Samuel Hadelman Photo
Chubb Rock, a rapper popular for the 1991 smash hit “Treat ‘Em Right,” gave New Haven a soulful performance Wednesday evening in Goffe Street Park to launch this summer’s Cool Breeze in the Park Series.
N-Finity.
The night got off to a great start with the opening performance from N‑Finity Muzik, a local rap group consisting of two teenagers, Kejuan Simmons and Michael Bethune. The pair, raised in New Haven, said they are dedicated to performing only “positive” music. The other opening act, GNice and the Family Affair, rocked the park with a fun, intimate performance.
G-Nice.
This was the third year that the city has backed this event. “It’s a great mid-week event for folks to go to right when they get off work. It gives us an opportunity to introduce young talent and new genres to New Haven. My favorite part is the community aspect of this event. It keeps New Haven a very cool place even in the heat,” said city arts and tourism chief Andrew Wolf.
Chubb Rock, who was swarmed by women over 40 trying to get his autograph, brought sounds that were reminiscent of a different time for the crowd. “We have to show the kids that we can have a good time without all that nonsense,” series promoter Phillip Bynum said. With tons of dancing, music, and food, it was the place to be on this Wednesday night. Bynum hopes to continue this event but needs the sponsorship opportunities to continue on. “We want to get acts in the likes of Big Daddy Kane and others from that era,” said Cool Breeze board member Bobby Ramos.
The crowd enjoyed barbecue, corn, and funnel cakes, and danced the night away. You heard people call it “old school” all night. Even the officers on duty were dancing.
Other “Cool Breeze” acts scheduled for this summer include Walter Beasley, Rohn Lawerence, and Alex Bugnon. Those shows will take place the next three Wednesdays in Quinnipiac River Park, Edgewood Park, and Wooster Square Park.