Tag Archive for Family Affair

Friday, 9/18 -> DJ Lazy Eyez’s Birthday Party at The Solution!!! Lazy & DJ Low Key on the turntables, photos by Knower Of The Ledge, the afterparty for Family Affair’s 7 Year anniversary & more!!!

The countdown begins at Goodness w/DJ Low Key, DJ Digg, & DJ Lo!!! Family Affair Pop-Up Shop, Darius Carey’s Going Away Party & more on The Meadowlark’s magical patio! Only 6 more weekends of Goodness, don’t miss a single one…

Flashback: 2014 SX Solution Showcase & Austin Goodness at La Barbecue recap, complete with video, pics & quotes from the featured artists!!!

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Time flies. Last year’s SX704 Solution Showcase at La Barbecue seems like just yesterday and that still seems awesomely surreal (from DJing for the Pharcyce to the crazy dope lineup to the unbelievably great food), so when the opportunity to throw a whole day’s worth of events came up this year, it was no-brainer. And so me and some friends (primarily France, DJ Trackstar & Dayta), set out to program twelve hours worth of Saturday fun at the biggest music festival in the country, bringing a mix of both Goodness & The Solution type flavor to the acclaimed BBQ spot. When everything was said and done on the morning of 3/15, the lineup was stacked with ridiculously talented MCs, DJs, singers and producers from all over the country and looked like this:

Extra stacked lineup, busiest day of SXSW and we were greeted by rain and fog on the morning of the event; not ideal at all. Regardless, we trudged through, set up tents over the turntables and stage and not too long after things got going, with the spot packing out quickly as Austin Goodness started with sounds from some of the best DJs in the country. From there, the weather cleared up, things somehow ran (mostly) according to schedule, despite a short break for a blown mixing board (which somehow got replaced in an under an hour, I credit good musical karma) and when the event wrapped up shortly after midnight, well over 30 top notch acts from NY to LA to Saint Louis to Denver and more had performed for hundreds of people.

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Choosey & Exile rocking at The 2014 SX Solution Showcase via NBC San Diego

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CRL CRRLL’s awesome recap of his SXSW & the party

Over the course of the day, I met a ton of ton of new people and the main thing they said was that the event had one of the purest, best vibes they saw all week and that the day carried on the classic SXSW tradition of independent artists and musical discovery (I was even put on to some new favorites at my own event…LOL). To me and everybody involved that’s what it’s all about and we couldn’t be happier with how things turned out, especially when the overwhelming sentiment of SXSW 2014 is that it’s become too commercialized for its own good. With that said, see what the artists involved had to say about the event and check out pics of the day below (as well as even more pics here):

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“The Austin Goodness party had the best vibes all week. Oh, and the best BBQ!” – DJ Sober (Dallas / Black Milk’s DJ)

“Epic…Inspiring…Great feeling to be around so many great DJs Goodness, grooving, and [I] loved the crowd’s reception of us” – DJ Dozen (Denver)

“Goodness, the best way I could spend digesting the best food in Austin.” DJ Expo (Los Angeles)

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“Amazing group of musicians playing records in the rain is the best way to start off SXSW at the Austin Goodness…Don’t forget the coleslaw!” – DJ Clockwork (Los Angeles / Mac Miller’s DJ)

“Good eats, good beats and vibes” – Dayta (Houston)

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Deejay Theory (San Francisco)

“It was really nice to walk up to a fully relaxed situation with all of the craziness I had been experiencing before that day at SXSW. Turning left instead of turning up is just what I needed after playing intense party set one after another. Vibe at The [Austin] Goodness was on point and very welcoming. 5 stars.” – DJ A-Minor (Charlotte, NC)

“The show was dope. Good food and good performances. I got to see folks I never heard of killing it.” – YC The Cynic (New York)

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“The SXSW Solution Showcase with DJ Low Key is good people, good music and good food = a great time” – Exile (Los Angeles)

