Dunn the Signtologist
Saturday, 2/3 at 11am -> The Solution presents Dunn The Signtologist Benefit Brunch + The Solution Stocks Judith & Joe!!! Music by DJ Low Key & Lazy Eyez, art raffles & more to raise money for the Denver art fixture at The Preservery!
SATURDAY, 2/3 from 11am – 3pm -> Nationally acclaimed Denver art fixture Dan Ericson aka Dunn The Signtologist has been down with The Solution since basically day one, partnering with us to curate The Art Of Records series, at numerous other art openings over the years, working with us on projects with Akomplice and lots more. Even more importantly, he’s been a huge part of the Denver art/music scene since long before being an artist was “cool”, on top of being a good all around human. With that said, life has thrown our friend Dunn a few curveballs lately and we wanted to help. Here’s the short version of the situation:
“Dan Ericson, resident artist at The Preservery, THE SIGNTOLOGIST, has a new baby son Noah. His wife Gigi had him 8 weeks early and he’s still in the NICU. They are in a financial transition because of these circumstances and would love to have donations towards a diaper fund for Noah. Please help if you can or purchase some art.”
And so we decided to team up with the fine folks at The Preservery for a benefit brunch (our first Solution brunch ever actually!) to help Dunn and his family. We’ll be raffling off a pair of his trademark works on signs, as well as some other great stuff and donating a percentage of the day’s food and drink sales to help him and his family during this challenging time (the better the brunch does, the larger percentage of the days sales goes to Dunn – all the more reason to come out and enjoy!!!). There will also be plenty of his pieces available for sale, on top of the delicious food and drinks from The Preservery’s great menu and DJ Low Key & Lazy Eyez spinning all sorts of feel good music to get the day started right.
As if that wasn’t enough, we’re also teaming up with The Preservery’s neighbors and longtime friends of the party, Judith & Joe, to stock even more items at their award-winning boutique! From great used records from our personal collections to Armando Geneyro prints to local products/music/art we dig to Goodness mugs and beyond, we’ll be adding things we like and recommend to the already great selection of clothing, music and assorted other interesting things that Judith & Joe stocks from here on out.
Between good food, good music, good drinks, Dunn’s signature art and all the cool things at Judith & Joe, it should be a special day – come through, help a good cause & enjoy the first time The Solution’s ever done brunch!!!
#TheSolution11 / All Ages / 3040 Blake St
Friday, 11/8 at 7pm -> The Art Of Records III: Enter The Marauders at The Solution w/DJ Low Key & Lazy Eyez! 20 years to the week since Midnight Marauders & Enter The Wu-Tang dropped, we celebrate two of hip hop’s best albums & their legendary artwork at the Meadowlark!!!
FRIDAY, 11/8 at 7pm -> The Art Of Records is like Christmas to us. We invite a dozen or so of our favorite Denver artists to take classic hip hop album & 12″ single record covers and re-imagine them in their own style and when we finally get to see all their work, it’s like walking down the stairs on Christmas morning to see all sorts of presents under the tree. The first two shows, co-curated by Dunn the Signtologist & DJ Low Key, blew us away with artists flipping everything from Dilla to Public Enemy to Quasimoto albums into a variety of masterpieces (check the links below for thorough recaps).
For our third Art Of Records, we’re celebrating a landmark occasion; the 20th anniversary of two of hip hop’s all-time best albums, A Tribe Called Quest’s Midnight Marauders & Wu-Tang Clan’s Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), which both, through the magic of the 90s Golden Era in NY, were released on the same Tuesday, 11/9/1993. We’re not just having the artists flip the album covers alone though, both albums features impressive artwork on the 12″ singles for the likes of “Electric Relaxation”, “Protect Ya Neck” & such that are ripe inspiration for the show at the Meadowlark.
The Art Of Records III: Enter The Marauders Artist Lineup:
Filthe
Tristan Minton
Michael Coriano
Karma Leigh
Dunn The Signtologist
Delton Demarest
Joseph Martinez
Xencs L. Wing
Thomas Evans
Jaime Molina
Aisha Renee
TiredPirate
We’re starting things early at 7pm to showcase the art in full light, then at 10pm, we’re going into afterparty mode at The Solution w/DJ Low Key & Lazy Eyez to close out the night. We’ll also have Solution photographer extraordinaire Knower Of The Ledge in the house, so make sure to pose for him and keep an eye out for pictures on the new Solution Instagram page & on our Facebook page. Last but not least, it’s also our homegirl Adrian’s birthday party, so if you see the brunette in this pic rocking to a Prince or Vanity 6 song like she’s straight from the video later in the evening, wish her a happy birthday & buy her a drink! 21+/No cover until 11/Only $5 after/2701 Larimer St.
