David Bowie Tribute Events in NYC: Dance Parties, Screenings, Concerts & More (Updated)

David Bowie Tribute Events in NYC: Dance Parties, Screenings, Concerts & More (Updated)


Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re probably aware that David Bowie passed away on Sunday at the age of 69. The legendary musician and fashion icon died after an 18-month battle with liver cancer. His death comes just days after his birthday and the release of ★ (Blackstar), an album, that according to his producer Tony Visconti, was made as a parting gift for his fans.

If you’re like us and are having difficulty grappling with Bowie’s passing, it may help to gather with other fans to celebrate his life and legacy. Several groups and venues across the city are organizing events so you can do just that. From screenings and dance parties to tribute concerts, there are a bounty of ways to pay homage. We will be updating the list as events come in.

Friday, November 11
Seu Jorge: The Life Aquatic – A Tribute to David Bowie
Fans of Wes Anderson’s The Life Aquatic will recall the film featured a singing sailor by the name of Pelé dos Santos. Played by Brazilian musician Seu Jorge, Pelé was found performing Portuguese versions of David Bowie songs. In homage to Bowie, Jorge is coming to New York City to perform a Life Aquatic-themed show complete with sets and images from the film.
Town Hall, 123 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036
7:30pm
$45 / $55 / $75 / $85

Past Events:

Wednesday, January 13
Moonage Daydream: A David Bowie Dance Party
The Bushwick warehouse-dwelling live music venue The Other Side is hosting an intergalactic shindig to celebrate Bowie’s immortality. The show features DJs and tribute bands all night.
The Other Side, 338 Moffat St, Brooklyn, New York 11237
9pm
Free if you’re in costume, $5 without.

Thursday, January 14
David Bowie Tribute events NYcGemini & Scorpio Bowie movie night! Labyrinth + ?
Gemini & Scorpio invite you into their lair for a David Bowie movie night. The evening is casual and features films screening on their brand new projector as well as popcorn and drinks, both adult and otherwise. Labryrinth is definitely on the agenda for a 7:30pm kick off, after that, possible films are The Man Who Fell to Earth, The Hunger, or The Prestige. Guests are welcome to bring Bowie films or videos to screen on DVD or off a flash drive.
Gemini & Scorpio Loft, Douglass St, Brooklyn, New York 11217
7pm
$10 suggested donation

Salute to David Bowie
DJ ‘H’ spins a Bowie-centric set at Otto’s Shrunken Head in salute to the supreme rocker. He’ll do it again at Niagara on Saturday.
Otto’s Shrunken Head, 538 E 14th St, New York, New York 10009
9pm
Free

Friday, January 15
Bowie Sing-a-long in Union Square Park
A group of Bowie fans are gathering in Union Square Park Friday night for a sing-a-long. Dress up or dress down, whatever will do at this outdoor get together to remember rock’s fallen hero.
Union Square Park, 14th Street
6pm
Free

Free screenings of MERRY CHRISTMAS MR LAWRENCE and THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH
The Film Society of Lincoln Center, who honored Bowie with a terrific retrospective in August 2013, is hosting free screenings of two films starring the man, Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence (1983) and The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976). Both films will screen in the Walter Reade Theater, with Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence appearing in 35mm and The Man Who Fell to Earth as a digital restoration.
Film Society of Lincoln Center, 165 W 65th St, New York, NY 10023
Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence at 6:30pm, The Man Who Fell to Earth at 9pm
Free, tickets will be distributed one hour before the show time on a first come, first served basis

Skate Oddity: A David Bowie Tribute
Head to Bryant Park for an evening skate featuring the music of David Bowie. The two-hour party will journey through his musical catalog starting with his early classics and ending with his new album, Blackstar. Also on hand, face-painters to turn folks into Aladdin Sane, Ziggy Stardust, Jareth the Goblin King, and other Bowie looks.
Bryant Park, Between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, 40th, and 42nd Streets, New York, NY
7-9pm
Free

HUSTLER: BOWIE TRIBUTE PARTY
Queer-centric West Village haunt Rockbar is celebrating Bowie with a special live show and dance party.
Rockbar NYC, 185 Christopher St, New York, New York 10014
9pm
$3