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“I had a ball rocking at The SX Solution Showcase with my Dirty Science brethren. The food and the talent on the bill were top notch!! I’m already looking forward to next year’s bill! – Johaz of Dag Savage (Los Angeles)

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“Between Goodness & The SX Solution, there was only one place you needed to be on Saturday at SXSW, La Barbecue. Great vibes, fantastic music and amazing food.” – Donwill of Tanya Morgan (New York)

“Goodness & The SX Solution Showcase were like a marathon of hot shit. The original purpose of SXSW, at its best, in one location.” – Von Pea of Tanya Morgan (New York)

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“”SXSW is always dope cuz it’s like Mardi Gras in Austin a whole week. Mobbin’ all over the city running into other artists & fans from all over the country, rocking for new fans. The SX Solution Showcase was especially dope cuz everybody who performed not only killed it, but showed love to everybody else who rocked.” – Ness of Weekend Money (New York)

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“I was honored to be there. My city was turned. God Bless you [DJ Low Key] for giving me a shot!! We just wanted to show and prove.” – Tef Poe (St. Louis)

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“The event was the highlight of the week as far as shows are concerned, we had the opportunity to perform at four shows during SXSW and the La Barbecue show was the best one; most responsive crowd, best sound system, best food lol I thoroughly enjoyed myself, as well as all of the other acts I witnessed while I was out there. Also, much appreciation to DJ Low Key for showing STL love, it was great to see so many of my homies whom I feel are the best representatives of what dope music from STL sounds like, all on one bill, all down in SXSW, it was just a good feeling, and I appreciate that.” – Nick Menn (St. Louis)

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“The SXSW Solution Showcase was my most important experience this year. It was a grand opportunity to perform new music and connect with fans and friends alike. Thanks for having me Low Key.” – Theophilus Martins (Los Angeles)

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“Good music, good people, good food & beer. Felt like I was rocking in my family’s backyard” – Yonas Michael (Los Angeles)

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“The SX Solution Showcase was an unbelievable experience! The opportunity to perform in front of hundreds of new faces froma cross the U.S. for the time, in addition to Statik Selektah, Dee Woods (of Danity Kane fame) and Tanya Morgan was beyond awesome and very motivational.” – Slangston Hughes (New Orleans)

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“I got put on to a lot of acts I’d never heard of and a lot of people got put on to me. I heard a lot of people complaining about how SWSX is so corporate now, but the big, overhyped shows were easy to ignore. I spent most of my time at smaller showcases like The Solution jawn. The food at La Barbecue was so good I couldn’t eat any meat for a week after I left Austin and now almost a month later I’ve just begun eating beef again. I knew I wouldn’t find anything comparable in NY.” – Spec Boogie (New York)

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“Hyped up parties and sold out shows and The SX Solution Showcase was one of the biggest highlights of my SXSW. Not only was there good food at SX Solution Showcase, but it got so hype later that night the almost broke some tables. Low Key put on one of the most unique events I visited in Austin and I got to see some pretty amazing ish! Here’s to The SX Solution Showcase!” – CRL CRRLL (Denver)

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“The SX Solution Showcase was great opportunity for us to network, everybody was there!” – Travii of Bodega Brovas (Dallas)

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“One of my favorite memories from this year’s SXSW was rocking at The Solution Showcase at La Barbecue. Got to meet a lot of great people and the food was some of the best BBQ I’ve ever had. Huge shout out DJ Low Key for making it happen.” – Catch Lungs (Denver)

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“The [SX] Solution Showcase at La Barbecue was amazing. I had the opportunity to party with people that I’ve never met. I knew that they would dig me because they dig Low Key. The pulled pork sand which was off the chain too! ” – Turner Jackson (Denver)

