The annual Dublin Bowie Festival returns for its fourth edition from Monday January 7th until Sunday January 13th.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bowie’s ground-breaking Space Oddity album – along with the 1969 moon landing – the organisers of the festival have joined forces with Blackrock Castle Observatory, Dr Niamh Shaw and some of the country’s top astronauts and space experts to celebrate all things out there.
The festival commences on Monday 7th of January with a real treat for Bowie fans; with an exclusive performance of the Space Oddity album from start to finish (and Other songs from the Bowie Universe) by the I Heart Bowie ensemble and the Trinity Orchestra and some very special guest singers in the hallowed National Concert Hall.
Other highlights include A Bowie Celebration in The Olympia Theatre, Wednesday 9th of January. Comprising 5 key members of Bowie’s band over his long career – Mark Plati, Carmine Rojas, Earl Slick, Dubliner Gerry Leonard and Bowies longest serving sidekick, pianist Mike Garson – A Bowie Celebration bring an unforgettable and critically acclaimed evening of Bowie songs with world-class vocalists and an ever rotating mix of hits and deep cuts. The Space Masquerade Ball featuring those rum rogues of the Electric Picnic, The Salty Dog Allstars takes place in the Grand Social on Saturday 12th. While acclaimed Swedish Bossa Nova vocalist Miriam Aïda who will showcase her stunning new album – Loving The Alien – a 12 track reinterpretation of classic Bowie tracks in her own inimitable style.
Photographer Brian Duffy will showcase his eight-year working relationship with Bowie across five key sessions over this period providing the creative concept as well as the photographic image for three album covers, including the 1973 Aladdin Sane (often nicknamed ‘the Mona Lisa of pop and Bowie’s – and arguably Rock n Roll’s – most famous image), 1979’s Lodger and 1980s Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps). exhibiting in the Ebow Gallery.
Renowned Rolling Stone photographer John Rowlands for a visual presentation and discussion of his years working with Bowie. John was tour photographer for Bowie from 1974-78 and has captured some of his most iconic images, most notably ‘The Archer’ which was featured on Times Square this Summer, advertising the V&A’s worldwide mega-successful Bowie Is expo. John’s portfolio also includes photos of Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, The Who, The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys and many more legends of popular culture.
The Lighthouse Cinema will be playing Bowie’s cult sci-fi classic Man Who Fell to Earth and the movie that inspired Bowie to introduce Major Tom to the universe, Stanley Kubrick’s 2001 – A Space Odyssey. As well as Moon by Duncan Jones, Bowie’s son and the 80’s musical fantasy Labyrinth.
Dr Niamh Shaw will curate an array of events based around humanity’s quest to conquer Space. Dr Shaw is artist in residence at Blackrock Castle Observatory and brings scientific gravitas to the festival program with specially curated talks, workshops, Q&A’s in association with The Trinity Science Gallery..
Festival organiser John Brereton says that “DBF’19 is ready to launch to the stars as we celebrate these momentous anniversaries. We are particularly delighted to have lots of family friendly events in the program too so there’s something there for everyone to enjoy”
More exciting events and ticket details will also be revealed at the launch. For further details check out www.dublinbowiefestival.ie