$10 all artists/students. An emerging Canadian jazz vocalist performing music that is diverse, eclectic and carefree, this singer bridges the gap between Joni Mitchell and Diana Krall. She’s the total package of prodigious vocal talent, dynamic stage presence and beauty reputed to be Canada’s next big jazz export. Performing in cities worldwide and studying with some of the world’s best jazz singers, ‘To The City’, her debut album, is a colourful album full of texture and rich melody, highlighting Guillou’s compositional prowess.  Interesting and unusual, undeniably bold and full of life, wooing all sorts of music lovers of jazz, pop, soul and folk, ‘To The City’ blends the perfect mixture of old meets new. As a vocalist, composer and bandleader, Guillou brings a unique style of songwriting to the jazz idiom with her creative vocal flexibility and her strong sense of rhythmic phrasing, colourful tone and distinct articulation.  This young twenty-something artist strives to merge the sound of deep jazz roots and hip modern themes which as a result provides something new and interesting for music lovers of all sorts. Her raw and emotional voice lingers long after the last note. “Guillou puts a slightly more organic contemporary jazz spin on music steeped in tradition and thus makes old school become new cool, the sign of a true artist.” ~ Critical Jazz   www.jaclynguillou.com Hear her with Denzal Sinclaire: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpcTya2x1lo&feature=related

Humber College Composers Collective: Wednesday, April 25. 8:00pm. $12 door/$8 all artists/students. Under the direction of Canadian Jazz giant Geoff Young, The Composers Collective is a group of students attending the Humber College Jazz Program who demonstrate an undeniable gift as both composers and instrumentalists. Since the formation of the group in September 2011, the Collective have been writing music and performing it extensively together at school and at various events around the city of Toronto, gaining a sizeable repertoire and special group chemistry. The Septet consists of Katie McBride(Trumpet), PJ Andersson(Trombone), Leland Whitty(Tenor Saxophone), Sabine Ndalamba(Electric Guitar), Julian Anderson-Bowes(Bass), Brendan Swanson(Piano) and Eric West(Drums). Come see the next generation of Canadian Jazz talent perform the material they have been putting their blood sweat and tears into for the past 8 months. http://soundcloud.com/ericwestmusic http://soundcloud.com/sabine-ndalamba

Kaleidoscope Brown with CRUZAO LATIN-JAZZ TRIO: Sunday, April 22. 8:00pm. $15 door/$10 all artists/students.  A compact, 3-man, stripped down version of the award-winning larger ensemble. Sporting a modified reportoire written specifically for this smaller permutation the trio features the talents of Paco Luviano on bass (from Mexico), Amhed Mitchel on drums (from Cuba), under the leadership of trumpet player Brownman Ali (from Trinidad) heralded as “Canada’s preeminent jazz trumpet player” by New York City’s Village Voice magazine. Rarely in Canada amidst a frenetic global touring schedule with the likes of everyone from Grammy-winning jazz-hip-hop legends GURU’s JAZZMATAZZ (for whom he was the featured soloist from 2006 to 2010), to PAUL SIMON (whom he was recently on the road with), to QUINCY JONES (whom he worked with last year), to IRAKERE (whom he toured with after CRUZAO headlined the Havana Jazz Festival), to his own National Jazz Award winning group BROWNMAN ELECTRYC TRIO — his bombastic and eclectic improvising style has brought him much respect with international artists across multiple diverse genres, and is now widely considered a vanguard for the evolution of jazz in Canada. http://cruzao.brownman.com