The Pearl Company

Pearl Company News – August 31/10

We had such a heart-warming concert last Friday.  Dean Hollin’s return to both his hometown and his roots was royally welcomed.  It was a warm and wonderful audience of new and old fans and Dean did himself proud (Cole Porter & Hoagy Carmichael too I might add).  Dean will return to The Pearl Company November 18 with “Johnny Mercer, 101 Years Since his Birth” and February 13, 2011 for a Valentines show focused on Rogers and Hart.  Better get your tickets early; everyone who was here says they are bringing 10 more people.  This would mean more than 900 and we can only fit 150….

Speaking of getting tickets early and selling out, do let me know if you are planning to attend one of our two Rita Chiarelli concerts on September 10 and 11.  They too will be packed.  What a woman; she has been doing some astonishing things lately.  The full story of which will appear in the Spec sometime in the very near future.  Keep an eye out; I won’t spoil the surprise.

Thank you to all who wrote to let me know that they had checked out my sister Marilyn’s website and found themselves suitably impressed.  Who knew woodturning could look like that?  It’s a long way from burl bowls!

So now prepare yourself to hear about my other sister, Anne….  Anne is every bit as creative as Marilyn only in a completely different way.  She is a financial planner with a history bent. She also writes a (so far unpublished) comic strip about 3 sisters….   Anne takes the long view of the market and has been terrifyingly (and entertainingly) accurate in her predictions.  I have been unhappily apprised of every major downturn in the market well before it happens and I am tired of it.  So I suggested that she talk to other people about her theories and depress (and impress) them instead of me.  Sure enough, she has agreed to bring her intriguing view of the way the financial world turns to The Pearl Company this September 14.  See more below.  You know, in many ways, I am the under-achiever of the family; I haven’t even mentioned my brother, have I?

There’s an Art Bus this Friday that really needs to be filled.  I am getting tired of these summer long-weekend Fridays that take people out of Hamilton even though there are wonderful things happening that shouldn’t be missed in our own local art world.  If you are going to be around this weekend, by all means get on the bus.  I’ll even take you to the Mustard Festival where…. of all things, you will find The Pearl Company.  Yes, we are setting up at the festival so come see us down near Theatre Aquarius.  However, if you get on the bus, we’ll also be wandering around Locke Street and heading out to Dundas.

Pearl Company News – August 24/10

This is the new and re-invigorated Barbara Milne writing…. Just back from my two-day vacation with my sister, Marilyn Campbell, who just happens to live in Kincardine, on the shores of Lake Huron.  While I’m reminiscing about my break from this blanking computer, I am going to reveal that my sister, Marilyn is a world-renowned wood-turner.  Want to see what a world-renowned wood-turner can do?  Go to www.marilyncampbell.ca and have your mind blown.  You thought they just did staircase railings.  Right?  Marilyn is much in demand; this fall she goes to France. She’s been to Australia, Hawaii, all over the States, all because she turns wood.  I’m not envious; I get to go all over Hamilton – in a very special bus no less.  Why would I want to go to France?

Stay tuned because next week I am going to tell you about my other sister, Anne….

I’m really looking forward to the show this Friday.  Dean Hollin returns to both his hometown and his roots. Dean grew up performing in (and frequently starring in) musical theatre in Hamilton.  Since then, he has migrated to Collingwood where he teaches, directs local theatre, and takes his multiple and highly theatrical shows on the road, presenting singers and songwriters from Nat King Cole to the Rat Pack.  He will be appearing at The Pearl Company this Friday with The Songs of Cole Porter & Hoagy Carmichael.  He will return November 18 with “Johnny Mercer, 101 Years Since his Birth” and February 13, 2011 just in time for Valentines Day with a show focusing on Rogers and Hart.  The man is a total treat. Take a look at his website (listed below) where you will also find more info about this Friday’s performance.

Thursday brings the Arts of August showcasing the works of youth involved with that vital downtown centre the Living Rock. We are honoured to be part of their worthwhile efforts on behalf of a number of Hamilton’s young people; there are numerous ways of reaching disaffected youth and I happen to think one of the most effective is through art.

Pearl Company News – August 17/10

I have some exciting news! Judy Marsales Real Estate will be the new sponsor for the ARTBus.  I am delighted.  Judy’s commitment to the Arts in Hamilton is well known and I see this as a perfect fit for both her company and my, uh… considerably smaller… business.  My next few days are going to be spent happily doing new promotional material; this is work I definitely do not mind. Thank you Judy, it is a pleasure to support the Art Scene in Hamilton with you!

Last weekend passed with a great trip on the ARTBus to James North where we are now starting our tour with a stop at our old friends Artword, at their Artbar on Colbourne.  They now have the, shall we call it, privilege of welcoming and feeding ARTBus riders when they arrive on the street prior to the hard, hard work of trying to see everything and be everywhere.  We finished the evening with our usual artful and entertaining visit to the Tiger Group Studio Gallery on Barton, then back to The Pearl for a Commedia del Arte puppet show from Studio Babette ‘showcasing their particularly adorable insanity’.  I like that phrase.   Perfect evening

This week: Wednesday Night Showcase tonight(!) – always interesting; always different.  The high energy John M. Crawford Blues Band is on stage on Friday.  If you saw them at the Tivoli last Friday, you know what I mean.  It was so great to see the Tivoli hopping like that again!  Saturday brings another private event.

