Montreal indie band Arcade Fire is among the first acts chosen by David Bowie for the inaugural High Line Festival in New York.

Bowie is curating the festival, to run May 9-19 near the High Line, a public park being built on an elevated railway line in west Manhattan.

From left, Arcade Fire's Richard Parry, Will Butler and lead singer Win Butler perform at the Ukrainian Federation headquarters in Montreal on Feb 6.
(Ryan Remiorz/Canadian Press)

Bowie has been following the career of Arcade Fire, who recently released their second album, Neon Bible, mentioning them as potential candidates last year.

"The request was for me to choose artists and acts that I myself would go out of my way to see," Bowie said on his website.

Bowie's mandate is to choose emerging artists and help turn the spotlight on them with the public festival. Part of the proceeds go to an organization supporting the park project.

Deerhoof, Secret Machines, Air, Bang on a Can All-Stars, and Polyphonic Spree are also on the bill for the outdoor concerts.

Also appearing is Legendary Stardust Cowboy, a rock 'n' roll cowboy who may have inspired Ziggy Stardust and whom Bowie has long admired. Bowie has not said whether he himself will perform.

Bowie took 2006 off after saying he was "fed up" with the music industry.

The festival also includes a show by comedian Ricky Gervais, an appearance by U.S. performance artist Laurie Anderson and a public art exhibition.

Bowie has also selected 10 of his favourite Spanish-language films for screening.

Arcade Fire announced Monday it was cancelling nine dates on its sold-out European tour because lead singer Win Butler has a sinus infection.

Butler said he has been sick for almost three months and may have to undergo sinus surgery.