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“Family Affair’s experience with DJ Low Key at SXSW was everything that you could imagine as a upcoming artist. We were treated with the utmost respect even when our personal DJ was under the weather for show time. DJ Low Key without any hesitation assisted F.A with our show. The beer was unlimited it seemed like and the food was phenomenal! What I noticed different is that after every performance there was somebody ready to give them a hot plate of bbq as they exited the stage. We had our crew with us and we enjoyed ourselves so much we just stayed at the event almost til closing. As a band member we always pride ourselves on how the venues cater to our product and I can say this was one of the most humbling events with so much talent on one roster. Family Affair is looking forward to next years event without a doubt.” – Repp of Family Affair (St. Louis)

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MC Tree (Chicago)

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Boonie Mayfield & Audiopium (Colorado)

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Ken Rebel (New York)

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Black Spade (St Louis)

Me, celebrating an unforgettable event with some magically delicious ribs the next day.

HUGE shouts to everyone who came out, all the artists involved, La Barbecue’s amazing staff, Chisum aka The Archduke of Austin, Eric “France” Maitrepierre, Dayta, DJ Trackstar, Potholes In My Blog, Upslope Brewing Company, Acrylick, Akomplice, Leann Mueller Photography, Lone Star Beer, & whoever else I’m sure I’m forgetting! See y’all at SXSW 2015!!!

Saturday, 3/15 from 4pm to midnight in Austin -> The SX Solution Showcase w/Exile, Dag Savage, Tanya Morgan, Tree, Tef Poe, Black Spade, YC The Cynic, Boonie Mayfield & lots more at La Barbecue!!!

SATURDAY, 3/15 from 4pm to midnight -> It’s that time of year again, things are warming up, it’s feeling like spring break and we’re beyond excited to announce this year’s SX Solution Showcase at La Barbecue (recently named the #13 new restaurant in the entire country by GQ Magazine, and it was pretty much the only one that wasn’t over the top fancy)!!! We’ve teamed up with one of our favorite music blogs/sites, Potholes In My Blog, our good friends at Akomplice Clothing and the one and only Leann Mueller Photography to build on last year’s unforgettable SX704 Solution Showcase and feature even more amazing talent from all over the country. And oh yeah, free beer all day with no cover, RSVPs or wristbands necessary to get in. So with no further delay, take a look at the ridiculous lineup for the party:

Exile + Dag Savage featuring Choosey (Dirty Science / Los Angeles)

Tanya Morgan (New York)

Tree (Chicago)

Tef Poe (St. Louis)

YC The Cynic (New York)

Boonie Mayfield & Audiopium (Colorado)

Yonas Michael (Los Angeles)

Black Spade (St Louis)

Weekend Money (New York)

Theophilus Martins (Los Angeles)

CRL CRRLL (Denver)

Spec Boogie (New York)

Family Affair (St. Louis)

Catch Lungs (Denver)

Nick Menn (St. Louis)

JUST ADDED:

Ken Rebel (New York)
Turner Jackson (Denver)
Slangston Hughes (New Orleans)
Bodega Brovaz (Dallas)

+ more TBA

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While Austin’s known for BBQ and there are many exceptional establishments in town, La Barbecue has a more renowned pedigree and pitboss than almost any spot in Texas (the yelp reviews explain things well here) and is generally considered to run neck and neck with Franklin’s (the one from the current Mastercard commercial with Chef Nobu) for the #1 spot in the Austin/regional BBQ hierarchy. Here’s a little more about La Barbecue:

“After one bite, I was convinced this is the best brisket in existence.” – AustinFoodstyle.com.

“His name may not (yet) carry the same level of recognition as Aaron Franklin or John Mueller, but make no mistake, John Lewis makes some of the best barbecue not just in Austin but in the state of Texas. From his massive handcrafted smoker on South First Street, Lewis produces tender, subtly smoky brisket with a bark that doesn’t get carried away with its bite. And his pulled pork has no peer in town.” – Austin360.com

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P.S. If you came out to last year’s event, please note that La Barbecue has moved locations & they’re now much more conveniently located on 1200 E 6th St, right around the corner from the Fader Fort.

