Bowie Forever at Starling
When David Bowie died in January of 2016, the music world was robbed of another very popular and extremely innovative star. He sold over 140 million records during his career. He had over 30 roles in movies, including leading roles in several feature films. Bowie died two days after releasing his 25thalbum, Blackstar. Upon his passing, rock stars and musical icons from all over the globe spoke praises of him. Even well known astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson said, "The stars look very different today", quoting Bowie’s “Space Oddity”. Countless others told of being inspired by him.
He continues to inspire, posthumously.
“As they pulled you out of the oxygen tent, you asked for the latest party.” Bowie sang in “Diamond Dogs” in 1974. That latest party is coming up. The Starling Bar will host the Third Annual Bowie Forever Tribute Show Saturday, July 14.
The show was held its first two years at the El Verano Inn, where owner Leslie Danon was “…a big part of letting the show grow”, according to Tony Gibson, one of the organizers. Ian Hinkley and D’Mitra Smith are the other organizers. The three have driven this tribute, and it has become popular enough that the larger Starling will take over as the venue. The show sold out last year; Young Americansare advised to get their tickets early.
The $10 tickets are available at brownpapertickets.com, and admission includes Bowie prizes, free raffle tickets, and four primary acts, comprised of Sonoma County musicians. Starling is temporarily enlarging the stage for the event, as some twenty performers are expected.
North Bay artist Orion Letizi will start the show, covering songs from Bowie's early years and a few from the later years. Taking the stage next will be Motorvators, fronted by Pauli Hips. Santa Rosa garage rockers, Motorvators will perform a short set of Ziggy Stardust-era rockers.
Third up that night will be an eight piece ensemble led by D’mitra Smith and Deirdre Egan. They will be covering songs from 70's era, as well as Bowie's later years from the late 90's through 2016's Blackstar.
Closing out the show will be a Bowie Forever Tribute Night all-star band. Tony Gibson and Ian Hinkley will glam up the stage, backed by Taylor Diaz, JB Duff, Stuart Sperring, Alex Garcia. This collection of sparkly artists will perform songs that span Bowie's early career through Ziggy Stardust, the Berlin era of the 70's, 80's Bowie and some 90's Bowie as well.
Drag performer Austin Diamond will be the Master of Ceremonies for the night. Diamond, also a local trapeze artist, met Bowie Forever co-organizer D’Mitra Smith “after a drag show at Starling”. Diamond says that Bowie had a big impact on him growing up. “His androgynous style, and his artistic style, made a big impression on me. I want to pay tribute to Bowie for all he did with his music and his art.”
Tony Gibson adds that the songs will “...cover most of his catalog, his big hits.” Gibson, who plays in a few bands in the area, usually holding a mandolin, will be playing the guitar. “It’s a dance party sort of evening,” Gibson says.
Let’s dance, indeed.
Starling Bar, 19380 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma 707 938-7442
bowieforever.brownpapertickets.com
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