No Return Post Punk Society * David Bowie Tribute Set
No Return Post Punk Society are bringing the Bowie this Friday at the Pyramid Club. The party starters can usually be found in the club’s basement the first Friday of the month dishing out post-punk, goth, synth pop, deathrock and new wave. Asked to fill in this week, the DJ crew, which consists of DJ Ryan Walker, DJ Maldic!on (Arkham) and Alex Von Nihil (Velocity, R’n’R Girlie Show), are lacing their set with a hefty helping of Ziggy Stardust.
Pyramid Club, 101 Avenue A, New York, New York 10009
8pm
$6 after 9pm

Friday, January 15, Saturday, January 16 & Sunday, January 17
David Bowie Tribute events NYCEMERGENCY BOWIE FAREWELL (Feeling Gloomy Says Goodbye to David Bowie)
Feeling Gloomy, the dance party peeps who try to turn lemons into lemonade, are throwing three soirees this weekend in honor one of their favorite musicians of all time, David Bowie. They originally announced Saturday at Grand Victory, but after that sold out (limited tix at the door), they added Sunday at Grand Victory and Friday at Littlefield. The two Brothers Gloom, who man the decks, promise to play “every acceptable Bowie dance song and more than a few unacceptable ones.” You’ll also hear some Iggy and Lou thrown in for good measure.
1/15 at Littlefield, 622 Degraw Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217
1/16 & 1/17 at Grand Victory, 245 Grand St, Brooklyn, New York 11211
11pm
$6

Saturday, January 16
12XU Presents: A Tribute to David Bowie
Paulie of Newtown Radio is playing a set of Bowie and Bowie-related songs at HiFi. Listen along. No cover.
HiFi, 169 Avenue A, New York, New York 10009
10pm
Free

David Bowie Events NYC Saturdays & Sundays – January 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 & 31
David Bowie: Sound + Vision
The Paley Center of Media is bringing back its screening exhibition, David Bowie: Sound + Vision. A retrospective devoted to the artist’s groundbreaking career, it first screened at the Center in 2002. Split into five parts, the series features music videos, rarely seen performances, outtakes, documentaries and interviews. The Saturday screenings will feature the first three parts that focus on 1964-1982, while Sunday serves up the last two that span 1983-2002.
The Paley Center of Media, 25 West 52nd Street, New York, NY
Saturday, 12:15pm – 5:45pm, Sunday, 12:15pm-4:15pm
$10

Sunday, January 17
Sally Can’t Dance – David Bowie Tribute
This is sure to be a wild and sentimental one as the organizers have been involved with a ton of Bowie-themed parties over the years, including Oh! You Pretty Things, Glamdammit, and Bowieball. Going down at Bowery Electric, the party is hosted by Michael T., Johnny T., and Jesse Malin and will pay tribute to both Bowie and Elvis with performances and dj sets. Among the performers are Michael T., who is also celebrating his birthday that night, Joey Arias, Milan, Mike Fornatale, Cathy Cervenka (Love Bites) and Shannon Conley (Lez Zeppelin). Jonathan Toubin, Alix Brown, Miss Guy and Twig the Wonder Kid will be on the decks. Open bar 10pm-10:30pm and 2pm-2:30am.
Bowery Electric, 327 Bowery, New York, NY
10pm
$10 or $5 with RSVP

Tuesday, January 19
COLLAGE NYC Special Live Art Tribute to DAVID BOWIE
David Bowie is the theme of the next COLLAGE NYC, a weekly live painting and networking party hosted by Savior Elmundo and Kevin Michael at The Delancey. The event is free and those interested in painting should arrive no later 7pm with supplies in hand (i.e., canvas, easel, paints). DJs will be spinning throughout the night.
The Delancey, 168 Delancey St, New York, New York 10002
7pm
Free

Little Cinema Presents: THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH
House of Yes are devoting their 22-ft screen to Bowie for an airing of The Man Who Fell to Earth. The evening also features Bowie-inspired cocktails and a Bowie look-a-like contest as well as a free post-screening glam-themed dance party. They are requesting a $5 donation for viewing of the film.
House of Yes, 2 Wyckoff Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11237
7pm doors, dance party at 10pm
$5 donation, RSVP