Much as I hate to think about it, autumn is on its way.  We’re in for a busy September, we’re looking forward to Rita Chiarelli and more as we support Festitalia!  Stay tuned….

Pearl Company News – August 10/10

A number of the musicians who play at The Pearl are on tour.  The quality of these musicians is always top-notch.  I figure that if you are given a grant to travel across the country or around the world, you have had to prove your value!  One thing that delights me is that they pass the word about The Pearl Company among other musician friends so we get calls from bands that are recommended by other bands we already know are terrific. These fellow troubadours have been told about the unique ambiance and the fabulous acoustics.  This works really well for both sides; we know that the band or singer-songwriter will be excellent and they know what they are getting from the venue. The groups have already been vetted by their peers and we can relax and know that we will be offering  quality!

Aidan Knight was another such find; recommended and accompanied by a member of Morlove (Miss Emily Brown and Corwin Fox who were here last month), he was everything we have come to expect, excellent singer, guitarist and wordsmith. Phenomenal backing band too.

This weekend we have the Commedia del Arte puppet show from Studio Babette showcasing their particularly adorable insanity after the ARTBus returns.  Perfect.  Saturday brings another private event.  Busy summer.

Next week I will start giving you a taste of an even busier September. Very exciting lineups; stay tuned….

Pearl Company News – July 20/10

Gabrielle Papillon and Jon Bryant were every bit as good as I thought they would be as they finished their cross-country tour here this past Friday.  I love the fact that we get so many young, starting-out talents on their way across Canada. Gabrielle and Jon had traveled by VIA Rail singing for the passengers (and their supper) in return for a first-class ticket – something that apparently many young musicians do.  How romantic.  I traveled across Canada when I was their age in an yellow school bus which was far from romantic and the food definitely did not measure up to the fare they were served in the first-class dining room.  Hmmm.  Maybe I could learn to play guitar.  Wait.  Gary plays guitar; maybe I could learn to sing….

The Wednesday Night Showcase happens, strangely, this Wednesday – and will continue to happen every third Wednesday – always four different local players showing off their individual licks and abilities.

Serial-Numbers with Slowly, Slowly arrives on Thursday.  Serial-Numbers boasts two local women in Annie Shaw and Sarah Good so we are expecting a warm home-town crowd.  The band has a truly unique sound which intrigues me greatly.  I am looking forward to this.

This Friday, Cable 14 returns for another round of ‘The Pearl Company Presents’.  Catch the first round on our local cable station which started this past Friday.  We really need to do something about hooking up a TV in this place.  We hear the program is great.

Pearl Company News – July 15/10

Gabrielle Papillon and Jon Bryant are finishing their cross-country tour here at The Pearl this Friday.  Gabrielle has warned me she might be a little emotional which should make for a wonderful concert.  I have, of course, only heard Gabrielle and Jon on-line with my tinny laptop speakers; if they sound great on them, they should be good. Their reviews are also top-notch.

Speaking of top-notch, the Rosie Burgess Trio from Australia put on an incredible show that easily made it to my top five concerts this year.  Take Dala, add in some Janis Joplin with some very sexy 80’s rap, stir it all up, and you have one h-eck of an evening’s entertainment.  They will be touring again next summer and everyone who caught this show will be back with at least ten people.   We will have a good friend of theirs from Australia here July 29 – a woman named Toby with her group.  If she is half as good as they were, she will be great!

I try to steer clear of politics in my newsletter – if I let myself go it would be political rant after rant.  (Yes, we are still struggling with our zoning issues believe it or not – I continue to be baffled…)  But this is just too hard to ignore.  If you feel as strongly as I (and numbers of others) about the sudden change in stadium venues, please visit this site:  http://OurCityOurFuture.ca and if you feel so inclined, sign yourself up.  It is a very grounded and powerful examination of the issue, adopting the West Harbour site for many excellent reasons.

Pearl Company News – July 6, 2010

What a day today (Tuesday).  Hot.  Especially if you have an entire TV crew filming with their lights and their equipment and their sheer physical presence.  I really felt for them. Remember, they are on the 3^rd floor, the floor with no air conditioning, and they can’t just cancel a shoot that has been scheduled weeks in advance. Oh, they suffered for their art, from 11 in the morning until 8 at night.  But when they finished, they were finished.  Literally.  The filming is done and the first of six shows called Mythical Beasts will show tomorrow night (and every Wednesday night for 6 weeks) at 10:00 on the History Channel.  We have no cable and a TV that really doesn’t even get CHCH so we won’t be able to watch it.  But I do recommend it as a fascinating premise and I’m not going to tell you anything more; you have to watch it.  Tape it while you are at it, will you?  And at last we have the back half of our loft back.  Yay for that!  It’s been fascinating but it is time for it to end – for them and for us….8 weeks it has been.

