The Pearl Company

DRUMHAND: Saturday, April 21: 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. The group has introduced audiences of all ages to instruments and sounds from around the globe through concerts at festivals, schools and concert events. 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 Read the rest of this entry »

Michael Ciufo: Friday, April 20, 8:00 pm. $20 door / $18 students/all artists. Canadian singer Michael Ciufo (choo-foe) known for his stage presence, charisma, and gorgeous, classically trained voice, released his highly anticipated sophomore album, Momento, in October 2011. Combining newly arranged classical and popular songs, it highlights Michael’s vast range as a singer and interpretive artist and is garnering rave reviews from critics, fellow musicians and new listeners. Still in his early twenties, this classically trained performer is constantly looking for new musical challenges while he continues his serious operatic studies.
Michael’s performance schedule includes his energetic solo show as well as classical roles and performances. He has sung in concerts alongside world-renowned Canadian vocalists Michael Burgess and The Nylons. Michael’s versatility has led him to collaborations with a wide range of artists in genres such as pop, jazz and hip-hop. In addition, he has appeared in a wide range of opera and oratorio roles.  “… A powerful presence that fills a room with melody” – Amazing Canadian Magazine www.michaelciufo.com

Jesse Winchester: Thursday, April 19. 8:00pm. $32 advance / $35 door. A magnetic performer with a powerful tenor voice, Jesse Winchester may be the most self-effacing songwriter on the planet. His homespun arrangements and performances are ethereal to the point of being other worldly. His songs of distance, and longing for his homeland move us to tears; his songs of home and hearth warm our souls. With his laid-back vocals, gorgeous melodies, and insightful lyrics, his low-key style of blended soul, rockabilly, gospel, folk, R&B, and a hint of Latin music, he was perfect for the dawning era of pop singer-songwriters back in1969 when he was one of an estimated 30,000 Americans who fled to Canada, where he became a symbol, a hero even, to those who opposed the war in Vietnam.
He remains entrenched as a bonafide songwriter’s songwriter, oft covered, his creations forever sought out by artists (from Joan Baez to Elvis Costello) seeking to add something of depth and insight to their repertoires, especially when it comes to love songs; the classic and majestic “Brand New Tennessee Waltz,” is as wrenchingly beautiful a work of art as ever.
Come absorb, be moved by, and even cry to the songs; songs of beauty and wry humor, songs of startling intimacy and searing poignancy, songs of sepia-tinted nostalgia, rooted both in a time long past and right here and now. http://www.jessewinchester.com
Jesse Winchester can disarm the most casual listener with his understated grace and virtuosity as evidenced in this video of his “Sham-A-Ling-Dong-Ding” sung on Elvis Costello’s “Spectacle.”  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uKGWpqnS8E

“Have you talked to Jesse Winchester? You can’t talk about the best songwriters and not include him.” ~ Bob Dylan

To purchase tickets, please call or email or pay at the door. For PayPal purchases, please see below.

Gordie Tentrees & Sarah Macdougall featuring “Songs from the Yukon”: Wednesday, April 18, 8:00pm. $12 door / $10 students/artists”.  Gordie Tentrees is an international award nominated touring artist from the Yukon.This multi- instrumentalist singer-songwriter – whose traditional roots music resonates with echoes of RL Burnside, The Sadies and Greg Brown – has just released NAKED IN SCANDINAVIA, a live solo album recorded in Helsinki, Finland featuring a collection of story-driven songs, edgy foot-stompers and heart-worn odes that could only be delivered by a veteran road warrior.  2010 Olympic Games Best of Canada Performance. “In the rough cut vein of Fred Eaglesmith or Kelly Joe Phelps, Tentrees is gifted” The Globe & Mail  www.tentrees.ca
Sarah Macdougall: Described by the magazine Rootstime in Belgium as ‘One of the greatest talents of our era”, becoming the #2 most played artist on Canadian Galaxie Folk/Roots radio in 2011, Canadian/Swedish Sarah MacDougall is an upcoming artist who is getting known for her honest and poetic songs, blistering guitar chops, passionate performances, and unique astounding voice. The new album ‘The Greatest Ones Alive’ landed on several ‘Best of 2011’ lists in Canada and Europe, and garnered several 5 star-reviews. ’Thoughtful, strong, and spiritual”- The Globe and Mail www.sarahmacdougall.com

