"We're at a really cool stage where all these different cultures are merging," says DJ MU$A, aka Musa Bailey. He'll be holding down the party along with DJ CHONZ and other special guests. "Hip hop has become this great uniting force, so that when you throw an event like this you're going to get the high-end art and fashion crowd, the skateboarders, b-ballers, sneaker collectors, graffiti artists, everybody. The sneaker's become such an iconic piece of American culture. I think there's gonna be a lot of people dressed to the nines, with their sneakers on."
Tomorrow, beat your feet over to City Hall (1144 Broadway, all ages) for Shoe Shine no. 5, a sneaker exhibition and competition featuring work by Denver artists and designers ($10 adults, $5 under 18). A $20 2-day VIP pass will get you into both events and -- of course -- a shoe shine.
"The Sneaker Prom's really the kickoff event for the sports art show," says DJ MU$A. "We'll have a sneaker battle with about 30 artists involved, some really cool artwork by students at the Art Institute, and a bunch of interactive stuff going for kids to introduce some young people to art in a slightly different context."It's not just sneakers, either: Look for painted skateboards, basketball hoops, and other sporty canvasses on display at City Hall, and opportunities to paint your own.
"I've been doing these shows for five years now and people are starting to take it really seriously," MU$A says. "Over the years we've taken this weird little sneaker show and made it into kind of a big deal."
Be there for the crowning tonight at 303 Agency, 303 Magazine's new office and event space (940 Lincoln Ave. 9pm-2am, tickets $15, ages 21+).