And all day Friday while I am getting ready for the bus, Cable 14 will be on the theatre floor (in air-conditioned comfort) filming “The Pearl Presents” for showing on our local cable channel.  You are welcome to come and watch.  The actual taping will be from 1 to 5.  Admission is pay what you wish.

Pearl Company News – June 29, 2010

Summer is here and for The Pearl Company, this means a number of things.  Most important is the fact that there is no air conditioning on the third floor where we live – a nightmare in the making….  Next most important is that people go away for weekends or they go to outdoor festivals and even though our second-floor theatre is most emphatically air-conditioned, it just doesn’t have the same appeal that it does during the non-summer months.  Ergo, we will not be focusing as much on weekends.  We will still have a lot of music happening but we will be presenting it on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.  The Art Bus continues through the summer.  Like clockwork the first and second Fridays of July and August, through rain and snow and, wait a minute, snow?  Don’t worry, I will keep you posted.

Coming up: Happy Canada Day!  And if you are still around on Friday, the Art Bus will be heading out to the International Village, Locke Street, and the Town of Dundas (for a total of around 10 – or more – studios/galleries) while back at The Pearl, there will be a jam and get-together of the New Hamilton Blues Society.  If you enjoy the blues and are prepared for the unscripted, a mere $5 will guarantee an entertaining evening.  I’m sure they will still be playing when the bus gets back.  On Thursday, July 8, the Rosie Burgess Trio, a sparkling Australian group will be bringing their special brand of music here.  Listen to their music on-line if you get a chance – to my mind, they are an Australian version of the Good Lovelies which means they will be excellent entertainment on every level!  Wickedly funny with fabulous harmonies.

As for this past weekend, well, Elizabeth Shepherd definitely deserves to have been long-listed for a Polaris Music Prize.  She’s another one who can come back any time.  Astonishing performance. The Jazz Connection Big Band, (who do return about every 2 months or so) went beyond their previous boundaries adding Kira Callahan’s perfect vocals to their mix.  Miss Emily Brown and Corwin Fox as Morlove thoroughly charmed us with their evocative songs and entertaining stories.  This was Emily’s third visit and each time, she brings a larger crowd and a more sophisticated persona. Local artist, Matthew de Zoete was a pleasure to finally have on our stage. He too will be back,

Pearl Company News – June 22, 2010

The talent that parades in front of my eyes week after week is remarkable.  I am only in one place; I don’t see what is happening at the Casbah, or Hamilton Place, or This Ain’t Hollywood or Artbar or any of the many venues offering live entertainment.  If these places offer even part of what I witness several times a week, we live in a world rife with ability, and the desire (drive?) to get out there and share that ability.  This past week, Faye Blais was remarkable; the Undesirables were remarkable; the Solus Puppet Procession along King William to Landsdale’s Tweedsmuir Park on Sunday was remarkable.  I feel so blessed to have these amazing people come into our space and sing, tell stories, act, build puppets, create theatre, paint, sculpt, and generally display their talents in multiple directions for all of us to share.  I gape in amazed recognition of their genuine talent and ability; trying to understand the public presentation of that talent, – for what?  For the joy of sharing?  For fame?  Fortune?  Or just to have someone else recognize, understand, and accept the gift that is being offered?

This week: Another committed woman pushing the boundaries of her chosen field, Elizabeth Shepherd (who has just been long-listed for a Polaris Music Prize no less), will shop her wares here.  I, for one will be awed and delighted that she has brought this to The Pearl and I will get to receive her song and be as grateful as I was for Faye, the Undesirables, and the indefatigable Melanie Skene and her puppet making helpers.  The twenty or so men of the Jazz Connection Big Band, I’ll swear, do their thing mostly just for themselves and what it gives to them.  The fact that they entertain and surprise with their tightly impressive sound is only part of it.  Miss Emily Brown returns on Saturday with Corwin Fox in another incarnation as Morlove.  This will be her third visit and each time, she has brought a different persona. Our local artist, Matthew de Zoete will open.  Prepare to be impressed.  By all of the above.  We are so lucky both to be receiving and to be giving.

Pearl Company News – June 15, 2010

What is it about June?  Eight events in 4 days.  It starts to seem a little insane. From the Art Bus on Friday to a big McMaster staff thank you party on Monday, we did not stop.  Again, we are still standing.

Also last week: Two days filming for the history channel reality program ‘Beasts’ which is always interesting (and challenging). One more filming day to go…. Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Colleen Brown, was as excellent as I said she would be.  Very strong, unique voice.  I suspect she is on her way.  Saturday was an absolutely delightful private dance recital and Sunday an evening blues jam with the New Hamilton Blues Society – also great fun.

This week: Faye Blais comes to town Thursday after traveling over half the world.  She was scheduled to play with Seth Anderson, (The Renegade Kid) but he has had to fly back east for a death in his family.  Josh Turnbull, a percussionist and singer/songwriter will accompany her instead.  Faye comes very highly recommended – compared to Joni Mitchell and Feist no less – I am looking forward to this!  Friday’s event has been cancelled.  Oh my, a night off….