HamilTEN Festival: April 13 & 14, 15.  $15 / $10 students/all artists. The HamilTEN Festival is a 10 minute play festival featuring 8 ten-minute plays written by local playwrights.  Questions? Email hamiltenfestival@gmail.com
There’s something for everyone – comedy, drama, romance & even the absurd!
Payment is by cash only at the door. Seats can be reserved by calling The Pearl Company at 905-524-0606 or by email at – info@thepearlcompany.ca
Show times:
Friday, April 13 @ 8pm
Saturday, April 14 @ 8pm
Sunday, April 15 @ 3pm

Stephanie Vegh: Revisions: Gallery Opening: Thursday, April 12.  (7pm to 10pm) No Charge. Respected Hamilton-born, McMaster graduate, artist and writer Stephanie Vegh has an MFA from the Glasgow School of Art.  Her body of work has been shown from Toronto to Leeds, England. Her playful, drawn interventions into history books are both humorous and unnerving. These drawings are both a direct creative response to the book’s contents and a subversive act in which the status of the book as inalienable fact is undermined by the interpretation of the reader.  While playful in the spirit of the idle student’s textbook scratchings, Stephanie Vegh’s  interventions into history books reveal a serious stake in civilizations defined by their conquerors. Her labour-intensive drawings of diminutive subjects at an excessive scale in relation to their illustrated environments refuses the logic of these books, forcing a fusion between their history and another, more fantastic possibility.  www.stephanievegh.ca
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Maeve Donnelly in Concert with Andy Hillhouse: Wednesday, April 11. Doors 7:30/ Start time 8:00.  Tickets: $18 advance / $20 door.  Lyrical, passionate fiddling with the brilliant world-renowned, award-winning, All-Ireland Fiddle champion, Maeve Donnelly, from County Clare, well known for her fiery and stunning musicianship. She is making a rare appearance in Ontario, accompanied by the superb Canadian guitarist, Andy Hillhouse; together they will perform their uplifting, high-energy, toe-tapping music. Maeve possesses virtuosic technique and a profound understanding of traditional Irish music, played with a passion & exuberance rarely encountered. Over the years she has toured widely in the US and Canada, playing such prestigious venues as New York’s Lincoln Performing Arts Center and the Washington Irish Festival. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEGW7NHsqUo Andy Hillhouse, 2007 Juno winner, is a superb guitarist, singer and songwriter with a diverse musical background. He is the founder of the popular Canadian Celtic funk band Mad Pudding, plays guitar and sings with the innovative fiddler Jaime RT. Also a well-versed instructor, he currently teaches an acoustic roots ensemble at the University of Toronto, where he is pursuing a PhD. http://www.myspace.com/andyhillhousemusic

Shane Koyczan with His Band, The Short Story Long: SPOKEN WORD FESTIVAL: AN OPERA OF SOULS: Friday April 6: 8PM – $20 at the door; Shane Koyczan is one of the world’s premier spoken word performers.  Known for his rhythmic verse in high gear, his performance at the 2010 Olympic Opening Ceremonies brought the 55,000 seat house to their feet with his tear-jerking homage to Canada “We Are More”. Now the multi award-winning spoken word performer breathes life into the new genre of talk rock with his band, The Short Story Long: a group whose musical range stretches from folk to funk, from ambient to rock.  Their sound showcases a blend of original music and Shane Koyczan’s remarkable performance poetry.  Along with Koyczan, the group has created a whole new style of song/verse. This is Talk-Rock.  This is something new. This is worth checking out. Their new album ‘Remembrance Year,’ has already garnered acclaim from music reviewers and fans alike. A writer and spoken word virtuoso, Shane Koyczan navigates through social and political territory with a furious honesty and a tender humanity that has brought audiences to their feet everywhere. Winner of the US Slam Poetry Championship and the Canadian Spoken Word Olympics, Koyczan is truly an extraordinary talent. www.shanekoyczan.com Read the rest of this entry »