Holy Holy Performing The Man Who Sold the World
Drummer Woody Woodmansey, who is now the last surviving member of the classic Ziggy Stardust lineup, along with longtime Bowie producer Tony Visconti (Space Oddity, The Man Who Sold the World, David Live, Young Americans, Low, Heroes, Stage, Lodger, Scary Monsters, Heathen, Reality, The Next Day, Blackstar) assembled a group entitled the Holy Holy and have been out performing The Man Who Sold the World in its entirety. The group played the Highline Ballroom on January 8 and have announced that they will be playing another gig at the venue on January 19.
Highline Ballroom, 431 W 16th St., New York, NY 10011
8pm
$35-$55

David Bowie Tribute events NYCThe Smashing Pub Quiz: David Bowie Edition
VJs Teenage Guide to Popularity are hosting a trivia night and party devoted to Bowie. The evening begins with a music video set featuring his videography, classic appearances and other music videos by artists he loved and worked with. Trivia ensues around 9:30pm and is followed by a dance party with DJ SAREEN.
The Rookery, 425 Troutman St, Brooklyn, New York 11237
8pm

Wednesday, January 20
HI/LOW Presents: THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH/HOWARD THE DUCK
This evening was probably in the works before Bowie’s passing, but it still warrants mention. Syndicated is a new venue in Bushwick that marries food and cinema, much like the Nitehawk. As part of their HI/LOW series, they are screening The Man Who Fell to Earth with Howard the Duck. Yes, sounds like a strange pairing, but the common denominator is the alien fish out of water motif. Be warned, this place is small, only 50 seats.
Syndicated, 40 Bogart Street, Brooklyn, NY 11206
7pm
$5 for both films

Friday, January 22
Rebel Rebel Reunion
Back in the day there was a weekly glam rock dance party that served up a fine selection of Bowie classics. The DJs and promoters from that shindig are getting together on the occasion of Bowie’s passing to pay their respects. Among those spinning are Twig the Wonderkid, Carin Shock!, Lumpen the Laptop Hero, Jeremy Bastard and Mr. Tim. There will also be a special tribute by STARBOLT 9.
Jeromes, 155 Rivington St, New York, New York 10002
9pm
Free

Monday, January 25
David Bowie Tribute Night
It’s Bowie night at Silent Barn. The Bushwick venue has several activities planned for the evening including a video request line, live covers & karaoke, and a screening of Labyrinth (1986) at midnight. If you come dressed as your favorite Bowie persona, you’ll get discounted admission.
The Silent Barn, 603 Bushwick Ave, Brooklyn, New York 11206
8pm
$7/$5 if dressed up

Tuesday, January 26
Little Cinema Presents THE PRESTIGE
The folks at House of Yes continue their investigation of David Bowie’s filmography with an immersive screening of Christopher Nolan’s 2006 sc-fi drama The Prestige. David Bowie plays Nikola Tesla in the film, which stars Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman as a couple of rival 19th-century magicians. Aerialists will be hanging about throughout the evening and the event will climax with a live magic show by Adam Cardone, who consulted on the actual film. Those who come adorned in a top hat or cape get one free drink.
House of Yes, 2 Wyckoff Avenue, Brooklyn
8pm
$11.35

Thursday, January 28
N+1 Film Series: THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH
Print and digital magazine n+1 is giving a nod to David Bowie with a screening of Nicholas Roeg’s 1976 film The Man Who Fell To Earth. The screening will be introduced by n+1’s Josephine Livingstone. It’s free for subscribers or $5 at the door. Be sure to RSVP.
68 Jay Street, Suite 405, Brooklyn, NY
7pm
Free for subscribers, or $5 at the door, RSVP: rsvp@nplusonemag.com

Friday, January 29
Gemini & Scorpio Bowie Movie Night 2: THE HUNGER +?
Just too much Bowie cinema to pack into one night, so the kids at Gemini & Scorpio are hosting a second movie night. This time they are starting with The Hunger and will then take a vote on what follows. Candidates are Basquiat and The Linguini Incident. Guests are encouraged to bring DVDs of Bowie films. Hot cider and other options will be flowing.
Gemini & Scorpio Loft, Douglass St, Brooklyn, New York 11217
7pm
$10 suggested donation