Then Saturday brings the infamous Undesirables back for the third time; this time on their own and believe me, they are brilliant – definitely not to be missed. I am including a quote from the promotional piece that Corin Raymond sent out this week ‘cause it is so perfect…. “In honour of the risk-taking Barbara and Gary do to make The Pearl Company so vital, The Undesirables’ll be taking a few risks of our own Saturday night. We’re gonna attempt a few things we’ve never done, we’re gonna inject new life into what’s familiar, and we’re gonna sweat and sing like you’ve come to expect….  The Pearl is the best place in Hamilton you could possibly catch us.”  Love it.  Thanks Corin.

See the information below re the Solus Puppet Procession on Sunday in conjunction with the Landsdale Neighbourhood Association’s Summer in the Park Festival. It takes place in Tweedsmuir Park at King William and Victoria from 1 to 5.

A note to make sure that you have noticed that the incomparable jazz singer Elizabeth Shepherd will be here next Wednesday!

I want to say something about the death of a vital member of the Hamilton community.  We said good-bye to Catherine Powell on Saturday.  We all know her father, Bill Powell, a former mayor, and her brother, festival guru and artist, Bill Powell Jr.  Cathy, however, was one of those people who worked behind the scenes; she took on causes and did everything she could to promote them.  I was lucky that one of her favourite causes was the Art Bus and she made sure that everyone who crossed her path knew about it.  The Bus was only one of the many fund-raisers, worthy events, and groups and people in need to which she devoted her time and energy (and she had a lot of energy…).  Everyone who knew her treasured her and we will all miss her warm and caring presence.  You are now at peace, Cathy; you will not be forgotten.

Pearl Company News – June 1, 2010

The World Premiere of The Drake Equation: Waiting for the GO, was last Thursday.  It is a remarkable play about a difficult subject and I was right, it is be a grab-you-by-the-heartstrings-and-not-let-you-go kind of play.  The show runs approx. 75 minutes, no intermission. At the end of it the audience is literally stunned into silence. At the last performance, after the curtain call, not a single person moved out of their seat for at least two minutes. We’ve never experienced anything like it. This is powerful stuff. A modern day, much more accessible, retelling of Waiting for Godot, written for a teen audience; powerful and moving.

This is the 2nd of a 2 week run. We have five performances left, Thurs to Sat at 8 pm, a student matinee on Fri at 1 pm and a public matinee on Sun at 2:30 (Closing performance). You’re welcome to any of them. Please take the time to trek to the Pearl Company Theatre to witness this event.  This is humble grassroots theatre at its best, produced with Crowd Sourced Financing and piles of hard work:  http://waitingforthego.info/

This Saturday afternoon will witness another remarkable art opening.  Paul Richard James (in the main gallery) and Claudette Losier (in the side gallery) are putting together a show that has already blown my little brain and it is not even on the walls yet!  See more information below.

Pearl Company News – May 18, 2010

I’m still standing but only because after a solid 6 nights of ongoing events, I escaped to a haven in the Hockley Valley for 2 days where I hunkered down with my books, the New York Times Crossword, long cross-country walks, and no company but my own.  There was a time when being alone on the May 24 weekend would have been unthinkable. Times have changed and now it is a source of pure pleasure. I am newly charged; I am re-born; I am ready to face whatever surprises come next.

The obvious next event is the Opening Night of The Drake Equation: Waiting for the GO, this Thursday.  This will be the world premiere (no less) of a remarkable play about a difficult subject.  I have not seen it yet since all the rehearsals have been done off-site but everything I know about it tells me it will be a grab-you-by-the-heartstrings-and-not-let-you-go kind of play.  Many of you will have unknowingly seen the work of the producer, John Wilbur, since he was the Director of Production at the Shaw Festival for many years.  His son, Joe Vermeulen is the playwright.  I will use my line from previous newsletters once again: Our Opus Mundi Festival is finishing with this unique theatrical production designed to twist our minds and keep us glued to our seats….

Pearl Company News – May 18,2010

This will be a week for the intrepid – of which I must plan to be one….  Tuesday, Vancouver’s Ethan Collister brings his cross-country tour to The Pearl; he will appear with Hamilton’s Meg Iredale.  The next evening we present our Wednesday Night Showcase.  Thursday at eight, the Acoustics will be on stage with Stephen Bick and Friday we see the return of the Jazz Connection Big Band. A very full week!  See all those details below.

Here’s some not so great news: After 4 months of sponsorship of the Art Bus, the new management of the Crowne Plaza has decided that they will not continue.  If you saw the article in Monday’s Spec, you know that they would prefer to make the Lincoln Alexander Centre a ‘corporate facility’ rather than a performing arts theatre.  So now it is back to being The Pearl Company Art Bus – or maybe Barbara’s Art Bus, hmmm.  Oh well, it was nice while it lasted.  I wonder what Linc thinks?