Dwayne Morgan: SPOKEN WORD FESTIVAL: AN OPERA OF SOULS: Saturday April 7: 8PM – $20 advance/$25 at the door; With Dan (aka Dan Murray [AKA DAN]), Yogi, Kay’la Fraser, Tomy Bewick. Dwayne Morgan has won three Canadian Urban Music Awards for Best Spoken Word Recording, for his three albums. His Spoken Word performance style is straightforward, dynamic, thought provoking and layered with a heavy hip-hop culture influence. On the 7^th he will perform GRADE 8 which received raves when performed at Hamilton’s Fringe.  “Dwayne Morgan’s one man show is an impressive soul barring confession about the trials  of raising a daughter alone. Morgan’s flow is tight and solid, and when his monologue transforms into rap, the mercury rises; his powerful energy shines huge. This piece is intelligent, funny, and honestly performed. Highly recommended  .”  -View Magazine
In 1994, Dwayne founded Up From The Roots entertainment, to promote the positive artistic contributions of African Canadian and urban influenced artists. Dwayne’s work ethic has taken him across Canada, the United States, Jamaica, Barbados, England, Belgium, Germany, France, and Holland. His emphasis on quality has driven his success, and has made him a well respected member of the Toronto area’s urban music community, as well as the North American, and Global, spoken word scenes. www.dwaynemorgan.ca

John Ferguson: Thursday, April 5. 8:00pm. $15 door /student/artist price $10: John began his musical career in 1972 as a founding member of the Cape Breton folk band Miller’s Jug. In 1977 he joined the Halifax group McGinty; McGinty is still up and running. John has recorded seven albums with McGinty, one with Buddy MacDonald, one with Roger Stone and three solo recordings to date. Career highlights include sixteen consecutive appearances at Celtic Colours International Festival, opening act for The Chieftains, John Prine and appearances at innumerable local festivals, pubs, concerts and corporate shows. A forty year career has seen John perform in every province of Canada, Nunavut, United States, Ireland, Iceland and Luxembourg.
John sings and plays guitar, bouzouki and fiddle on stage. He is also proficient on other stringed instruments and versatile enough to have joined many fiddlers, pipers, singers and dancers over the years. His folk roots are evident in songs and tunes from the Celtic Diaspora, Americana, and the many and varied compositions of many talented Canadian artists. John also performs his own songs and tunes.

What Happens When Your Lawyer Dies?!? Tuesday, April 3. 7:00pm. No charge. The City of Hamilton is fertile ground for stories of corruption, influence peddling, and back room dealings. This has been going on for decades seemingly “unnoticed and unreported” by our local media.

The story, “What happens when your lawyer dies?!?” has been meticulously documented and researched; it investigates the failure of the legal profession’s regulatory body in Ontario, the Law Society of Upper Canada, to protect the client rights when the death of a lawyer ‘interrupts’ the process of the law.

This story may never be published in Hamilton as it involves the Spectator itself, prominent legal firms and lawyers of Hamilton, The Law Society of Upper Canada, and now the Halton Regional Police.

The man at the centre of this story is former City Alderman John Gallagher who has been on a 25-year quest to have his good name and reputation restored. The Law Society ignored even the report by former Ontario Ombudsman, noted jurist Clare Lewis Q.C., whom they hired to investigate the Gallagher complaint, and no further action has been taken on the matter.

Check out the facts, join the discussion, view the video that explores the story….

DAWN AND MARRA w MELISSA BEL & KIM KOREN: Saturday, March 31, 8:00pm. $10 at the door. Join us for a relaxing evening of great music with 4 talented, intelligent and creative women of song.  If you are interested in the songwriting process, this is the night for you! It will be an intimate songwriter’s evening focusing on four of Hamilton’s finest, playing and talking about their influences, their processes, and their own music. You can look forward to a mix of genres with Kim Koren (roots, pop), Melissa Bel (pop, rock, blues), and Dawn and Marra (indie-folk).