More about The Art Of Records: Over the last few decades album art has gone from a 12†canvases to a 2†iPod screens, and that’s usually the best-case scenario for the often incredible art that accompanies music releases. Landmark albums like Eric B & Rakim’s Paid In Full, Nas’s Illmatic and De La Soul is Dead have instantly recognizable covers that are embedded in music and art lovers’ psyches forever, but the 12†as a canvas has become a rarity in the public eye. Everyone from music and art lovers to average people on the street still connect to both the album art and 12†format, yet we rarely take the time to honor the truly great ones. The Art Of Records is an exhibit that aims to do just that; focusing on the legacy of exceptional art accompanying exceptional music and the idea of introducing both to a new generation.
The Art Of Records combines art, music and tradition to celebrate and honor the rich history and mystique of record cover art, 12″ vinyl and the artists that create it (both musically and graphically). Curated by DJ Low Key & Dunn the Signtologist, the exhibit features a series of classic 12″ album and single covers re-imagined and recreated by top artists in Denver. The 12†covers will also be on display and the concept comes full circle with DJ Low Key playing an all vinyl set of the featured records to get the night started.
.:The Art Of Records II Opening Recap via TheSigntologist.com & Terrence Duncan:.
.:The Art Of Records II Opening Recap via Westword.com & Ken Hamblin:.
.:The Art Of Records Opening Recap via FamilyAffairDenver.com:.
Friday, 3/29 -> The Art of Records II Closing Party at The Solution w/DJ Low Key & Lazy Eyez at the Meadowlark…Don’t miss your last chance to check out the acclaimed art show!
FRIDAY, 3/29 -> It breaks our hearts to say it, but The Art Of Records II’s run at the Meadowlark will be wrapping up shortly, but not before we take one last Friday night at The Solution w/DJ Low Key & Lazy Eyez to celebrate the amazing art by an all-star lineup of Denver artists. The show, co-curated by Dunn the Signtologist and DJ Low Key, features some of the city’s top artists flipping classic hip hop albums covers in all sorts of fantastic ways and some of the pieces have already sold, so this will be your last chance to check this great collection of art. Here’s two top notch recaps of the show’s ridiculous opening night and a little sample of what the show looks like (through the lens of Terrence Duncan), plus more info on the concept. Delicious food by Year Of The Snake/21+/No cover until 11/Only $5 after/2701 Larimer St.
.:The Art Of Records II Opening Recap via TheSigntologist.com & Terrence Duncan:.
.:The Art Of Record II Opening Recap via Westword.com & Ken Hamblin:.
About The Art Of Records II: Over the last few decades album art has gone from a 12†canvases to a 2†screens, and that’s usually the best-case scenario for the often incredible art that accompanies music releases. Landmark albums like A Tribe Called Quest’s Low End Theory, Nas’s Illmatic and De La Soul is Dead have instantly recognizable covers that are embedded in music and art lovers’ psyches forever, but the 12†as a canvas has become a rarity in the public eye. Everyone from music and art lovers to average people on the street still connect to both the album art and 12†format, yet we rarely take the time to honor the truly great ones. The Art Of Records is an exhibit that aims to do just that; focusing on the legacy of exceptional art accompanying exceptional music and the idea of introducing both to a new generation.
The Art Of Records combines art, music and tradition to celebrate and honor the rich history and mystique of record cover art, 12″ vinyl and the artists that create it (both musically and graphically). Curated by Dunn the Signtologist and DJ Low Key, the exhibit features a series of classic 12″ album and single covers re-imagined and recreated by top artists in Denver. The 12†covers will also be on display and the concept comes full circle with DJ Low Key playing an all vinyl set of the featured records as the night’s soundtrack.
The all-star lineup of artists for The Art Of Records II:
Buckner
Rawh
Ian Rumley
Stacy Sturdy
Tristan Minton
Thomas Evans
Michael Coriano
Dunn The Signtologist
Joseph Martinez
Jaime Molina
TiredPirate
Delton
Girr
What is #TheSolution5?
