The Pearl Company

Kaleidoscope Brown Jazz Series LAUNCH featuring BROWNMAN ELECTRYC TRIO (National Jazz Award winners for “Electric Jazz Group of the Year”) Sunday, August 21. 8:00. $15 at the door.

When Paul Simon (of Graceland, Simon and Garfunkel…) called and spirited Brownman off before his scheduled appearance in July, we graciously agreed to let him go on tour with this god of rock and folk IF he agreed to return as the cornerstone of a series featuring several of his own astonishing bands (and groups he’s featured in) to do a series of monthly Saturday concerts at The Pearl that will extend into the new year… starting on an August Sunday. We are calling it the Kaleidoscope Brown Jazz Series! “Kaleidoscope” because of the startling diversity this artist always displays as evidenced by the breadth of music making he’s always a part of.

The first in the series will be the award-winning and internationally acclaimed BROWNMAN ELECTRYC TRIO, which JazzOnline.com writes: “Brownman’s eclecticly powerful electrified trio captures the essence of the later years in Miles Davis’ life, his electric period, without imitation. Brownman’s ELECTRYC TRIO is uniquely his own, yet echoes with the sounds of ‘Bitches Brew’ and ‘In a Silent Way’ right down to Miles’ use of electronics while still managing to stay grounded in the sounds of today. Clearly paying apt tribute to Brownman’s NYC mentor Randy Brecker, they are a truly impressive and energized modern jazz outfit.”

Whole Note Magazine writes: “… captures the essence of the later years of Miles Davis’ life, his electric period. “Brownman Electryc Trio is lively, entertaining and hip … seriously funky, muscular, quick & completely thrilling…”

BROWNMAN ELECTRYC TRIO features:
:: Brownman Ali – electric trumpet
:: Ben Miller – 6-string electric bass (subbing for Tyler Emond)
:: Colin Kingsmore – drums

http://ElectrycTrio.brownman.com for more on the Brownman Electryc Trio.
http://Brownman.com for more on Brownman himself.

See a recent article on B.E.T. by jazz blogger Conrad Gayle: http://torontotown.blogspot.com/2011/06/night-at-trane-studio-with-brownman_18.html

The Kruger Brothers: Sunday August 14: 8:00pm. $25 advance/$30 door : Wow. The world-renowned Krugers are coming to The Pearl! Some call it jazz. Some call it classical. Some call it bluegrass. Certainly, the music of the Kruger Brothers is all of that and more. In an ever expanding body of work, Jens Kruger (banjo, vocals), Uwe Kruger (guitar, lead vocals), and Joel Landsberg (bass, vocals) personify the spirit of exploration and innovation that forms the core of the American musical tradition. The quality of their writing, and their remarkable facility with their instruments, have made the Kruger Brothers a fixture within the world of acoustic music. From Traditional to New the Kruger Brothers’ powerful artistic statement inspires and enlightens; their song writing is distinguished by rich detail, honesty, and a unique insight into the beauty and complexity of everyday life. The result is unpretentious, cultivated, and delightfully fresh. www.krugerbrothers.com This concert will sell out.  Order your tickets soon!

Scott Nolan with special guest Chris Carmichael: Thursday August 11, 8 p.m: $15 door. $10 students/artists: Armed with a guitar and harmonica, and joined by drummer/singer Joanna Miller, Winnipeg’s Scott Nolan will give Hamilton music fans a real treat when he plays his infectious form of country, rock ‘n blues.  Showcasing his tunes about life on the road, good friends, “bad livers” and broken hearts, his speak-easy form of songwriting has earned Nolan two Western Canadian Music Awards nominations (Best Songwriter and Best Roots Album), and an honourable mention at the 2011 International Songwriting Competition (ISC).
Fellow Winnipegger and well-known alt-rocker Chris Carmichael will open the show which Nolan says is never formulaic or predictable. “Every night there’s a real freewheeling aspect. I don’t go by a set list, so every evening is pretty unique.”  www.scottnolan.ca Read the rest of this entry »

Casual Classics at the Pearl: August 6 / August 12. 8 p.m.  $20 (adults) and $15 (seniors/students). August 6 – piano soloist Matthew Li,  August 12 – piano soloist Rudin Lengo.
This summer marks the first season of the Casual Classics concerts at The Pearl Company. Classical pianists Matthew Li and Rudin Lengo will be taking the stage for a casual night of classical music on a grand piano provided by Merriam pianos of Oakville for the occasion.
Pianist Matthew Li has performed across Canada as well as in United States, Austria, China, and Hong Kong and is currently enrolled on scholarship in the Artist Diploma Program at The Glenn Gould School under the aegis of Marietta Orlov. He made his concerto debut in China with the Xiamen Philharmonic Orchestra; he has played at various summer music festivals, including the Mozarteum Sommerakademie in Salzburg, Austria, and the Toronto Summer Music Festival. http://matthewlipiano.com
The rising concert pianist and chamber musician Rudin Lengo takes the stage on the 12th with that same grand piano from Merriam Pianos of Oakville. He began his piano studies at the age of seven at “Servete Maçi” School of Music in Tiranë, Albania and is the Winner of numerous piano awards including UWO London Music Scholarship Foundation, as well as the Grand Prize at the Rotary Music Festival in Burlington. www.rudinlengo.com See “read the rest…” for the Recital Programs: Read the rest of this entry »