Dawn and Marra came to our attention winning the 2010 Hamilton Music Awards Rising Star competition. Soon afterwards they released their first album and shared a stage with many renowned acts including Daniel Lanois, Gord Downie, The Reason, Sarah Harmer, and more. At only 19 and 17, these two young ladies’ incredible harmonies and engaging original songs establish them as a must-see act in the indie-folk revival. www.dawnandmarra.com
Melissa Bel’s voice has power and soul. It’s a voice all the more remarkable because it belongs to a petite, fresh-faced 22-year old. Growing up in Burlington, Melissa has received much critical acclaim from her 2010 tour in Germany and at home here in Canada. Her new ‘Distance’ EP is rich, smoky, impassioned and powerful, a rarity in the present day pop world. http://melissa-bel.com
Singer/songwriter Kim Koren (aka Marra’s Mom) draws from her roots to deliver an uncompromising musical mélange from alternative country rock to beautiful ballads, sharing the stage with a diverse and celebrated group of artists that include; Steve Earle, Barney Bentall, Country Joe McDonald. “This Dundas-born country rocker has a voice that could melt butter. She writes with Stevie Nicks’ power. ” – Graham Rockingham http://music.cbc.ca/#/artists/Kim-Koren

The Jazz Connection Big Band: Friday, March 30. Doors at 8:00; jazz at 8:30. $15 /$10 students/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 have no trouble accommodating their very cool (and often very hot!) surround-sound big-band music; we are always delighted to have them back and they will return April 27 and then May 23 to 25 for a rousing 3-day recording marathon! Watch for more info re this intriguing experience.  http://www.jazzconnection.ca
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To purchase tickets, please call or email or pay at the door.

For PayPal purchases, please see below.  Please print your receipt and bring as your ticket.

Monday Night Movie! Monday, March 26 Doors at 7:30, movie at 8:00. $10 all/door. Our first Monday Movie will be the Japanese masterwork, Ran (literally “Madness” or “Chaos”), legendary director Akira Kurosawa’s twenty-seventh of thirty films, is not only the summit of his artistry but a universally acclaimed masterpiece. Kurosawa spent ten years meticulously preparing every detail of and scouring the world for funding for his free adaptation of Shakespeare’s King Lear transposed to sixteenth century feudal Japan. We see, and feel, the “Ran,” the literal chaos of the title, in the destruction of the bonds of duty which once united a son to his father, a brother to his brother, and a samurai to his lord. Kurosawa makes no apologies for taking the time he needs to explore every nuance of his characters and themes. This magisterial film is an aesthetic triumph, with sequences ranging from one of the most overwhelming (and influential) battles ever filmed to intimate scenes which begin with ritualistic formality but then erupt into volcanic passion.  Monday Night Movies will take place on the last Monday of the month and will feature a variety of international masterworks with an international food pairing!
For more information re ‘Ran’, follow the link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ran_%28film%29 and for the original movie trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbbfDntoRRk Stick around for sushi and conversation afterward!

Charly Chiarelli and the Sunnamabeaches: Sunday, March 25: 2:30.$15 door/$10 artists/students. Charly brings his close friends Venesio – aka Dennis – De Salvo (a manager at Hamilton’s Canadian Mental Health Association, on guitar) Ron Weihs (co-proprietor of Artword Artbar, on fiddle) and Gary Santucci (Pearl Company, on very classy guitar).  Charly may be one of the world’s most accomplished storytellers but he is also a songwriter and virtuoso harmonica player, so, it is no wonder that this collection of four notorious Hamiltonians have formed a band called the Sunamabeaches, named after the last play of his trilogy! Charly takes on the role of lead singer, harmonica player and at times will tell a story or two… Any one of the other musician’s may step up to the plate with a story, but the focus is on music,unique interpretations of jazz, blues, rock and Sicilian folk tunes – including some of Charly’s original tunes from his plays. There you have it, Hamilton’s own SUNAMABEACHES, a must see!

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To purchase tickets, please call or email or pay at the door. For PayPal purchases, please see below. Please print your receipt and bring as your ticket.