Since he left this planet in 2016, Philadelphia has celebrated the life and work of rock icon David Bowie at the top of every year, right around his birthday on January 8th. Philadelphia Bowie fans walk a different plane than most — chalk it up to David Live, Young Americans, and the Sigma Kids — and consequently, Philly Loves Bowie week has grown in scope since its inaugural year to include not just tribute bands but art exhibitions, film screenings, and more. This year, the Bowie love even extends to the Lehigh Valley for a Bethlehem Bowie Birthday Bash with haZy cosmic jive. Find full festival listings at PhillyLovesBowie.com, read on for five events we’re particularly excited for this year…and make sure you’re tuned into WXPN all week long for Bowie-centric programming features!
Friday 1/3: Candy Volcano kicks off Philly Loves Bowie week
To properly play some of Bowie’s best material, you need a musical army, and that’s exactly what tribute act Candy Volcano is. They traditionally kick off PLB week with a Free at Noon concert at World Cafe Live and an Ardmore Music Hall headliner that night. This year, F@N is sold out (listen live at 88.5 FM or streaming at XPN.org) but tickets remain for the night time show. Being that it’s 2025, we’re expecting a lot of love for the 20th anniversary of Young Americans. (TICKETS)
Saturday 1/4: Moondust Will Cover You: A pop-up art exhibition
A collaboration between gallery spaces and creative studios Phlair, Paulownia Projects and Meegan Coll Studio, Moondust Will Cover You is an early evening showcase of Bowie-related art, both visual (the kind on the wall) and performative (the kind that might walk up and tell you “Let’s Dance”). In addition to “visual art installations inspired by his transformative personas,” a Bowie costume contest will take place as well. Dress code: “glam rock, space-age chic, and Bowie-inspired creativity.” (INFO)
Wednesday 1/8: An evening of contemporary dance set to Bowie
To mark Bowie’s birthday proper, a dozen Philly choreographers — Megan Bridge, Jeff Evans, Christina Gesualdi, Germaine Ingram, Adam Kerbel, Jungwoong Kim, Megan Mazarick, Rhonda Moore, Mik Phillips, Paige Phillips, Vitche-Boul Ra, and Paule Turner — will converge at the Icebox Project Space, setting kinetic performances to Bowie’s greatest hits and deepest cuts. (TICKETS)
Thursday 1/9: Screen a doc on The Sigma Kids
50-some years ago, David Bowie spent time at Chinatown’s Sigma Sound working on his Philly Soul-inspired record Young Americans, and the group of fans that camped along 12th street hoping to get a glimpse of their hero remain close to this day. Filmmaker Anthony Crupi explores the bond between Bowie and his Philly fans, and the making of the record, in his documentary The Sigma Kids, which screens for free at The Trestle Inn (just up the street from the decommissioned studio) Thursday evening. (INFO)
Thursday 1/9: Bowieoke!
David Bowie was a top-tier vocalist, and it takes a certain degree of bravado to attempt any of his songs outside the confines of your shower. Think you’ve got what it takes? Philadelphia’s leading karaoke hostess Sara Sherr will gladly take your name and song request, and will pass you the mic when its your turn. Get to Johnny Brenda’s early for this free party, it WILL be packed. (INFO)
Want more? Check out the full rundown of Philly Loves Bowie Week events at PhillyLovesBowie.com.