This past weekend saw a great Friday Art Bus trip with perfect evening weather.  We started with Ottawa Street before heading to James North.  Ottawa St is becoming quite the destination.  We wondered from antique stores to galleries to specialty shops and more; then on to James N where people were happily crowding up and down the street and into the galleries, restaurants, and bars.  Beautiful.  I finally put my feet up and allowed myself a wee sip at the Tiger Group Gallery before heading back to The Pearl where Jessica Stuart was finishing an exquisite set.  Saturday, Fred Magie packed the place with the greatest crowd.  I’ll swear at least a third of the audience were kids under 12.  Fred’s music totally rocked when it wasn’t grabbing the heart strings – and he made that rock too.

We are still in our third annual month of May Opus Mundi Festival showcasing music from around the world and, of course, from right here in Hamilton. This year’s festival has already done so and will continue to encompass a wonderful variety of music and events, finishing up with a unique theatrical production designed to twist our minds and keep us glued to our seats….

Pearl Company News: May 11/10

Before I say anything else, I have to tell you that Vinx, who has sung and drummed just about everywhere said to the audience this past weekend, “You don’t know what you have here. The Pearl Company is one of the most amazing places to play in the world.  The art, the acoustics…..  You don’t know how great this is”.  How nice to have someone who knows from experience saying this – and not just me.

Ho-hum, just one more top-notch music and art weekend – both the one coming up and the last.  The legendary Vinx was that and more.  Vinx manages to make any stage he is on into his living room and it just so happens at The Pearl the audience even has the couches from which to enjoy his music, his tales, and his personality.  I totally understand why he sells out everywhere he plays in Europe and in the States.  Queen Cee, overcame incipient laryngitis to tug at our heart strings with every note.  Cable14 filmed the whole thing as a pilot for eight “The Pearl Company Presents” programs. I will make sure you know when this one will be shown; it will make great TV.

Rant Maggie Rant is made up of 5 excellent musicians who rocked the place on Friday with their Celtic music mixed with world beat, rock, and who knows what else.  They too loved the venue and are already negotiating their return.  And if that was not enough, the first Hungarian Visual Artists of Canada show in Hamilton opened on Sunday afternoon.  The quality of the art is beyond superb.  Check out gallery hours below.  You won’t want to miss it.

We are still in our third annual month of May Opus Mundi Festival showcasing music from around the world and, of course, from right here in Hamilton. This year’s festival has already done so and will continue to encompass a wonderful variety of music and events, finishing up with a unique theatrical production designed to twist our minds and keep us glued to our seats….

This weekend we are presenting the unique Japanese koto sound of the Jessica Stuart Few with Gary Santucci and a ” Pearl of a Quartet” (Oud, Violin, Double Bass, Drums) on Friday.   Saturday brings the homegrown music of Fred Magie’s CD Release Party on.  Also on Saturday, a Clowning Workshop with a former Cirque de Soleil performer.  And, oh yes, another Lincoln Alexander Centre Art Bus.  See below for details.

The Pearl Review is well on its way although taking rather longer than anyone expected.  Should ‘anyone’ be surprised?  Look for a definite launch date next week.

Pearl Company News: May 4/10

Citizens of Hamilton, prepare yourselves for an amazing weekend of top notch music.  The legendary Vinx performs this Saturday! Vinx sells out everywhere he plays in Europe and in the States.  Let’s show him the kind of welcome only we can give.  He made his name playing with Sting and Stevie Wonder; now he is cementing his reputation with world tours that show off his unique brand of percussive musicianship.  Not to be missed as he teams with our very own Queen Cee! To top it all off he will give a Songwriter’s Workshop on Sunday.  As the writer of the hit song from The Lion King, Hakuna Matata, he does have something to tell us.  (He has written many other songs but I know you all have heard that particular one…) Cable 14 will be here to film the Saturday show as a pilot for eight “The Pearl Company Presents” programs.

This just in!  Queen Cee has taken the mantle (that I have so proudly worn for the last year), as The YWCA’s Woman of Distinction in the Arts.  Congratulations!  I couldn’t be happier to see her take this award.  With all the community work that she does in addition to her constant contribution to the Arts in Hamilton she totally deserves it.  Yay Queen Cee!  Don’t you love the great ring they give you!

Our amazing weekend begins on Friday with the Celtic music and world rhythms of Rant Maggie Rant who have their own devoted following – for many very good reasons. Then the incomparable Vinx with Queen Cee on Saturday and Vinx again on Sunday.  All this and the opening of the first Hungarian Visual Artists of Canada show in Hamilton this Sunday afternoon!  Oh, and I have not mentioned that there is the Lincoln Alexander Centre Art Bus on Friday…  How can you bear to miss any of this?

A reminder that the goal of our third annual month of May Opus Mundi Festival is to showcase music from around the world and, of course, from right here in Hamilton. This year’s festival encompasses a wonderful variety of music and events, finishing up with a unique theatrical production designed to make us think.