February 2012 marks 5 years of The Solution and before anything else can be mentioned, we have to thank everyone in Denver and beyond who’s come out to the party. Whether it was in our earliest days at the Shelter/Milk Bar or at our longest running home, The Funky Buddha, or maybe you just learned about us via The Solution Showcase at the Meadowlark over the last month or two, it doesn’t matter; we wouldn’t be able to do anything cool without your love and support. With that said, a lot has changed since we started the party and we want to make sure everyone knows about what we’re up to going forward.
As you might have noticed, the party has grown beyond just a club night. Last year, we embarked on a statewide tour with Tanya Morgan, TiRon, Whygee, King F.O.E. & Boonie Mayfield, threw our first BBQ (with our good friends Family Affair) and started a monthly spinoff based around showcasing new talent, called The Solution Showcase, at the Meadowlark. This year we’ve already launched The Solution Boulder at ‘Round Midnight, we’re about to take the party outside of our great state for some collabs with like-minded parties in other cities and this month, we’re going to celebrate our 5 years with 5 events that we call The Solution 5 aka #TheSolution5.
With that in mind, what hasn’t changed about The Solution is that we’re still dedicated to making sure every event we throw is something we’d wanna go to, something fun and, hopefully, something a little more unique than your average party. With that in mind, let us tell you about what we’ve got in store for #TheSolution5.
Wednesday, February 22nd we’re teaming up with world renowned Red Bull Music Academy for what’s shaping up to be a one of a kind celebration of the man who was quite possibly the greatest hip hop producer ever, J Dilla. We’re throwing the party at Beta Nightclub (1909 Blake St) and it’s an unprecedented event to hear Dilla’s music on one of the best sound systems in the world. As if that wasn’t enough, we’re bringing out the legendary DJ Spinna (New York) and frequent Dilla collaborators and Detroit icons Waajeed & Phat Kat out to celebrate with us. Phat Kat will be rocking with Dameion Hines and Q-Knox of Big Wheel, who’ll also be performing a tribute to Jay Dee of their own. The Solution DJs aka DJ Low Key, Sounds Supreme and Lazy Eyez will be on the turntables to kick things off and with Dilla’s catalogue, you’re gonna miss some incredible music if you show up late.
Thursday, February 23rd is The Solution Showcase #3 at the Meadowlark (2701 Larimer St) and the lineup is ridiculous. We’ve got Trackademicks (of A-Trak’s Fool’s Gold Records) and DJ Tap 10 coming out from the Bay, bringing a trademark slap that’s one of our favorite sounds out. Black Actors (Quiz fka Sunkenstate and .anansi) is our Denver feature and the one and only Kid Hum will be making his live production debut, plus DJ Low Key & Lazy Eyez will get the party started.
Saturday, February 25th is the opening of The Art Of Records at Family Affair downtown (2048 Larimer St) from 6-9pm. It’s an art show based around classic hip hop album artwork being interpreted by top Colorado-based artists including the likes of Dunn The Signtologist, Path One, Thomas Evans, Tristan Minton & more, curated by Dunn himself and DJ Low Key. We’ll be displaying the actual 12″ album covers next to the artwork and DJ Low Key will be spinning the records on display throughout the evening to bring things full circle.
Sunday, February 26th we’re excited to present The Solution Beat Battle at La Rumba (99 W. 9th Ave). A dozen of Denver’s top producers will face off head to head to see who has the best beats in town. Producer extraordinaire Boonie Mayfield will be rocking a live beat showcase, “legends in the making” (according to Ali Shaheed Muhammed of A Tribe Called Quest) and new school vets Tanya Morgan will be performing and we still have more on the bill to be announced shortly. If you’re a producer or beatmaker looking to enter, check out this post for more info.
Every Thursday night in Boulder, don’t miss our fifth event of the #TheSolution5, The Solution Boulder, at ‘Round Midnight (1005 Pearl St). Â In the coming weeks, we’ll be throwing our infamous chicken & waffles party up there, featuring a performance from Tanya Morgan, hosting a women’s shoe and fashion show with Installation (an easy contender for best shoe store in the whole state) and a whole lot more.
So thanks again for everything Colorado, you’re the best. Here’s to the next 5 years and beyond.
