Hamden Summer Concert Series Closes With Special Tribute: What To Know Before You Go

From Town of Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — The Hamden Arts Commission and the Town of Hamden would like to remind the public of tonight’s final concert (Aug. 29) in the 2025 Hamden Free Summer Concert Series.

We close out the 2025 Hamden Free Summer Concert Series with a tribute event in memory of legendary radio personality and iconic Hip Hop hype man Isaac Freeman III, known all over the world as Fatman Scoop. He graced our town last summer and proceeded to give us a memorable performance.

• See related: Rapper Fatman Scoop Dies After Suffering Medical Emergency On Stage

Tonight, Friday, August 29, we honor Fatman Scoop with a tribute performance in his memory from his original music technician, DJ Knuckles, and Old-School Hip Hop performer Chubb Rock. Chubb Rock delivers his intelligent bars with a distinct baritone voice over danceable party grooves. He had a string of Hip Hop hits in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, such as “Treat Me Right,” and like Fatman Scoop, he has also had a successful radio career. Paul Henderson Hollywood will serve as host and MC.

This evening, we will also honor Fatman Scoop with a special bench dedication. Following the suggestion from Hamden’s Director of Cultural Affairs and Human Services Karen Bivens to build a memorial bench in Town Center Park, Hamden Arts Commission Chair Edward “Doc” Martin proposed holding a contest in which a Hamden-based student could design the bench. The winning design comes from a Hamden High School student which will be revealed tonight.

As the evening unfolds, artist Rebecca LeQuire will be painting a live mural which will be unveiled at the end of the show. Out of respect for the memory of Fatman Scoop, we asked that all participants and patrons wear white to the park. Please join us in celebrating the life and music of Fatman Scoop and enjoy a night of community and culture.

Food options will be available from our on-site vendors throughout the event:

• Haven Beer Company – Beer
• K & D Grille Chopped Cheese Truck – Classic grill favorites
• Mi-Tai – Caribbean Fusion
• Sweethearts Ice Cream – Ice cream
• TexMex Fusion – Authentic Mexican food
• Top That BBQ – BBQ
•  Vittles Food Truck – Southern Comfort Food

For ample free parking, please enter Town Center Park through the Hamden Middle School, 2623 Dixwell Ave. Parking can also be found at the Miller Cultural Complex, 2901 Dixwell Ave.

The Hamden Free Summer Concert Series is presented by the Hamden Arts Commission and is sponsored by Haven Beer Company and Quinnipiac University. The hospitality tent is sponsored by Top That BBQ. The Hamden Free Summer Concert Series is held in cooperation with Hamden Cultural Affairs and Human Services Department, Hamden Public Works and Parks Department, Hamden Police Department, Hamden Fire Department, Hamden CERT, and the Mayor’s Office.