This past weekend we experienced the music of Zimbabwe.  Masaisai: Afro-Zim Mibira Dance Party, a circle of musicians who were not wrong when they called themselves a Dance Party.  It was impossible to stay still when those drums started.  We are happily negotiating their return – this summer it seems.  Lauren Best was her charming “best” as she drew her potent melodies out of her keyboard. This young woman is going places with her wonderful voice and unique stylings.

Over 300 people visited us over the weekend at the Lincoln Alexander Centre where we were part of Doors Open Hamilton.  They came to see the display of art and photography in our satellite gallery (showing the work of Robert Carley) and to take a tour of the latest upscale addition to the concert / theatre scene, the 370 seat Lincoln Alexander Centre!  They went away impressed.

Next week we are presenting the Japanese koto sound of the Jessica Stuart Few on Friday and the homegrown music of Fred Magie on Saturday.  Also on Saturday, a Clowning Workshop with a former Cirque de Soleil performer.  And, oh yes, another Art Bus.

Pearl Company News: April 13/10

Forgive me.  I have to rave again.  The gold mine of talent that is the Marigold’s put on a Friday concert which was so fine that even though I only managed to hear the last 4 songs (after returning with the Art Bus), I was still in heaven.  Not only do these three great solo artists sing like angels, they are friendly, charming, and real. I could have listened to them for hours.

I didn’t know Jenny Whiteley’s music as well as I know the Marigolds but I certainly knew the Whiteley family reputation!  Oh my.  What a phenomenal concert.  The band was great.  Jenny’s brother, Dan on mandolin and guitar, Amy Millan of Broken Social Scene (and a burgeoning solo career) on back-up vocals no less, Christine Bougie on one mean slide guitar, and Joe Phillips playing stand-up base.  Joe plays behind Rita Chiarelli who was also here to catch the incredible sound. (Rita will be back the first post-Labour Day weekend in September for two nights!).  This is a band that is very comfortable in the spotlight; Jenny, Dan, and Amy all told stories that had the audience in hysterics.  It is true that Whiteley’s integrity, commitment, and charisma emanate from every syllable; Gary and I were both struck with how strong her presence is.  I want them back!

Much excitement coming up. Everything from our new-once-a-month Wednesday Night Showcase, to the return of the incredible Vinx.  Check it all out.

This Week’s Events:

Miss Emily Brown comes to town with her charming and original music Tuesday night.

Thursday we open another show at the Lincoln Alexander Centre with Robert Carley.  The show is called “Shades of Green” and showcases Robert’s fine poetry as well. Join us at 150 King St E., between Catherine and Mary Streets in the former Odeon Hyland.  You also get to check out the theatre while there.

The Beagle Boys (love the name…) with Ray Materick show up on Saturday with their criminally good Rock and Roll.  They should be good; they are all fine musicians!

Then there is the Italian Film Night on Monday with “Cara Diario”.  Another full week.

Pearl Company News: March 23/10

Dala played to standing room only.  These two young women are going far and it is easy to see why with their exquisite voices (the McGarrigle sisters came to mind although they have very much their own sound) and their relaxed and humorous stage presence.  If you weren’t here on Friday, you missed catching Tom Wilson when he joined them (he said he felt like their hairy old uncle) singing Dylan’s Girl from the North Country. Oh, that was a moment!

It was truly a storytelling weekend given that the Dala Girls also love to tell stories.  Much less sustained ones, however, than the one told by Britain’s Geoff Meade on Saturday. It was another beautiful and enchanting evening.  You could hear a pin drop in the room as we all listened so intently, fearful of missing a word, that we almost didn’t breathe.  Barbara Turner-Vesselago of Free Fall Writing Workshops, who brought Geoff here will be doing storytelling workshops sometime in the future.  I will keep you posted.

Now for this week’s events:

Tom Savage of Kingston will be dropping by this Thursday to show off his newest CD.  Tom has quite a following as a powerful singer/songwriter and we are very pleased that he has decided The Pearl is the place to do it!

Friday brings our old favourites, the 20 talented musicians of the Jazz Connection Big Band back to our second floor.  If you have never heard them, give your ears a treat.  This is the tightest 20 piece band you will probably ever hear.

Pearl Company News: March 09/10

If I don’t get this out today, I’m in deep trouble since this is quite the week we’re about to have at The Pearl.  I figure numbering the events is the best way to keep track….

1)     By the time you get this, Monday’s Italian Film Night is either underway or over

2)     Grand Opening Tuesday night for the Lincoln Alexander Centre with Linc in attendance, the United Way benefiting, and an evening of jazz with Laila Biali Trio.  We will be there to man The Pearl Gallery at the LAC and enjoy the festivities

3)     The incomparable Jean-Paul de Roover with City of Glass will play here on Wednesday

4)     We are dark on Thursday although I do have a major meeting….

5)     There’s another Art Bus on Friday and after the Art Bus / Ottawa Street Stroll / James North Art Crawl we’ll present Jazz@ThePearl

6)     Saturday brings us “Held Together by a Thread” our next Art Opening.  This show will be an interesting and eclectic mix of some very different styles and approaches.  This Opening is quite literally held together by a thread motif.  Must be seen!

There’s way too much happening that you simply can’t miss!  Check for more information below….

