Bandleader Mike Garson Reveals “A BOWIE CELEBRATION” Dates To Be Announced In Early April

BANDLEADER MIKE GARSON REVEALS

“A BOWIE CELEBRATION” DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED IN EARLY APRIL

Mike Garson is excited to announce that there will be more tour dates with fellow key alumni musicians of David Bowie’s bands from across the decades for a show called “A BOWIE CELEBRATION” with alumni including Earl Slick, Gerry Leonard, Carmine Rojas and Mark Plati in addition to Garson. Dates for this unforgettable and critically acclaimed evening of Bowie’s songs, featuring world class vocalists including Bernard Fowler, Gaby Moreno and Joe Sumner plus an ever-rotating mix of Bowie hits and deep cuts, will begin to be announced in April.

Keyboardist and band leader Mike Garson, the longest-standing member of Bowie’s bands having performed together for both David’s first and last concerts in the United States as well as 1,000 concerts around the globe in between, says: “This is a dream band with each member at the top of their game. Add to that the world’s best fans singing and dancing along with us and the power of David’s music stays alive with the same intent as when we played with him.”

The band features legendary guitarist Earl Slick, who worked on landmark Bowie albums such as Diamond Dogs, Young Americans and Reality; Bowie guitarist and band leader Gerry Leonard (A Reality Tour); Bowie’s Let’s Dance/Serious Moonlight Tour bassist Carmine Rojas; and Mark Plati, the guitarist and producer who was also a Bowie band member, musical director and producer. Between them, they have over 30 years experience of recording, writing and playing live with Bowie.

Earl Slick: “I’m having a blast with these shows. It’s so great to play with this amazing band of alumni who were there with David going all the way back. When I see the looks on the faces of the audience at our shows I see the value in what we’re doing. Mission accomplished!”

Gerry Leonard: “I am super excited to be continuing to bring David’s music to his loyal fans with A Bowie Celebration. The combination of having his real band playing his music for his dedicated fans makes for a truly special night every time. It’s such a wonderful way to keep David’s memory and musical legacy alive.”

Carmine Rojas: “It is really inspirational to witness how excited the audience gets with each song we play. It’s like people are reminded how prolific David’s music was and they can’t stop singing and dancing. Fans can’t believe they are actually hearing the music as it was originally recorded by original musicians of David’s bands. That’s what sets this apart from anything else. It’s truly a spiritual event. I can’t wait to continue the Celebration!”

Mark Plati: “It’s a pleasure to reunite with bandmates to perform the music we played with David. The response from the audience is a nightly reminder of how much his music still touches people. For those of us who had the privilege of playing with David, it’s a joy to be able to share it with audiences and each other.”

Gaby Moreno: “It’s a dream to be a part of the celebration of David Bowie’s monumental legacy. Each night I pinch myself when I look around the stage and witness the world class musicians who played with him. This show is a musical experience unlike any other!”

Joe Sumner: “This band of Bowie alumni is full of people that David himself trusted to bring his visions to life. Now they’re the perfect stewards to keep his spirit alive and it’s such an honor to be part of it.”

Here are some recent show quotes from the media:

“There are no holograms or cheesy replicas; nothing that would sully the memory of his extraordinary catalog. Instead, the show is a loving tribute by musicians who knew Bowie’s quirks and preferences and singers who worship his contributions to music history…This stellar group of players fulfilled fans’ expectations with a set list stocked with favorites and sprinkled with rarities – the best of all scenarios…There is no better homage to be paid to Bowie’s life work than from those who played it best.”

–Melissa Ruggieri, ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION (Atlanta, GA), 3/19/18

“If anybody’s going to celebrate the late David Bowie, this was the right crew to do it with one special moment after another.”

–Gary Graff, THE OAKLAND PRESS (Detroit, MI), 2/20/18

“Each performance brought me right to the place I wanted to be. Each performer was right where they wanted to be, doing exactly what they wanted to do-there were no ‘hired guns’ here tonight. It was the most wholly intentionally experience I think I’ve ever had. We spent the evening celebrating a man that none of us were ever prepared to lose. 2 years later, I’m still stumbling to figure out how to exist in a world without David Bowie, the man with a moniker and persona and song for every occasion, even his death. Turns out, a whole bunch of people are doing the same thing. Personally, I’m a fan of Mike Garson’s plan.”

–Elise Hillinger, BLURRED CULTURE (Los Angeles, CA), 3/6/18

“It was a delightful show thanks to an excellent cast and a can’t-miss repertoire.”

–Jon Bream, STAR TRIBUNE (Minneapolis, MN), 2/22/18

“Featuring musicians from different eras of David Bowie’s ever-evolving career, the tour did more than pay tribute to the missing legend…As each song unfolded throughout the night, the band’s joyous performance offered a form of musical catharsis to the audience. The tour represents a shared experience between musicians and audience unlike anything that has come before it. It is more than a tribute, it is more than a look back. Bowie must be thrilled to watch it each night from above.”

–Jason Lent, HARDROCK.COM (Las Vegas, NV), 3/1/18

“For fans with a star-shaped hole still in their hearts, there was an event that seemingly offered the perfect solution. [This show] was the next best thing to Ziggy Stardust himself [and] featured a powerhouse ensemble made up of a dream team of talented musicians…the celebration was an extremely well-executed display of musicality and a touching tribute to a well-loved rock god.”

–Sarah Alford, THE DAILY CALIFORNIAN (Berkeley, CA), 3/7/18