Rosie Burgess Trio: Friday August 5. 8:00pm.  $15 at the door, $10 artist/student: This Australian group crosses borders armed with music, love, and a wicked sense of humor.
The Rosie Burgess Trio are a Melbourne based band, one of the many Australian groups crossing the Pacific to bring their brand of musical magic to North American audiences. The music is a blend of blues/ folk and gypsy styles, but it is their remarkable passion, love for their craft and incredible sense of humor that have ignited audiences from Wagga Wagga to Tacoma, from Adelaide to Philadelphia, from Alice Springs to Kansas City and Umundi to Ontario.
Quirky, lovable songs with grooving rhythms, infectious vocals and an electric violin that will have audiences erupting with delight. “When you have heard Rosie perform, you’re sure to be tongue-tied trying to tell people how good she is…” says Dave Ritter, organizer of the Bruthen Festival of Blues and Arts. www.rosieburgess.com

The ƒ Holes: Thursday, August 4. 8:00. 15$ at the door.10$ students/artists: An impeccably authentic, raucously entertaining blend of gypsy jazz, zippy Dixieland, viper blues and roots from this Winnipeg creative hybrid that is rewriting the definition of roots music. Over-the-top vocals meet pedal steel, blistering horns, banjo and fiddle to create this campy, slightly twisted take on country, blues, dixieland, klezmer and anything that piques their interest, apparently. With music that would be at home on an off-Broadway stage, this musical conglomerate swirls around the hell-fired vocals of Patrick Alexandre Leclerc and a group of talented musicians who throw caution to the wind in their bid to make a distinctive mark. (The F refers to the holes in acoustic guitars and standup basses…) www.thefholes.ca

LEHERA with Sarah Buechi: Friday, July 29: 8:00 pm. $15 advance / $20 door.  Gary Santucci opens for this remarkable fusion band. Lehera brings to the table a unique sound born out of a confluence of Hindustani, Western and Carnatic music styles creating a genre-tripping vibe that is both energetic and contemplative. Sarah Buechi is a highly skilled jazz vocalist who has immersed herself in South Indian classical music. The results are apparent in her use of its demanding rhythmic and vocal techniques in a jazz context. www.sarahbuechi.com Vocals in English and Classical Indian styles intertwine with Hindustani slide guitar, violin, bamboo flutes and vocal harmonics, driven by exciting Ghatam (Clay pot drum), Konnakol (Carnatic drum language) and world percussion peppered with funky and bluesy guitar. Lehera is: Hindustani slide guitarist, Prakash Sontakke, Percussionist Karthik Mani, and multi-instrumentalist Prashand Michael John. http://lehera.net Read the rest of this entry »

“Loose Ends” Art Exhibit: Saturday, July 23, from 1-8pm. No charge. One day only.  Curator – Amanda McIntyre The remarkable Amanda McIntyre, a recent graduate of York University’s Visual Arts Program will be exhibiting and curating a group exhibit of 12 emerging artists here at the Pearl Company. The work plays off the phrase Loose Ends, and will be filling the walls of our two floors. The artists range in age from 22 to mid-30s and hail from Cambridge, Hamilton, Dundas, Flamborough and Binbrook. Their talents include abstract to realistic paintings, photography, woodcuts, intaglio and linoleum.  “I wanted to give emerging artists a hand up, to give them an opportunity that might not otherwise be available to them,” said McIntyre.

Artists: Kyle Hytonen, Jennifer Card, Maranda Diep, Barbara MacDonald, Betty Topblack, Elizabeth Gosse, John Steinberg, Amber Aasman and The Group of Four.  This is a free event so come by and check out these emerging, talented, local artists.

Stand Up Theatre Company Presents: TOYS the Musical: Written and directed by Colin Leversidge; based on the 1992 movie. Friday July 22.  8:00pm. $10 General Admission. Colin has been producing plays for young actors ages 9-14 for many years.  He has worked with The Disney Company Lion King, Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museums,Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts, S.A.G.E, as well as dozens of classrooms and art/music camps throughout the province.  And now he has brought his unique talents and vision to The Pearl.  This is the grand finale for his two-week Summer Camp, a serious endeavour for all concerned.  Colin writes the music and the book, teaches the children three- and five-part harmonies, and trains them well in the theatrical arts. Outstanding performances in store!

