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Dan DeLuca's Mix Picks: David Bowie, Betty Davis, and a Sun Ra celebration

Bowie's last half decade, plus a South Philly rock series, an interstellar jazz tribute, a 1970s funk reissue, and introducing Karl Blau.

David Bowie's final creative burst is the focus of 'David Bowie: The Last Five Years.'
David Bowie's final creative burst is the focus of 'David Bowie: The Last Five Years.'Read moreHBO
    by Dan DeLuca
    Published 

David Bowie: The Last Five Years. Francis Whately's documentary commemorates the second anniversary of the rock star's death by celebrating his undying commitment to the creative life. The 90-minute film focuses on the final burst of activity that included his superb final two albums, 2013's The Next Day and 2016's Blackstar, as well as Lazarus, the musical first performed a month before his death. There's unseen footage, interviews with still-grieving associates like producer Tony Visconti, and the ever-charming Bowie comparing being famous to living "in a very luxurious mental hospital" and joking about his legacy: "I'd love people to believe I always had great haircuts." On HBO.

Peace & Noise 2018. Boot & Saddle's now-annual series of Philly-centric benefit shows kicks off with the Augusta Koch-fronted trio Cayetana, plus Hemming & Friends in a fund-raiser for Project Home. Vacationer, the Wonder Years, and Mannequin Pussy are among the acts playing in coming weeks at the South Broad Street venue. Wednesdays in January at Boot & Saddle.

Betty Davis, Nasty Gal. Vinyl reissue of the 1975 album by the ahead-of-her-time uncompromising funk diva, known for "Anti-Love Song" from her 1973 self-titled debut. This one ranges from ferocious funk workout like "Feelings" and "F.U.N.K" to the delicate Gil Evans-arranged "You & I," which the singer wrote with her ex-husband Miles Davis. It's a mystery why she never became a bigger star.

Satellites Are Spinning. The third of eight shows in a series that runs through June at various venues, with the full title Satellites Are Spinning: A Sizzling Sonic Celebration of Sun Ra. This week's edition highlighting the Afro-Futurism perspective of the late interstellar jazz man will feature bassist Bert Harris leading fellow Eye2Eye trio members Elliot Levin and Kim Pedro, plus a bevy of special guests, including Arkestra guitarist DM Hotep. Wednesday at Ardmore Music Hall.

Karl Blau. A well-kept  Washington State secret who had been recording for 20 years before breaking through to a national audience with the 2016 covers collection Introducing Karl Blau. He returns with Out Her Space, a new set of originals that seasons its sophisticated pop tunes with traces of shimmery funk and Afro-pop. Birdie Busch and Heatwarmer open. Wednesday at World Cafe Live.