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Friday, 2/28 -> The Solution Beat Swap & Fashion Show w/an Akomplice Sample Sale, Judith & Joe, Family Affair, Karma Leigh, Xencs L. Wing, choice records from 10 top Denver Diggers, Moontower Tacos, DJ Low Key, Lazy Eyez & more at the Meadowlark!!!

FRIDAY, 2/28 at 7pm -> We’re excited to be wrapping up a ridiculously fun month of events for #TheSolution7 in grand fashion (no pun intended…LOL) with a the first ever Solution Beat Swap & Fashion Show!!! We’ll be combining music and fashion with styles by Akomplice Clothing, Family Affair, Karma Leigh & Xencs L. Wing, records by ten top Denver diggers and both gear and vinyl from the lovely ladies at Judith & Joe Fashion & Records mobile boutique. We teamed up with the crew at Akomplice for sample sale back in December, which was a hit despite sub-zero temperatures all night, so we decided to bring back the sample sale for round 2; with a great selection of one of a kind items, rarities and more great Akomplice gear on sale at deeply discounted prices (tip: come early at 7pm for the choicest record & gear selections).

Combining music and fashion is just the start though, Moontower Tacos will be back at the Meadowlark too, bringing their uniquely delicious Austin-style tacos to the party. Solution residents DJ Low Key & Lazy Eyez will be on the turntables, Knower Of The Ledge will be catching the fun on film and the night’s gonna be so much that we’re gonna start early at 7pm. Should be a perfect way to cap off a fantastic month of events to celebrate our 7 years of bringing Denver the best in hip hop & lots more, hopefully we’ll see you there!!! 2701 Larimer St / 21+ / No cover until 11, only $5 after.  More info on the party on Facebook/Twitter/Tumblr/Instagram.

#TheSolution7

Wednesday, 2/26 -> The 2014 Solution Beat Battle w/special guests Brandun Deshay (Chicago), Fast Forw4rd, DJ Spyda T.E.K., Big J. Beats, DJ Low Key, Lazy Eyez & more at Beauty Bar! Catch a dozen of Denver’s top producers battling for the title & prizes!!!

WEDNESDAY, 2/26 -> UPDATE: We just added renowned Chicago producer/DJ Maker (of Qwel & Maker fame) to the bill! Still only $10.

Ahhh, February. You noticed right, that is the sound of fresh, new battle-ready beats you’ve been hearing out of basements and studios around the city as producers, beatmakers and instrumentalists get ready for The 2014 Solution Beat Battle at Beauty Bar Denver (608 E. 13th St)!!! Last year’s battle was a blast, with DJ Spyda T.E.K. edging out Cliff Cage and ten other ridiculously talented producers (recap here via HipHopRollCall.com) to take the 2013 title. This year a dozen producers will be battling for the crown, plus a ridiculous prize package featuring:

-$250 in Akomplice gear

-A $100 Zengo gift card

-$100 in gear from Family Affair

-An interview with internationally acclaimed site, PotholesInMyBlog.com

-A photo shoot with official Solution photographer Knower Of The Ledge

-A paid guest feature at an upcoming Solution Showcase & more TBA

The competition is always thick and the camaraderie is always off the charts, so head down early and catch Denver beat-making community shining on one of our favorite nights of the year. The main focus is on Denver’s scene and the battle, but we’re also excited to welcome some other ridiculous talent down for the night.

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Chicago’s own Brandun Deshay, who’s produced songs for everyone from Danny Brown to Chance The Rapper to Casey Veggies, on top of ripping mics on his own, will be back in Denver after performing at The Solution Showcase last year to rave reviews. He’ll be joined by brilliant one man band and musical genius Fast Forw4rd, 2013 Beat Battle winner DJ Spyda T.E.K. & Denver mainstay Big J. Beats in showcasing music for the crowd, while Solution residents DJ Low Key & Lazy Eyez hold down the turntables and hosting duties for the night.