Friday, January 29 & Saturday, January 30
Midnight Screening: LABYRINTH
Nitehawk is revisiting Jim Henson’s classic Labyrinth, which stars David Bowie as the Goblin King. The Williamsburg theater will do midnight screenings on consecutive nights.
Nitehawk, 136 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11249
12:15am
$11

Sunday, January 31
David Bowie Tribute Screening: LABYRINTH
The Museum of the Moving Image, who hosts an ongoing series celebrating the work of Jim Henson, will be presenting a screening of Labyrinth in tribute to David Bowie. The screening will take place in the museum’s beautiful Sumner M. Redstone Theater.
Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35 Ave, Astoria, NY 11106
2:30pm
$12

Tuesday, February 2
Little Cinema Presents: BASQUIAT
It’s back to the 80s as House of Yes revisits Bowie’s wonderful performance as Andy Warhol in Julian Schnabel’s Basquiat. In addition to screening, this event includes a performance by Brian Kelly whose music was featured in the film. Following the film an 80s/New Wave dance party hosted by DJ Cindy Kim will ensue. Food at 6pm, screening at 8pm, dance party at 10pm.
House of Yes, 2 Wyckoff Avenue, Brooklyn
6pm Doors
$10 suggested donation

Saturday, February 6
Golden Tears: A joyous million band tribute to the genius of David Bowie
CRUMPTON’s Magnificent Living COVERCAVE is putting together a Bowie tribute show featuring 20-40 local acts performing a song each. More details to come.
Cake Shop, 152 Ludlow St, New York, New York 10002
7pm-1am
Free

Glamdammit : A Bowie Odyssey
Glamdammit, the long-standing party that mixes up rock ’n’ roll, punk, and glam, is honoring David Bowie with a rager that features performances and a dance party. Among those taking to the stage are The Bowery Boys, Briana Layon & The Boys, and Michael T and the Vanities, who will perform a retrospective of Bowie’s catalogue with special guest performers. Twig the Wondered and James David will be on the decks and Astro Erle is hosting. Plus, there will be a Pabst Blue Ribbon open bar from 11pm to midnight.
The Grand Victory, 245 Grand St, Brooklyn, New York 11211
11pm-4am
$10

Monday, February 8
Wham Bam Thank You Ma’am: A Tribute to David Bowie ft. The Pains of Being TEEN, White Hinterland + more!
Indie bands are banding together in honor of Bowie at this tribute show at Mercury Lounge. Headlining will be a band featuring members of The Pains of Being Pure at Heart and TEEN. Also on the bill White Hinterland, Best Behavior, ADESUWA, and Caroline Partamian of Scully.
Mercury Lounge, 217 E Houston St., New York, NY, 10002
9:30pm
$10 (Tickets on sale January 27 at noon)

Thursday, February 18
Mixtape: David Bowie
This show, which was actually in the works before David Bowie passed, offers an interesting twist on the typical tribute. Performers will come to the event with stand-up material, a story, a dance or whatever else they believe is interesting about their favorite Bowie song. They will have the length of the song to perform, as their selection will be playing in the background. Among those set to appear are Austin Sanders, Erin Fenton, a place both wonderful and strange, Buzz Off, Lucille, and more. Writer/comedian Jaime Lutz hosts
The Pit, 123 E 24th St, New York, New York 10010
9:30pm
$10

Thursday, February 18-Saturday, February 20
The Loser’s Lounge Tribute to David Bowie
Famed tributeers the Loser’s Lounge are setting their sights on David Bowie for their next round of concerts. The shows, which are selling out fast, are set to go down at Joe’s Pub in February. Expect all sorts of special guest vocalists joining in the fun. In the past, Joe McGinty and his rollicking collective have been joined by the likes of Richard Dreyfuss, Moby, Parker Posey, Debbie Harry, Paul Williams, Cyndi Lauper, John Cameron Mitchell, Fred Schneider, John Flansburg of They Might Be Giants, Michael Cerveris, Joan Jett, Ian Hunter, Fred Armisen, Antony, and more.
Joe’s Pub, 425 Lafayette Street, New York, NY 10003
various times
$15-$25

