HARTFORD, Conn. — When U.S. Marine Corps veteran James Perkins was in the military, he learned quickly that the best way to succeed is by working together.

Today, the 40-year-old Bristol man applies the same philosophy to pursuing his passion – bringing people together through the art of hip hop.

Perkins organizes events to provide rising hip hop artists from around the region with opportunities to perform at high-end destinations such as The Webster, a historic music venue in Hartford’s South End.

That is where the HypeFest Hip Hop Festival will occur on Sunday, Sept. 7 from 4 – 10 p.m.

Perkins anticipates more than 1,000 people will arrive to witness the up-and-coming performers. The promoter and his team have been working toward this moment for months.

Credit: James Perkins/Hyp

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