$10 cover gets you into the battle & the afternoon’s Beat Workshop (details below). 21+ / More info on the battle & The Solution on Facebook/Twitter/Tumblr/Instagram.

The Solution Beat Workshop

Wednesday, 2/26 from 5-7pm -> We’re excited to holding our first Solution Beat Workshop, featuring Chicago producer/MC extraordinaire Brandun Deshay (production credits include Chance The Rapper, Danny Brown, Casey Veggies, Curren$y, Dom Kennedy, Tanya Morgan & lots more), Denver favorite Big J. Beats and 2013 Solution Beat Battle winner DJ Spyda T.E.K. talking production techniques, creative processes, equipment and software, the business side of beatmaking, answering questions from the crowd and more before the battle gets going.  The focus will be intermediate and advanced techniques, but all ability levels are welcome.  The workshop is free with a $10 ticket to The Solution Beat Battle.

Producers, beatmakers, musicians & such, if you’d like to enter The 2014 Solution Beat Battle, here’s what you need to do by midnight on Sunday, 2/23.  Please send either:

-A soundcloud link to 3+ of your beats
or
-An e-mail with 3 beats attached
or
-A streaming link to a project you produced

and

-a photo of yourself (to be posted when the competitors are announced)

and

-a short bio

to:

thesolutionbeatbattle <at> denversolution (dot) com

No application fee necessary.  Once again, the submission deadline is Sunday, 2/23 at midnight.  Participants will be announced on Monday, 2/24.

#TheSolution7

#TheSolution7…7 events to celebrate 7 years of The Solution bringing Denver the best in hip hop & more…

Denver’s premier hip hop blog, Hip Hop Roll Call has the scoop on the entire month’s events for #TheSolution7, check it out HERE…

Producers, beatmakers, musicians & such, if you’d like to enter The 2014 Solution Beat Battle, here’s what you need to do by midnight on Sunday, 2/23.  Please send either:

-A soundcloud link to 3+ of your beats
or
-An e-mail with 3 beats attached
or
-A streaming link to a project you produced

and

-a photo of yourself (to be posted when the competitors are announced)

and

-a short bio

to:

thesolutionbeatbattle <at> denversolution (dot) com

No application fee necessary.  Once again, the submission deadline is Sunday, 2/23 at midnight.  Participants will be announced on Monday, 2/24.

Friday, 12/20 -> The Solution’s Holiday Jam w/DJ Low Key & Lazy Claus, giveaways all night, goods by Xencs L. Wing, Karma Leigh & Knower Of The Ledge for last minute gifts and more at The Meadowlark…

FRIDAY, 12/20 -> Lazy Claus is back!!!  That’s right, everyone’s favorite chimney hopping Asian DJ returns to The Solution and this Friday is your chance to get a pic with him (no sitting on his lap though, he’s got a girl!) at the Meadowlark.  Him & DJ Low Key will be rocking turntables and giving out gifts throughout the night, as we celebrate the holiday season and a great year in 2013.  We’ll also be welcoming our friends Karma Leigh, Xencs L. Wing & Knower Of The Ledge back with their super fly assortment of jewelry, prints & other goods to make your holiday shopping experience easier, more fun and a little cooler (not to mention it’s a great way to support local entrepreneurs and keep money in the community, all while avoiding the madness of the mall while sipping a drink; what a win-win!!!).  Party photographer Knower Of The Ledge will be on-site doing double duty, taking your pic with Lazy Claus for our Instagram (@DenverSolution) & Facebook pages. Enclosed heated patio / $5 Red Bull & Svedka / 21+ / No cover until 11, only $5 after / 2701 Larimer St / More info on the party on Facebook/Twitter/Tumblr/Instagram.

