Kingston Paying Tribute to David Bowie with “Bowie Weekend”

Published on: 2017/02/15 - in Entertainment

David Bowie

The City of Kingston will be offering a variety of events on March 24 and 25 to pay tribute to music icon David Bowie.

The weekend will feature a variety of events and activities courtesy of a partnership by The Grand Theatre, Kingston Frontenac Public Library (KFPL), The Tett, Reelout Arts, The Screening Room, The Grad Club, Total Diva, and EVE Choir.

David Bowie, born David Robert Jones, was an English singer, songwriter and actor who entertained audiences for five decades. He passed away this past January 10in New York City, having just turned 69th, from liver cancer.

The star found a Kingston connection back in 1987, when an 11 year old Seth Scholes found out Bowie was going to tour Canada and made it his goal to see Bowie live. Grabbing his saxophone, he hit the streets of Kingston and began busking to earn the money for a ticket – earning $30 his first day.

Although Seth ultimately earned too little to fund the trip, David Bowie caught wind of his efforts and sent Seth free tickets and backstage passes to his Toronto show.

Although nervous to meet the star, Seth later remembered Bowie quickly putting him at ease.

“He’s fantastic. He was very charming and non-threatening,” Seth later recounted to CBC Radio “He seemed genuinely interested in me as a kid. . . I think he was really sincere and I think that really just shone through.”

Kingston’s “Bowie Weekend” events:

Friday, March 24

“Ziggy Played Guitar” – Grand Theatre 7:30 p.m.
Classic Albums Live performs David Bowie: Ziggy Stardust. Experience the entire Ziggy Stardust album performed live by the talented musicians of Classic Albums Live, note for note, cut for cut. After intermission, Classic Albums Live rocks to Bowie’s favourite hits.

Get glammed up with the make-up team from Total Diva before the show. Reserve your make-up date with Jenny Pedler at jpedler@cityofkingston.ca.

Spots are limited. Visit KingstonGrand.ca .

Saturday, March 25

Oh! You Pretty Things – The Tett Centre 10a.m. – 2:30p.m.
Free family friendly events celebrating musical icon David Bowie.

Bowie-themed Family Story Time & curated mobile library with Kingston Frontenac Public Library in the Rehearsal Hall from 10 -11 a.m. (Drop-in)

Bowie-themed Kids Creativity Club with Tett Teaching Artist in the Creativity Studio Common Area from 10 a.m. -12 p.m. (Drop-in)

Glam-rock in the afternoon with free crafting, performances by EVE (Eccentric Vocal Ensemble), Ziggy Stardust face painting & Bowie-inspired fashions in the Rehearsal Hall from 12-2:30p.m.

Space is limited & registration is required for afternoon activities. Email jpedler@cityofkingston.ca to register.

You Remind Me Of The Babe – The Screening Room 4 p.m.- 6 p.m.
KFPL and The Screening Room invite you to a sing-along screening of Jim Henson’s cult classic Labyrinth. Sing along with Bowie on such great songs as “Magic Dance” and “Underground.” Bonus points for coming in costume! Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Let’s Dance – The Grad Club 10 p.m.- 2 a.m.
A David Bowie Dance Party & Reelout fundraiser inviting Kingston to “put on your red shoes and dance away the blues” to the tunes of DJ Drop Shadow at The Grad Club. Your $10 admission goes to support Reelout Arts Inc.

For more information about Bowie Weekend, visit the Frontenac Public Library or the Grand Theatre website for contact information.