Friday, February 19
$5 Midnights: TONY SCOTT’S THE HUNGER
Videology is featuring The Hunger in its $5 Midnights series in February. Directed by Tony Scott, the stylishly erotic horror flick finds David Bowie cast as a vampire alongside the beautiful Catherine Deneuve. Susan Sarandon also stars.
Videology, 308 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
11:59pm
$5

Saturday, February 20
Disappears Play David Bowie’s Low
The Chicago band will be performing two sets at Baby’s All Right. The first set features their mix of shoegaze, krautrock and garage rock. As for the second, they will be doing a re-imagining of Bowie’s Low.
Baby’s All Right, 146 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY, 11211
8pm
$15

Sunday, February 21
David Bowie Film Fest
Hell’s Kitchen bar Perdition is hosting a Bowie film festival that doubles as a fundraiser for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and Cancer Research. The day-long event features screenings of Labyrinth (1pm), The Rise & Fall of Ziggy Stardust Concert/Film (3pm) and Velvet Goldmine (5pm), as well as drink specials, a raffle and more.
Perdition, 692 10th Avenue
1pm
Free

Friday, February 26
Jeff Slate & Friends: A New York City Celebration of David Bowie’s Life and Music
Singer-songwriter Jeff Slate and his all-star band have done a fair share of tribute shows. Among their subjects have been Dylan, Lennon and George Harrison. For this evening, they set their sights on Bowie and promise to perform hits and deep cuts from the Thin White Duke. Jeff may also throw in a few originals inspired by Bowie.
Hill Country Barbecue Market, 30 W 26th St, New York
9pm
Free, but reservations are recommended

David Bowie Events NYC Moonage Daydream: An Aerial Planetarium for David Bowie
A group of NYC’s aerial superstars are gathering to celebrate the life of David Bowie. Except the music you know and love, members of The Heavenly Bodies swinging through the air, and trippy visuals by Bamiam aka B.A. Miale. Members of The Heavenly Bodies include Tanya Gagne, Elizabeth Munn, Erin Elsham, Gypsy Latham, Joan Puchalski and more.
Big Sky Works, 29 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, New York 11249
8:30pm
$25

Friday, February 26 & Saturday, February 27
David Bowie’s Labyrinth: Dinner & a Movie
City Winery is serving up a special prix fixe dinner featuring dishes inspired by David Bowie, like Rebel Rebel risotto balls and David bowie-tie pasta. As diners eat, Jim Henson’s Labyrinth will be projected.
City Winery, 155 Varick Street, New York, NY
7pm doors, 8pm start
$30 (tix for February 26 are sold out)

Tuesday, March 15
Shearwater Performing David Bowie’s Lodger
Currently making the rounds in support of their new LP Jet Plane and Oxbow out now on Sub Pop, Shearwater are veering slightly off script for one night to perform a show dedicated to David Bowie. The band have already been playing a song or two off Lodger (1979), the last album in Bowie’s Berlin Trilogy, throughout their current tour. For this free show, they play the album in its entirety.
Rough Trade, 64 N 9th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
7pm
Free

Wednesday, March 2 – Sunday, March 27
David Bowie Events NYC Saint BowieSaint Bowie
Stephen Romano Gallery is hosting a group exhibition dedicated to the late great iconoclast. It features artist-made reliquaries, ex votos, Santos, sigils, altars, spirit photos and more. Among the artists are Caitlin McCormack, Sas Christian, Travis Lawrence, Ellen Stagg, Lizz Lopez, and Craig LaRotonde. Proceeds from the sale of the artworks will be donated to support shadhika.org.
Stephen Romano Gallery, 117 Grattan Street, Suite 112, Brooklyn
Free