Saturday, 2/25 from 6-9pm -> The Art Of Records Opening at Family Affair, curated by Dunn The Signtologist & DJ Low Key…
SATURDAY, 2/25 from 6-9pm -> Over the last few decades album art has gone from a 12†canvases to a 2†screens, and that’s usually the best-case scenario for the often incredible art that accompanies music releases. Landmark albums like A Tribe Called Quest’s Low End Theory, Nas’s Illmatic and De La Soul is Dead have instantly recognizable covers that are embedded in music and art lovers’ psyches forever, but the 12†as a canvas has become a rarity in the public eye. Everyone from music and art lovers to average people on the street still connect to both the album art and 12†format, yet we rarely take the time to honor the truly great ones. The Art Of Records is an exhibit that aims to do just that; focusing on the legacy of exceptional art accompanying exceptional music and the idea of introducing both to a new generation.
The Art Of Records combines art, music and tradition to celebrate and honor the rich history and mystique of record cover art, 12″ vinyl and the artists that create it (both musically and graphically). Curated by Dunn the Signtologist and DJ Low Key, the exhibit features a series of classic 12″ album and single covers re-imagined and recreated by top artists in Denver. The 12†covers will also be on display and the concept comes full circle with DJ Low Key playing an all vinyl set of the featured records as the night’s soundtrack. Please join us at Family Affair (2048 Larimer St downtown) as we recognize and pay homage to the talented assortment of artists that make The Art Of Records so important to us all. Complimentary drinks /// No Cover /// All Ages.
I Remember: The top 3 Solution moments from DJ Big Styles fka Styles & Fashion and Dunn the Signtologist…
To get ready for the 4th Anniversary of the Solution on Friday, Feb. 4th, we’re checking in with some of our favorite regulars and people around Denver to hear what their favorite moments from the party have been. Here’s favorites from Denver hip hop legend Big Styles fka Styles N’ Fashion and nationally renowned, Denver-based artist Dunn the Signtologist; stay tuned for more classic memories leading up to the party on 2/4.
Styles & Fashion’s Top 3 Solution Moments:
1. DJ Low Key channels Charlie Murphy at his birthday party at the Solution at the Shelter: We all know DJ Low Key, but do we really know Low Key? I know him as a Southern gentleman, discriminating tastemaker and heterosexual male Subaru loyalist (a first!). So imagine my shock and awe when at his birthday party back in ’07 at the OG solution when he broke character and “rocked the mic.” After performances by Che Grand and Tanya Morgan (which I largely missed, you will see why in solution memory #3) suddenly over the loudspeakers we all hear: “Aight you bitches! this is the last motherfucking song of the night! shout out to all the people who bought me drinks tonight! I’m fucked up! Bitches! Where is the afterparty? Shout out to motherfucking Che Grand up in this bitch!” I thought sure it was Charlie Murphy, but nope, it was Justin Green, aka DJ Low Key stumbling over his words and his feet at the end of the night.
2. The GOOD Fridays reunion at the Solution at 3014: It was just a couple of months ago, but already it’s one of my favorite Solution moments. After a lil’ bit of hype (internet buzz I think is what the young folks call it) I hustled on over to 3014 Colfax to be embraced in what I thought was sure to be some revisionist history. Who are rap fans if not complete revisionists? The original GOOD Fridays was ahead of its’ time, back when people thought Kanye sucked, rap music had sold out, and no one supported “real hip hop”. Thank God those days are gone! “Rap fans are always jumping at the chance to claim the past. This is going to be big” I thought to myself as I strutted with pride toward the Solution and swung open the door to find: a half empty bar, a few die hard fans and a solemn DJ Low Key. “Cheer Up homeboy!,” I yelled at Low Key over Sounds Supreme surprisingly NOT playing “Lady Don’t Tek No” by Latryx (I almost didn’t recognize him.) “This is just like a real GOOD Friday, everybody swears they’re coming, no one actually does.” I felt bad for ruining the Solution for a night, but it felt good to reconnect with the folks that did come out. DJ Massv, one of the OG GOOD Fridays crew got his car towed before he could even make the venue, so he didn’t attend. Gotta love this rap shit.
3. Jessica aka “The Bartender” – I know what you’re thinking: Styles, do we need to blow this chick’s head up anymore? Yes, yes we do. Aside from DJs, “The Bartender” has been the only mainstay for me at the Solution. You never forget your first time, and my first time was back in ’07 at Low Key’s birthday party. What’s crazy for me is how directly this night mimicked the lyrics to T-Pain’s hit from the same year, ironically titled- wait for it: “Bartender.” (I know right! T-Pain is a GENIUS!) Follow the eerie parallels: 1) I had just broke up with my girl, and had gone to the club. 2) I was just looking for someone to talk to and show me some love. 3)Everybody was jocking me as soon as I stepped in the spot. 3) We can all agree that Jessica is a prettly lil’ thing, and the bar at that time was up at the top. 4)When I ordered my beer she indeed showed me some love (well she had to, the manager at Bar Standard recognized me and comped my beer! ) 4) She gave me drinks to drink 5) I drunk em. 6)I could have sworn that I thought she she thought I was cool. 7) I gave her a wink 8)she winked back…..and that’s where the similarity ends. Yup, I ignored the live performances and instead hit on “the bartender.’ Of course I thought I was brand new, in reailty I quickly became another statistic on the “Dudes at the Solution who have hit on me” chart that I imagine the nerdier version of Jessica has on her laptop. But for a few minutes many moons ago, life absolutely imitated art. God Bless T-Pain, and God Bless the Solution.
