The Pearl Company is a beautiful arts facility located on 16 Steven Street in downtown Hamilton. The first floor houses the Pearl Gallery and the second floor is a newly configured performance space for live music and theatre. If you have never been to the P.C. you owe it to yourself to view in the near future. Here’s a listing of some of the great shows which will be taking place in May/13.
Robin Benedict:
Friday, May 17. 8:00. (Doors: 7:30. Show: 8:00 p.m. $10.00 at the door.)
Robin packs a powerful punch live as she displays her signature style of raw and fearless vocals with an underlying vulnerability, self-deprecating humour and passion. Witness her top 100 placing in Canadian Idol where she was first recognized for her sultry vocals that can suddenly whip into rock power-pipes. Even Jann Arden is impressed! Hear Robin ‘Live’ in the concert acoustics of The Pearl. http://www.robinbenedict.ca
Bob Wiseman with Mary Margaret O`Hara, Aidan Closs, and This Mad Desire:
Friday, May 24. (Doors: 7:30 / Concert: 8:00. $15 adv/$20 door/$12 Students/ Un/Underemployed/ OPIRG or CFMU Supporters.)
Bob Wiseman is the “former Blue Rodeo keyboardist,” but his quirky and original mind sent him off on his own. This straight-shooting and outspoken musician (Ron Sexsmith calls him “the Canadian Tom Waits”), sings about what matters to him. He will also be showing some of his movie shorts. www.bobwiseman.ca
Mary Margaret O’Hara’s contributions to the music world have been undeniably huge. Her strikingly original, exceptionally superb, vocal and songwriting styles have had a tremendous influence on countless artists. Her passion has become freely improvised music which she will perform with Aidan Closs on guitar or percussion. This Mad Desire is the rock and roll brand for the music of Hamilton’s Mackenzie Kristjon who will lead off the evening. http://thismaddesire.com
Christina Martin & Dale Murray:
Saturday, May 25. 8:00pm. ($15 / $10 students/ working artists.)
This Canadian singer-songwriter, winner of the 2012 Music Nova Scotia Female Artist Recording of the Year for her latest album Sleeping With A Stranger, achieves an effortless union between alt-country and rock with pop sensibility. Her reviews are all 5-star: CBC Radio 3: “The track is a glowing pop gem with Christina’s shimmering voice leading the song through fields of sterling guitars, incandescent organs and a driving beat. Sounds Like: Lucinda Williams at a Wilco concert.” http://www.christinamartin.net
Sweet Alibi:
Thursday, May 30: 8:00pm. ($15/$10 all artists/students.)
2012 Canadian Folk Music Award Nominees, Sweet Alibi are captivating audiences with an alluring blend of soulful melody and folk/roots tradition along with a playful sense of lyricism set to powerful vocal harmonies. Songs range in mood from haunting, provocative ballads to left-of-centre takes on everything from country and soul, to old time jazz. Backing their vocals, Sweet Alibi compliment their diverse sets with an equally eclectic instrumentation. www.sweetalibi.com
The Jazz Connection Big Band:
Friday, May 31. (Doors at 8:00, jazz at 8:30. $15 /$10 students/all artists)
Catch the powerful sound of the 17-piece JCBB as they deliver their high energy, uncompromising, straight ahead jazz, combining the highest level of musicianship and great charts, in The Pearl’s relaxed, acoustically perfect venue. These compelling performers equally engage both the jazz enthusiast and the casual listener. http://www.jazzconnection.ca
The Pearl Company
16 Steven St. @ King William
905 524-0606
www.thepearlcompany.ca
