WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22
The Solution's 6th Annual J. Dilla Celebration at Beta Don't sleep: #TheSolution5 kickoff is a very special event. Presented by the Red Bull Music Academy, this night at Beta is solely dedicated to celebrating the life and music of J. Dilla, one of the greatest hip-hop producers of all time. With that in mind, DJ Low Key and company have pulled out all of the stops for this one. While Dilla's music is the true star of the show, the Solution Crew has enlisted some esteemed guests to help pay homage, including DJ Spinna and Dilla collaborators and Motor City icons Waajeed (Platinum Pied Pipers) and Phat Kat. In addition to backing Phat Kat, Dameion Hines and Q-Knox of Big Wheel will also be performing a Dilla-centric instrumental set, and the Solution cats DJ Low Key, Sounds Supreme and Lazy Eyez will be playing Dilla tunes, as well. Doors are at 9 p.m, and there's a $10 cover for the event, which is open to ages 18 plus. Don't miss this rare chance to hear Dilla's music on the Funktion-One sound system.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23
The Solution Showcase #3 at the Meadowlark
Tonight the party moves over the Meadowlark for the third Solution Showcase. Keeping to the dedicated format of the showcase, this special edition features performances by Trackademicks featuring DJ Tap 10, Black Actors (Quiz and .anansi) and Kid Hum, who will performing his first ever live beat showcase. Solution masterminds DJ Low Key and Lazy Eyez will be behind the decks. Advance tickets for the Showcase, which is 21 plus, are available at Family Affair for $5 (which includes 15 percent off your purchase at Family Affair) or for $8 at the door.
#TheSolution5 in Boulder at Round Midnight
Up in Boulder, meanwhile, Sounds Supreme and DJ Dozen are holding things down at 'Round Midnight with Tanya Morgan and Courtland Urbano (formerly known as Xperiment). The Boulder Solution will start off with a listening party for Turner Jackson's latest Star Destroyer. This party is free.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25
The Art of Records at Family Affair
On Saturday night at Family Affair (2048 Larimer Street) from 6-9, you'll find some free drinks and no cover, but that's far from the main draw here. Dubbed the Art of Records, this event is precisely what it sounds like, a showcase of hip-hop-centric art, specifically, DJ Low Key and Dunn the Signtologist have tapped some of Denver's finest artists -- including Path One, Joseph Martinez and Thomas Evans, among others -- to re-imagine classic albums and single covers in their own style, albums such as Below the Heavens, Donuts, Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde, ATLiens, and more. And while you're marveling at their handiwork, DJ Low Key will be spinning an all-vinyl set of the featured platters. This the place to be if you feel like geeking out or just want to witness a roomful of heads geek out.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26
The Solution 5 Beat Battle at La Rumba
#TheSolution5 is set to culminate with a classic beat battle at La Rumba (99 W. 9th Avenue) in the tradition of the Red Bull Big Tune battles, pitting Denver's finest beatmakers against one another. Big Tune alumni and production maestros Boonie Mayfield and Courtland Urbano (fka Xperiment) will be on hand to perform live beat showcases, along with Tanya Morgan, who will be performing. Come expecting to see the city's best and brightest throw down for a chance to earn the Solution 5 Beat Battle title, recording time at Side 3 Studios, a slot at a future Solution Showcase and gear from Family Affair. Doors are at 9 p.m., and there's a $10 cover.
For more and the latest info, be sure to visit DenverSolution.com or follow @DenverSolution on Twitter.
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