Keep cool / Diamond Dogs rule, ok / Hey-hey-hey-hey
Dublin Bowie Festival returns for a ninth year with a packed programme celebrating the life and musical legacy of the iconic Starman, with a number of very special events to mark the 50th anniversary of the release of Bowie’s 1974 album Diamond Dogs. It’s quite a packed few days for Bowie fans, but we’ve done our best to round up some quick picks to help provide a flavour of what’s in store…
Let’s Dance!
It wouldn’t be a Bowie Fest without a good old dance or two, so put on your red shoes and get ready to dance the blues at a fine array of events in the city over the next few days. The wonderful Veda Lady & Friends celebrate Diamond Dolls in The George from 9pm on Wednesday 7th, while the ever-popular Bowie Silent Disco takes place at Whelans on Thursday 8th. Fibber Magee’s hosts a very special David Bowie Queer Night and Dance to the Underground on Friday 9th, while this year’s fun-filled Bowie Ball features a Bowieoke hosted by Heidi Heelz and Diamond Dogs Dragshow on Saturday February 10th.
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Diamond Dogs Listening Party
In honour of the year that’ in it, over on Parnell Street, The Big Romance hosts a special listening party this Friday with an opportunity to immerse yourself in the sound of the dystopian album that saw Bowie begin to transition away from the glam rock genre. Experience the vinyl version of Diamond Dogs in all its glory as it gets a spin from start to finish on the exquisitely designed sound system by Toby Hatchet.
The Big Romance, from 5pm on Friday Feb 9th, Admission free.
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RTÉ Concert Orchestra & Guests Perform The Songs of David Bowie
If you’re very lucky you might still be able to source a couple of tickets to see two incredible live concerts featuring the music of David Bowie this weekend. Featuring specially commissioned arrangements of classics such as Life on Mars, Heroes, Starman, Changes and Space Oddity, the concert at Bord Gais Energy Theatre sees The RTE Concert Orchestra and artists Gerry Leonard, Mark Plati and Sterling Campbell join forces to salute one of the most imaginative, influential and iconic musicians of our times. Tickets here.
In Conversation – Bowie Alumni at The RCSI
There’s a very special Sunday afternoon in store at the RCSI this weekend, with two great events featuring those who worked closely with the maestro himself. First off, three key Bowie alumni talk about their lives, and incredible times spent in the company of the Starman. Former Bowie band mates and collaborators Sterling Campbell, Gerry Leonard and Mark Plati will no doubt have plenty to say as they share their insights working with David Bowie down through the years.
Sun Feb 11th, 1.30pm – 3pm at the RCSI St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2. Tickets here.
Next up at the RCSI this Sunday afternoon is photographer Denis O’Regan, the man who has photographed Bowie more than anybody else. The official Live Aid photographer will be in conversation with Prof Eoin Devereaux when he’ll be sharing what it was really like to work with Bowie.
Sun Feb 11th, 3.30pm at the RCSI St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2. Tickets here.
The Bowie Brunch at NoLita
Treat yourself to an afternoon of great food and live entertainment this Sunday as city centre restaurant NoLita hosts The Bowie Brunch. Featuring classic brunch favourites and a nice selection of refreshing cocktails, diners can also look forward to being serenaded by The Bowie Brothers Live, as they dish up a fantastic soundtrack featuring a fab selection of classic Bowie songs.
12pm – 3pm, Sunday Feb 11th, The Bowie Brunch – NoLita, 64 South Great Georges St, D2.
When You Rock N Roll With Me
The festival closing party sees Bowie guitarist/musical director Gerry Leonard team up with special guests including fellow Bowie alumni Mark Plati and Sterling Campbell alongside some great local talent including Faye O’Rourke, Shobsy, Jack L and Peter Quinn. We can’t think of a better way to spend the last night of the festival.
8pm, Sunday Feb 11th Whelans.
Dublin Bowie Festival takes place in a number of different venues across the city from February 7th – 11th.
For full listings and details visit dublinbowiefest.ie
