After news broke on January 11 that David Bowie had died, fans around the world have been remembering the prolific musician, actor and artist. Several NOW writers shared their memories of Bowie as he related to music, film as well as gender and sexuality. On social media, those touched by Bowie continue to collectively mourn.
In Toronto, several events that pay tribute to Bowies work are being organized. Here are a few below.
Holy Holy (David Bowies All Star Band) at the Opera House
The supergroup performing Bowies third album, The Man Who Sold the World, has added a second date to their Toronto stop at the Opera House (735 Queen East). While seats to Holy Holys January 12 performance are already sold out, tickets ($35) are still available for January 13. The band features Bowie collaborators Tony Visconti and Woody Woodmansey.
Choir! Choir! Choir! says goodbye to Bowie
The popular drop-in choir will sing one of Bowies most famous songs when they meet on Tuesday and Wednesday (January 12 to 13) at 7:30 p.m. Theyve chosen Man Who Sold the World, the 1970 title track to Bowie’s third album, for their tribute. Singers of all abilities are invited to meet at Clintons Tavern (693 Bloor West). Admission is $5.
Bowieoke at Bambi’s
A weekly karaoke night at Bambi’s (1265 Dundas West) will pay tribute to Bowie’s music on Wednesday (January 13). Be prepared to sing along to some of the pop icon’s greatest hits, including Changes, Ziggy Stardust, Suffragette City and Under Pressure. The event runs from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m., with more information on Facebook.
Bowie on Ice at Harbourfront Centre
Ice skaters can glide along to Bowie songs during a tribute night at Harbourfront Centre’s outdoor rink (235 Queens Quay West) on January 15 from 8 to 11 p.m. DJs Phil V and Misty Rock’n’Roll will play the musician’s hits, B-sides and covers. Ice skating is free, skate rentals are available for a charge and all ages are welcome.
Choir! Choir! Choir! at the A!G!O!
More than 500 voices will gather at the AGO on Saturday (January 16) for a special edition of Choir! Choir! Choir! The art gallery hosted a 2013 David Bowie exhibit, and this weekend, will be the site of a large-scale choral tribute to the musician and artist’s work. Singers will perform a rendition of Space Oddity, the 1969 hit about a fictional astronaut named Major Tom. The performance will also be filmed for an online video. Tickets are $12 ($10 for AGO members) and the event starts at 6:30 p.m.
David Bowie Double-Bill at Carlton Cinema
Double the Bowie, double the fun. Carlton Cinema (20 Carlton Street) will present a back-to-back screening of two of Bowie’s films on January 23 at 7 p.m. First up is Labyrinth, Jim Henson’s 1986 adventure flick about a teenage girl (played by Jennifer Connelly) who must solve a labyrinth and rescue her baby brother from Jareth the Goblin King (portrayed by Bowie). Labyrinth will be followed by The Man Who Fell to Earth.
Bands Play Bowie Tribute Night at the Old Laurel
Local musicians will gather at the Old Laurel (300 College Street) to celebrate the music of Bowie in a tribute concert on January 23 at 9 p.m. Members from at least 10 Toronto bands, including Mad Ones, By Divine Right and The Mercy Now, will perform their favourite Bowie tunes. Partial proceeds from the $8 cover charge will be donated to Fuck Cancer.
Live Piano Karaoke Bowie Party
Local musician Ghislain Aucoin is organizing a karaoke night of sorts featuring David Bowie songs. Singers will be accompanied on piano during the February 4 event at Holy Oak Cafe (1241 Bloor Street). Admission is by donation, and singers can message Aucoin their song choice through Facebook ahead of the event.
David Bowie at Reg Hartts Cineforum
Some of Bowies greatest film roles will be on display at Reg Hartts Cineforum (463 Bathurst Street) until the end of the month. Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence, The Hunger and The Man Who Fell to Earth are just a few of the movies that will be featured. General admission is $20 with reduced rates for audience members age 30 and under. Find the movie schedule online.
Labyrinth at Cineplex cinemas
If you miss Carlton Cinema’s screening of Labyrinth, Cineplex will be showing the movie twice next month as part of its Great Digital Film Festival, which takes place at select cinemas across Canada from February 5 to 11. In Toronto, Labyrinth will play at Scotiabank Theatre and Cineplex Cinemas Scarborough. Showtimes and tickets can be found online.
The Man Who Fell to Earth at TIFF
TIFF has announced via Twitter that theyll play Nicolas Roegs 1976 sci-fi drama, where Bowie stars as a humanoid alien visiting Earth, on February 18 at 8:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online in advance.
michelled@nowtoronto.com | @michdas