Thursday, March 31
Michael Dorf Presents The Music of David Bowie at Carnegie Hall
Announced just prior to the musician’s death, this concert, produced by Michael Dorf and City Winery, has turned into the most buzzed about memorial for David Bowie. Featuring up to 20 artists, including The Mountain Goats, Cyndi Lauper, Bettye Layette, Jakob Dylan, Perry Farrell, The Roots, Robyn Hitchcock and Tony Visconti leading the house band, the show will spotlight a number of Bowie’s classics. Proceeds from the concert benefit a variety of music education programs serving underprivileged youth. Tickets are sold out, but you may try your luck on Stubhub.
Update 2/18: The lineup features: Debbie Harry, Pixies, Michael Stipe, Cyndi Lauper, Laurie Anderson, Bette Midler, Cat Power, The Roots, Perry Farrell, Bettye LaVette, Ann & Nancy Wilson of Heart, Jakob Dylan, The Mountain Goats, Robyn Hitchcock, and Holy Holy
Update 2/22: The Flaming Lips have been added to the lineup
Carnegie Hall, 57th Street and Seventh Avenue, New York City
$48-$1,000

Friday, April 1
Second Night Added – Michael Dorf Presents The Music of David Bowie
Michael Dorf Presents has added a second memorial concert for David Bowie. At present, Ann Wilson of Heart, The Polyphonic Spree, Perry Farrell and Cat Power have signed on, with Tony Visconti leading the house band. Tickets go on sale here on Friday, January 15 at 11am
Update 2/18: The lineup for this show features: Blondie, Pixies, Mumford & Sons, Michael Stipe, Bette Midler, Jherek Bischoff, Amanda Palmer & Anna Calvi, Cat Power, Perry Farrell, The Roots, Ann & Nancy Wilson of Heart, The Polyphonic Spree, Jakob Dylan, Donny McCaslin Group w/ Mark Guiliana, Jason Lindner, and Tony Visconti, and Holy Holy
Update 2/22: The Flaming Lips have been added to the lineup
Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Ave of the Americas, New York, NY 10020

Saturday, April 16
Bowie Tribute EventsRecord Store Day: David Bowie Limited Edition Releases
On the occasion of Record Store Day, the powers that be are releasing two special limited edition Bowie picture discs. Lucky fans will be able to get their hands on the German sleeve of the original Mercury The Man Who Sold The World round cover and/or the 40th anniversary edition of TVC15.
Record Stores

Saturday, May 21
Dance Magic: A Celebration of 30 years of LABYRINTH
In the works prior to Bowie’s death, All Ages Press and Twiga invite one and all to join them in celebrating the 30th anniversary of the film that found Bowie cast as Jareth, the Goblin King. The evening features Labyrinth projected onstage as a collection of local bands cover songs from the soundtrack.
Shea Stadium, 20 Meadow St., Brooklyn, NY
8pm
$10

May 23, 24 & 26
Sven Ratzke Starman BowieSven Ratzke: Starman
European cabaret star Sven Ratzke brings Starman, his show inspired by the life and music of David Bowie, to Joe’s Pub for three evenings. First performed at Tipi in Berlin last October, the show features the music of Bowie with new arrangements by jazz pianist Charly Zastrau, and original compositions by Ratzke and Rachelle Garniez. Described as being more than a tribute to Bowie, the out-of-this-world cabaret production finds Ratzke performing with a three-piece band lead by Zastrau.
Joe’s Pub, 425 Lafayette Street, New York, NY 10003
May 23 & 26 at 9:30pm, May 24 at 7:30pm
$20

Friday, June 3  due to weather the screening has been rescheduled for Saturday, June 4
Alamo Drafthous: Quote-Along®: LABYRINTH
In warm up to the new Alamo Drafthouse opening in downtown Brooklyn this summer, the cinema is throwing a bunch of free outdoor screening parties in Fort Greene Park. The second film in to this series is Labybrinth. Expect a Rocky Picture Show kind of experience as the crowd is encouraged to sing-along with Bowie’s character and quote lines from the movie. Free souvenir props will also be available for early birds.
Fort Greene Park
Sundown
Free

Wednesday, Aug 10, 2016
Celebrate Brooklyn! Presents LABYRINTH
Celebrate Brooklyn! is getting in on the Bowie tribute action with an outdoor screening of Jim Henson’s 1986 classic Labyrinth. Accompanying the film will be grooves by the Donny McCaslin Group.
Prospect Park Bandshell, 9th Street & Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, NY 11215
6:30PM gate / 7:30PM show
Free

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