July 15, 2010

By By Ed Christman

Now that Russ Solomon's R5 outlet is in the hands of Dimple Records, the new owners are throwing a retirement party on Saturday (July 17) for the 84-year old music retailing legend, who founded Tower Records.

In honor of the event, Dimple owners John and Dilyn Radakovitz commissioned a painting of Solomon, which will hang in the Dimple store, located at 16th Street and Broadway in Sacramento. The site housed the first Tower Records, and before that a drugstore owned by Solomon's father.

In addition to the unveiling of the painting, Dennis Newhall, who has worked as an announcer or program director at a number of popular Sacramento radio stations including KZAP, KSFM, and KROY, and is currently at Capital Public Radio, will be the MC. The day's schedule calls for Newhall and other speakers to talk about Solomon's contribution to the Sacramento community and beyond, with the Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson slated to be in attendance.

After John Radakovitz sings a song he wrote for the occasion, Solomon will turn the key to the store over to him.

In honor of the occasion, Dimple is encouraging Solomon's friends and admirers to contribute to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation. Afterwards, Solomon will hang around for a meet and greet.

Sacramento-based Dimple Records now has eight stores.

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