The Laws: John & Michele Law on Tour: Saturday, July 16. 8pm start. $15adv/$20 door. Known for their tight-as-a-glove harmonies and heartfelt lyrics; joined by award winning mandolin/guitar picker Jason Dennie, The Laws have performed at folk, bluegrass and country festivals, theaters and listening rooms throughout North America and Australia, and have been called the best duo out of Canada since Ian and Sylvia. “The Laws are among the best songwriters I have ever heard.  Every song was a gem, lyrically and musically.” (Barbara: The Pearl Co Newsletter after their April show) “Their voices blend beautifully–John’s reedy, gritty tenor and Michele’s plaintive, alto drawl (you’ll hear some Emmylou lurking in there) – [making them] one of the most beautiful harmonic convergences in contemporary music.”  The Bluegrass Special, New York,  www.thelaws.ca

GREENLAW presents SKYLAB “experiments in beats, bass and voice”: Friday, July 8. 8:00pm. $15 at the door. After an amazing year and fresh from a sell out European winter tour, Jazz / Dub / Soul / DNB sensations Greenlaw (MC Ozzie and Skyla J) return to their home turf of Canada to celebrate the release of their brand new international hit single ‘After I’m Gone’. Their unique brand of dub / soul / jazz and drum & bass infused rhythms, combined with a unique high-energy live performance and visual showcase appeals to audiences across the spectrum, regardless of where in the world they perform.
This gig started out to be with Skyla J & the Vibes which includes MC Ozzie and Skyla J as well as other musicians and which is attracting international attention as a fresh sound in Soul/Jazz world. GREENLAW has been around longer and is the better known of these 2 musical endeavours and for this show is featuring  Skyla J’s soulful voice as SKYlab!  www.greenlawmusic.com www.skylaj.com

Martha’s Trouble: Thursday July 7: 8 pm. $10 in advance and $15 at the door.  Martha’s Trouble is an Americana folk/pop duo, currently touring in support of their latest release, ANCHOR TATTOO, which has been celebrated by BILLBOARD MAGAZINE with these words: “With its 10th album, “Anchor Tattoo,” the Alabama-based husband-and-wife duo, Martha’s Trouble continues to intensify the mystery as to why they remain a hidden gem “.  The new album, takes the duo back to their roots, bringing back the signature sound that made them touch so many when they first came to the music scene 12 years ago, Jen, from Ontario, and Rob, from Nashville, TN.  Some of the most influential and well-respected music critics of our time have paid tribute to this duo. They have been listed and featured in Billboard Magazine, USA Today and Performing Songwriter. Their songs have received awards and have been featured in a number of movies.  www.marthastrouble.com

Meaghan Smith with Ian Kelly: Wednesday, July 6. 8:00. $15 at the door. Meaghan Smith was born in London ON, and she was born singing. Stage fright led her to go to school for animation but when she couldn’t fight the urge to sing her songs; she conspired to make the album ‘The Cricket’s Orchestra’ with producer, Les Cooper. Her love of the music of the ’20s, ’30s, and ’40s, recalls those eras but with her own special spin. Last March’s Juno Awards named her the best new artist of the year. Smith lets her personality shine and expand on her music, accompanied on guitar by her husband Jason Mingo.  www.meaghansmith.com Ian Kelly: He’s the big guy with that unique voice; he’s got a knack for nifty arrangements and a unique blend of ethereal pop and down-home rootsy fare. www.iankellysmusic.com

Arts Hamilton 2011 Annual General Meeting (AGM): Here at The Pearl Company; Tuesday, June 28 at 6:30 (doors open at 6:00 PM) The Membership and the general public are invited to attend. There will be a keynote panel presentation on the state of the arts in Hamilton and how we can work effectively together to enrich this city. The panel will feature Councillor Jason Farr (an Arts Hamilton Board member) and will be moderated by Arts Hamilton President, Jeff Feswick. There will be a raffle draw for a rare work of art by one of Canada’s most beloved artists and feature performances by local artists and celebrities Emma Rush, Annette Paiement, David Premi, Terra Lightfoot & Cam Malcolm!
Attendees are encouraged to “Bring A Friend” to participate in this exciting forum on the arts in Hamilton.
Be here for the exciting new mission statement and the resolution to formally change the name of Arts Hamilton to the Hamilton Arts Council. For more info or to RSVP please contact: Stephen Near, Program Director, Email: project@artshamilton.ca

Contested Landscapes: Saturday, June 25. 6:00 to 9:00. No Charge.  Music at 8:30/9:00 with Matthew de Zoete and Earth Wind & Choir. PWYC. Josh St. Denis presents a sound installation during the Opening. On the one-year anniversary of the spectacle that was the G20 Summit in Toronto last June, Dave Heidebrecht examines and exposes the significant issues that were largely ignored by the pornographic, disaster news gaze of Canada’s mainstream media.  Contrasting urban landscapes of protest with the natural landscapes on which protests were focused; Heidebrecht’s portraits of contested landscapes give a voice to the people and issues that went unheard during Toronto’s G20 Summit.  Addressing realms of legitimacy, power, and democracy, Contested Landscapes examines the intersections between global and local issues within a Canadian context. Read the rest of this entry »