Diary Dates

Omar Souleyman, March 5, Billares Londres
Renowned Syrian musician Omar Souleyman makes his first appearance in Bogota to delight the capital with his unique mix of dabke, electro shaabi and Syrian techno. Promoting his latest album, Wenu, Wenu, Souleyman will be supported by Sidestepper’s Richard Blair, Memek and R.A.H. Tickets available through ticketexpress.com.co.

Ringo Starr & his All Starr Band, March 6, Centro de eventos BIMA
Richard Starkey, drummer of the biggest band in history, comes to Bogota for the first time to share some of his own work. After the break-up of The Beatles, Ringo Starr went solo and set up the All Star Band in 1970, inviting famed artists from other groups to share the stage with him. As well as songs from his prolific solo career, which has seen him release 16 albums and 30 singles, he will also be rocking some of the classics from his days with The Beatles. Tickets start at $257,000, available through tuboleta.com.

Piter Albeiro: ‘Por Primera Vez’, March 6 & 7, Teatro Gimnasio Moderno
Bucaramanga’s stand-up star is the current holder of a fairly impressive world record – joke-telling for 101 hours straight. He returns to the Bogota stage after a six-year absence to talk about the differences between men and women.

Estereo Picnic, March 12-14, Parque 222
The line-up has now been announced, with top acts including Kings of Leon, Kasabian, Calvin Harris, Foster the People, Damian Marley, Alt-J, The Kooks, Major Lazer, La Mala Rodriguez and many, many more. Combo tickets for all three days start at $550,000 and individual day tickets start at $275,000, available through tuboleta.com.

Manu Chau at Budapest Park, 2013. Photo: Derzsi Elekes Andor CC BY-SA 3.0

Manu Chao, March 15, Parque 222
The world-famous musician, human rights defender and self-proclaimed lover of Colombia is back to play an open-air concert for all ages. Shuttle service to and from Autopista with 170. Tickets available from Casa Babylon (Calle 49 #7-27) and all tuboleta sales points.

Kongos, March 18, Armando Music Hall
Famed South African alternative rock-pop sensations hit up Bogota on their first Latin American tour. The four brothers are now regulars at some of the biggest alternative music festivals in the world.

Corteo by Cirque du Soleil, March 19 – April 23, Salitre Magico
The world’s most famous circus comes to the capital with “a theatrical procession of poetic characters and graceful acrobats.”

James Blunt Moon Landing World Tour, March 20, Royal Center
One of this century’s most successful British artists comes to Bogota to share his dulcet pop/rock/folk sounds with the capital. Tickets start at $82,000, available through tuboleta.com.

Interpol, March 25, Royal Center
New York rockers Interpol close off the Latin American part of their world tour with a gig here in Bogota. Tickets start at $90,000, available through tuboleta.com.

Kiss 40th Anniversary World Tour, April 10, Parque Simon Bolivar
Legendary rockers Kiss return to Bogota as part of their 40th anniversary world tour. They will be performing in Argentina on April 16 and Chilean media are reporting that they will also be doing a show in Santiago. Tickets through tuboleta.com, prices start at $177,000.

Uruguay’s Sodre National Ballet, April 17 & 18, Teatro Julio Mario Santo Domingo
One of Latin America’s longest-standing ballet companies, Sodre will be performing El Mesias, inspired by Handel. Under the direction of an Argentine choreographer, the group has, since 2010, been following an ambitious plan to develop their offering and appeal to a larger public.

Ed Sheeran X Tour, April 19, Centro de eventos BIMA
As part of a massive world tour, Ed Sheeran will be in Bogota playing his acoustic classics as well as some of his newer numbers. SOLD OUT.

Imagine Dragons, April 21, Parque Simon Bolivar
Las Vegas rockers Imagine Dragons came to the fore with the release of their debut album Night Visions in 2012, and have since won an American Music Award, a Grammy, five Billboard awards and a World Music Award, not to mention numerous nominations. To coincide with the release of their second studio album, Smoke + Mirrors, they will be heading out on a world tour, with the Latin America leg taking in Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Chile and Colombia.

Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club ‘Adios’ tour, May 22, El Campin
One of the world’s best-known groups bids farewell to gigging. The legends of salsa have been delighting audiences around the world for over 16 years, and the line-up will include several of the members from the original Buena Vista Social Club album and film.

Jamming Festival, June 7, Casa Babylon
Bogota’s acclaimed dub/reggae festival is set to be a big one this year, with artists including Shaggy, The Skatalites, Alborosie, Green Valley and Little Pepe.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra, October 28, Teatro Mayor Julio Mario Santo Domingo
Recognised as one of the most influential symphony orchestras in the world, they will be performing works by Beethoven and Mahler. Formed in 1891, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra plays more than 150 concerts a year. Riccardo Muti, who has graced the stage in Berlin, Vienna, Munich, London, New York, Rome and numerous other cities, will be conducting.

The Rolling Stones, Details TBA (Medellin)
Despite this being on the cards for several months now, with confirmation from Medellin’s mayor and even Keith Richards himself, there is still no confirmation of date, price or venue. However, it appears likely that the British rock legends will be in Medellin at some point in early 2015, so keep your eyes peeled if you don’t want to miss it.


By Azzam Alkadhi

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