On the eve of what would have been his 70th birthday, rock and roll monolith David Bowie will be celebrated with a musical tribute by the Panama City POPS Orchestra.
Saturday, January 7, The POPS will perform Windborne’s “The Music of David Bowie” at the Marina Civic Center. Tickets range from $39.50 to $19.50 and are on sale now at www.marinaciviccenter.com and at the Marina Civic Center box office.
No stranger to Panama City and Bay County, Windborne presents classic rock music with orchestra. Lead singer Brody Dolyniuk fronts the live rock musicians backed by the live POPS Orchestra. The concert will feature works from every David Bowie era and genre.
Born David Jones January 8, 1947 in London, England, Bowie died January 10, 2016. Up until the week of his death, the artist was contributing new work to the music scene: his death occurred two days after the release of his twenty-fifth studio album, Blackstar, which coincided with his 69th birthday.
“David Bowie’s unique life and musical sensibilities provide a wide range of different sounds and elements that’s quite different from what Windborne has done in the past,” states Windborne founder and director, Brent Havens. “Bowie’s influence abounds within not only the rock community, such as his work with Queen and John Lennon, but also crosses into multiple genres including his work with Pat Metheny or his contribution to a soundtrack with Giorgio Moroder.
“That introduces a whole new set of challenges and opportunities for Windborne Music to stage a show that’s unique in its own right but stays within the confines of what we are known for as a presenter. His material fits quite well with orchestral accompaniment and our audiences get to hear the end result.”
For the past ten years the Panama City POPS Orchestra has been well known for its dynamic performances of classical and popular music. “The POPS had fantastic experiences with Windborne’s The Music of The Eagles in September 2013 and February of 2015, and again with The Music of Journey this past September,” says POPS Board of Directors President Tammala Spencer. “We are really looking forward to collaborating with Windborne again and showing the community a completely different side of The POPS.”
Sponsored in part by the Panama City Community Development Corporation and the St. Joe Community Foundation, the event has been designed to expand the Bowie birthday experience throughout the weekend and throughout the city. “When The POPS plays, we want our peers and partners to profit, too,” commented Spencer.
On Friday, January 6, My Paint Party will host “Paint Brushes and Bowie” at 6:30pm. In keeping with the studio’s practice, the public is invited to relax, sip and create a unique, original painting that will be Bowie themed. The cost of the event is $35.00 per person, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit The POPS. My Paint Party is located at 437 Harrison Avenue. Reservations may be made at 850-258-2112.
Prior to the concert on Saturday evening, Willows British Tea Room will host a sumptuous Bowie Birthday Dinner celebration. The authentic British restaurant is located at 461 Harrison Avenue. Seating is limited and reservations are required at 850-747-1004.
To ensure the Bowie vibe is in full effect, The Public Eye, video producers and creators of Panama City’s Public Eye Soar light festival, will craft a unique montage of Bowie images and effects on display in the Marina Civic Center lobby during the performance.
Local hotels are getting in on the act as well. Courtyard Marriott Panama City is offering a one night, two VIP ticket package at a special rate. Holiday Inn Panama City has reserved a block of hotels at a discounted rate. Guests should inquire about the POPS/David Bowie special.
Additional concert dates for the regular 2016-2017 POPS season are January 14, March 11 and April 29, 2017. All regular season concerts are performed at the Marina Civic Center and will start at 7:30 pm. POPS season tickets are available at http://www.panamacitysymphony.org/tickets/.
Individual tickets are available at the Marina Civic Center box office, 850-763-4696, or at www.marinaciviccenter.com. Single ticket prices: $29.50 for Adults; $20 for Seniors 65+
and Active Military; $10 for Children.