Dunn the Signtologist’s Top 3 Solution Moments:
1. The first time I was able to hang my art in conjunction with the Solution at the Funky Buddha: It was a crazy place to hang work wiring signs to posts and pipes around the covered rooftop venue. It turned out to be an amazing event it was one of the first hip hop themed nights in Denver I had been able to display my artwork. I remember the great experience of watching everyone dancing, drinking, networking and interacting with my artwork.
2. The Akomplice Season Six Release Party at the Solution at the Shelter:Â A fashion show put on by Akomplice & an art show put on by The Signtologist was set up on the roof top of along with a stage for some special guests Akomplice brought along. It was one of the first events I had done with Akomplice and was the perfect meshing of street wear with street art presented to The Solution’s fan base. This was first of many shows Akomplice & The Signtologist did with The Solution over the years.
3. The Solution Returns at 3014:Â My first time walking into The Solution and it’s newest home at 3014 on Colfax. The Solution has lived a lot of places around Denver over the years and done so many huge events! But for a minute it went missing in action and was homeless and there wasn’t a place in Denver to go on Fridays for guaranteed great hip hop. I was so happy to walk into 3014 and see nothing had changed just the venue. It’s always been about great music, people dancing, seeing the same family always in attendance and feeling once again that familiar community vibe. Thanks for all the memories fellas!
Recent Posts
- Saturday, 8/27 at 8pm -> The Solution x Stay Up Saturdays w/ DJ Low Key, DJ Lazy Eyez, CRL CRRLL, Slot-A & El Rizzy at Fort Greene!
- Friday, 2/4 & Saturday, 2/5 -> The Solution w/ DJ Low Key & Lazy Eyez celebrates 15 years of community, music, parties & love with 15 special guests on Twitch!
- Catch The Solution w/DJ Low Key & Lazy Eyez every Friday night on Twitch!!! Download the app or stream with a browser to bring the party to your house every week from 8pm-11pm MST…
- Saturday, 2/29 at 11am -> The Solution’s 14th Annual J Dilla Celebration w/DJ Low Key, Lazy Eyez & DJ K-Nee!!! We’re teaming up with So What! The Brunch to celebrate all things Jay Dee at The Preservery – RSVPs highly recommended…
- Friday, 2/28 -> The Solution w/DJ Low Key & Lazy Eyez 13th Anniversary at the legendary Roller City!!! Tickets include open bar, skate rental & more!
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- Sunday, 3/8 at 3pm -> Spring Training Goodness w/DJ Low Key and special guests DJ Love & DJ Simone Says on Vinyl’s rooftop! Live art by Sky Welkin, complimentary buttons, temporary tattoos and stickers, photos by IG: @Armando_Geneyro & more!!! March 8, 2020
- Sunday, 3/8 in Denver & 3/29 in Houston -> Goodness w/DJ Low Key & Friends Season 9 Spring Training! Aguas frescas, top notch DJs, live art & more surprises to get ready for #GDNSS Season 9… March 7, 2020
- Saturday, 2/29 at 11am -> The Solution’s 14th Annual J Dilla Celebration w/DJ Low Key, Lazy Eyez & DJ K-Nee!!! We’re teaming up with So What! The Brunch to celebrate all things Jay Dee at The Preservery – RSVPs highly recommended… February 27, 2020
- Friday, 2/28 -> The Solution w/DJ Low Key & Lazy Eyez 13th Anniversary at the legendary Roller City!!! Tickets include open bar, skate rental & more! February 23, 2020
- Sunday, 12/29 at 11am -> So What! The Brunch at The Preservery w/DJ K-Nee & DJ Low Key!!! Bottomless mimosas, craft cocktails, new brunch menu & more! RSVPs highly recommended… December 27, 2019
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