Pearl Company News: February 23/10

I love to recap the past weekend. Just listen to this!

I am still in shock after the jaw-dropping Saturday show from C.R. Avery and the Legal Tender String Quartet.  They presented us with a remarkable display of theatre, musicality, poetry, and just plain showmanship.  I knew what to expect from The Undesirables – an entertaining and beautifully harmonized presentation of their own songs with some well-chosen covers, Corin Raymond’s insanely funny patter between songs, and Sean Cotton’s full-orchestra guitar.  C.R. Avery, however, came to us a highly recommended but totally unknown quantity.  Now I know what beat-boxing is and believe me, I have become a fan – at least of his version.  The man and his musicians held the audience in the palms of their hands and even got us all up and screaming the chorus of their final piece.  In Hamilton, no less.  Wow.  I have invited him back to do an actual theatre piece – a 4-day run.  It may take a while since they are from Vancouver but it will happen and you will have to be here!

I am also talking to the Undesirables (and their marvelous manager, Sara Moody Veldhuis) about when they can come back to do their own show.  I am totally impressed that they were willing to take a back seat and open for C.R. and gang just to show Southern Ontario what this group can do.  Now we want them to come back and do their own thing.  Don’t worry I will keep you posted.

This week: Tuesday we are doing a huge thank you gathering for the volunteers and performers for the very, very successful Haiti Telethon (well over a million collected!).  Then Wednesday (24th) we are very excited to be presenting a series of award winning films in honour of Black History next Wednesday.  One of the films, Soundtrack for a Revolution is getting a great deal of attention and is just being released across Canada and the States.  If you have heard the buzz on CBC, you will be as excited as we are about getting a preview!

We have a private event here this weekend.  I am getting such a kick out of this.  A young man that used to be a student at Colin Macdonald Community School (from about the age of 3) is putting on a private show with his band and a couple of bands of his friends.  To have one of our students get it together and showcase his talents is another incredible reward from my experience co-founding and running CMCS.  What a great use of our space!

Reminding you again about the new Hamilton arts journalism newsmagazine, The Pearl Review, the exciting new take on the Hamilton Arts Scene and an Arts view of Hamilton issues: Check out the patron subscriber incentives at www.thepearlreview.ca. This newsmagazine will focus on our individual artists of all disciplines, – the background stories, the big questions, and the lively particulars.  Order your subscription now!

Pearl Company News:January 25, 2010

The Haiti Media Telethon in support of medical aid to Haiti through St Joseph’s Hospital, has, at the time of this writing, pulled in over $565,000 . One hundred percent of donations will go to provide supplies and support for the Haitian people. Buoyed by their earlier success with the Abruzzo Earthquake Relief effort, Gary at the urging of former HECFI CEO, Gabe Macaluso, along with McMaster VP Roger Trull, took up the challenge. What a phenomenal job they all did. Congratulations to the citizens of Hamilton for their heart-felt response!

I’m used to ‘busy’ but this past weekend was exceptional. From Thursday (when the Lincoln Alexander Centre, Hamilton’s newest theatre strutted its stuff and The Pearl Gallery at the Centre opened its doors), to Monday’s Italian Film Night, the action never stopped! Friday’s Opening of ‘The Streets of Hamilton’ in the actual Pearl Company Gallery was a total blast from beginning to jumping “Banned from Heaven” end. HPO’s ‘What Next’ Concert Series was a success at all its venues, including ours. Audiences devoured the cutting-edginess of this new and progressive music. Sunday’s ‘What Next’ round table discussion was more fascinating and informative than I think any of us expected. My head is still spinning. However, there is no stopping. On to ‘what next’ at The Pearl.

This weekend we will have two top performances. Jacob Moon will release his new CD “Maybe Sunshine” Friday evening. This is timely; we need all the sunshine we can get during this arc of the year! Then Jay Linden appears on Saturday with his special guest, younger brother Colin Linden. What a very singular concert this will be.

From last week’s newsletter: The arts journalism newsprint magazine, The Pearl Review (an exciting new take on the Hamilton Arts Scene and an Arts view of Hamilton issues) is coming right along but a little slower than we expected. Is anyone surprised? Check out the patron subscriber incentives at www.thepearlreview.ca. This newsmagazine will focus on our individual artists of all disciplines, – the background stories, the big questions, and the lively particulars. First issue projected for Spring 2010. Order your subscription now!

Pearl Company News: January 19, 2010

A really important piece of news first: Gary has taken on the co-chairmanship, with Roger Trull of McMaster, of the Haiti Media Telethon in support the two public hospitals in Haiti with which St Joseph’s Hospital is affiliated. One is still standing but overwhelmed with patients and lack of supplies. The other is rubble. St Joseph’s Health System has established a fund through which 100% of donations will go to provide medical supplies for the Haitian people. The Haiti Media Telethon will go live on Cable 14 on Tuesday, January 26 from 6:00am to 10:00 pm with constant support from CHCH. Please help the besieged population of Haiti. There are numerous events throughout Hamilton; let us do what we can in whatever ways we can.