Last but not least, in case you missed the release party for our second limited edition Art Of Records tee last Friday, with acclaimed Denver artist Gabe “Filthe” Parra and our favorite boutique in town, Family Affair; it’s not to late to pick one of the last few remaining Tribe Called Quest Midnight Marauders-inspired tees.  Last week we sold out of some sizes, but last time we checked, there were still a few medium, large & extra larges available.  We’ll have them at the party on Friday, but you can also order one online at FamilyAffairDenver.com.  There were only 25 initially available last week and once they sell out, they’re gone forever; so make sure to get yours today!!!

.:ORDER ONE OF THE ART OF RECORDS FILTHE x THE SOLUTION x FAMILY AFFAIR LIMITED TEES AT FAMILYAFFAIRDENVER.COM:.

Friday, 12/13 -> Filthe x Family Affair x The Solution Art Of Records Limited Tee Drop #2: A Tribe Called Quest Midnight Marauders at the Meadowlark! Only 25 available, come out before 11:30pm for a chance to win a free one!!!

FRIDAY, 12/13 -> Super excited to be joining forces with Family Affair for our second limited edition Art Of Records tee (!!!!!).  This time we’re teaming up with them to bring Gabe “Filthe” Parra’s BEAUTIFUL A Tribe Called Quest watercolor piece to t-shirt form!!!  We’ll have 25 of the high quality, extra limited tees available at The Solution w/DJ Low Key & Lazy Eyez at the Meadowlark and based on what happened last time around, they should sell out quick (3 of the 5 sizes for our first tee sold out on release night and we pressed almost twice as many tees last time).  Yes, they do make a perfect Christmas gift and if you come out early, you’ll get a raffle ticket at the door to win a free tee around 11:30pm (aka come early if you’re cheap or want to win a crispy backup tee to vault up).

Party photographer Knower Of The Ledge will be documenting it all for our Instagram (@DenverSolution) & Facebook pages, the forecast calls for a high of 40 (huge shout to everyone who came out in below 0 weather for last week’s Akomplice sample sale) and we’ll be rocking the best in hip hop & a whole lot more on the turntables at “our town’s longest running & most revered hip hop night…A testament to quality” – Westword / Enclosed heated patio / $5 Red Bull & Svedka / 21+ / No cover until 11, only $5 after / 2701 Larimer St / More info on the party on Facebook/Twitter/Tumblr/Instagram.

P.S. Stay tuned for our Family Affair x The Solution x Michael Coriano Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) limited tee, coming soon!!!

P.P.S. In case you missed our now sold out, first Beastie Boys Ill Communication-inspired Art Of Records collab tee with Family Affair & TiredPirate, check it here.

Wednesday, 6/26 -> The Solution Showcase #15 w/Tanya Morgan (Donwill+Von Pea), CRL CRRLL, DJ Matt Cassidy, DJ Low Key & Sounds Supreme at Beauty Bar Denver…Catch TM premiering songs from their upcoming Rubber Souls album!!!

WEDNESDAY, 6/26 -> The Solution Showcase is back at Beauty Bar Denver with another ridiculous lineup of talent from Denver all the way to Brooklynati.  For June’s Solution Showcase #15 we’re featuring Solution favorites and friends of the party, Donwill & Von Pea aka Tanya Morgan (Brooklyn / Lessondary), singer/musician CRL CRRLL, producer DJ Matt Cassidy and Solution co-founders DJ Low Key & Sounds Supreme.  Tanya Morgan will be rocking some brand new joints off their highly anticipated Rubber Souls album with producer 6th Sense and based on everything we’ve hear dso far, Denver is in for a treat.  Carl Carrell will also be performing material from his new CRL CRRLL projects while featured producer DJ Matt Cassidy will be rocking a mix of new and old bangers for your listening pleasure.  Things kick off at 9 and we’ve got complimentary Red Bull Editions (their 3 new flavors) for the first 50 people who come out.  This one has all the makings of a classic, get your $8 pre-sale tickets at Family Affair downtown, at The Solution or Goodness or online next week.  608 East 13th Ave / $10 at the door / 21+ / 9pm.

.:$8 pre-sale tickets here:.

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