Now back to our regularly scheduled programming…. I am always so sad when a piece of theatre is over. I miss the people, the music, the constant planning and figuring, and of course, the excitement of the actual performances. ‘Carmen…?’ closed last Saturday. It was a unique experience – impossible to describe, but very rewarding. We hope to find another life for it at some point in the future. The crowds were excellent; lots of excitement generated; Sergyy will return.

January is far from over and this week is testing us to the limit. This Thursday we kick off The Pearl Gallery at the new Lincoln Alexander Centre. Please join us for a special Actor / Artist / Musician / General Public Open House at the Centre and Introduction of the Lincoln Alexander Art Bus Thursday, 6:00 to 9:00.

‘The Streets of Hamilton’ opens in the actual Pearl Company Gallery this Friday. I am always raving about Hamilton artists and what they are accomplishing. One of my favourite ways in which our local artist express themselves is by depicting the familiar in unfamiliar ways. You cannot miss this show! See details below. Following the Opening (7:00 to 9) Banned from Heaven (9:00 to ?) will be playing on the second floor and much dancing will ensue.

The Hamilton Philharmonic is presenting their cutting-edge new concert and lecture series “What Next” this Saturday and Sunday at The Pearl and other venues. Please see www.whatnextfestival.com for all the events and ticket prices. We are honoured to have these talented and progressive musicians in our space and are looking forward to working more with the HPO in the future!

Monday brings us another inaugural event. Italian Film Night: Excellent Italian films with English subtitles.

The arts journalism newsprint magazine, The Pearl Review (an exciting new take on the Hamilton Arts Scene and an Arts view of Hamilton issues) is coming right along but a little slower than we expected. Is anyone surprised? Check out the patron subscriber incentives at www.thepearlreview.ca. This newsmagazine will focus on our individual artists of all disciplines, – the background stories, the big questions, and the lively particulars. First issue projected for Spring 2010. Order your subscription now!

In the meantime, there will be a Pearl Review Fundraiser February 6, pulled together by the inimitable Reg Beaudry (of the newsmagazine Urbanicity fame), our talented Art Director and man about town….

Pearl Company News: January 5, 2010

I’m told that I can’t wish you a Happy New Decade since the decade does not officially start until 2011. But what the heck, it sounds, looks, and feels like a new decade so here’s to health, happiness, and prosperity in the best decade ever! Maybe something will even happen to solve The Pearl Co’s zoning problems which seem to not ever end – even when we think that they have….

It was a full ‘Holiday Season’. The Good Lovelies packed them in and were perfectly fabulous and so much fun! I’m working on getting them back as soon as possible. Our New Years Loft Party went beautifully. Gary never got out of the kitchen but that’s the way he wanted it. He prepared over 25 different dishes – tapas style – and had himself a blast. Not my idea of a good time. However, the super conversations and the dancing was.

Carmen…? opens this Friday at 8:00! Sergiy Shvydkyy, an internationally renowned avant-garde dancer, mime-actor, choreographer, and leading figure in contemporary performance arts in the Ukraine brings his unique choreographic vision, to The Pearl Company. He does this with a fresh imagining of the famous story of love and betrayal, Carmen, unique in both its dance style and its interpretation of the tale. Emanuela Dussin, a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City, brings the fire and beauty of flamenco to the stage. And then, of course, Gary Santucci has found himself willingly drawn into Shvydkyy‘s world where the musician not only performs the music but is a character within the production. This is his first collaboration with dance theatre at The Pearl Company.

January will be a very exciting month at The Pearl. See below for Hamilton Philharmonic events, concerts (Jacob Moon, Jay Linden with special guest, brother Colin Linden), Art (The Streets of Hamilton), and even film!

It is happening. The Lincoln Alexander Centre Art Bus. As of this month, the new Lincoln Alexander Centre, the 350-seat theatre at The Hamilton Crowne Plaza Hotel is lending its name and some serious support to the bus and some cross-pollination between our two theatres. We will also be curating the art in the lobby and hosting a once- a-month Thursday, ‘Art After Business’ gathering. The first will be Thursday, January 21.

Recurring NEWS:

The arts journalism newsprint magazine, The Pearl Review is coming right along! Subscribers are climbing aboard for this exciting new take on the Hamilton Arts Scene and an Arts view of Hamilton issues. Check out the patron subscriber incentives at www.thepearlreview.ca. This newsmagazine will focus on our individual artists of all disciplines, – the background stories, the big questions, and the nitty-gritty. More details to follow. First issue projected for February 2010.

A reminder again that we host private functions at The Pearl. If you are looking for a unique and different ambiance for a birthday party, or a meeting spot, come check us out. We’ve even booked some wedding receptions this summer!

We are frequently asked how you can help and support us. Here’s by far the most effective way to do so. Simply come out as often as you can and encourage your friends to do the same. Hop on the bus; attend a concert; sponsor an event; purchase a piece of art, a gift certificate for the bus / an event / something unique from the store or the gallery. We have seating for 150 people in the theatre and the finest acoustics possible. Help us put bums in seats.