Date: September 3, 2009
Time: 8:00 AM
Location: Hubbard Park

The Hawks Nest and SCOPE Productions proudly present Grammy award-winning artist Lupe Fiasco at the first annual Hawkapalooza in Hubbard Park on the University of Iowa campus Thursday, September 3rd at 6:30 PM. The free event will begin with a pep rally and end with a concert.

The pep rally will be hosted by the "Voice of the Hawkeyes", Gary Dolphin. Each Hawkeye athletic team that begins their competitive season during the fall semester has been invited to participate. Coaches and key athletes will be introduced and asked to preview their respective, upcoming seasons. Food and drink, provided by local venders like Pancheros, Monster Energy, and Milios, will be given away to UI students who arrive early.

The concert, featuring Lupe Fiasco, will begin at 8:00 p.m. Lupe Fiasco, a hip-hop artist characterized by dazzling lyricism and beats backed by a wide-range of instrumentation, has been praised by critics as a savior to his genre. Born and raised on the west side of Chicago, Lupe Fiasco delivered his first show-stopping verse with another Chicago native, Kayne West, in West's hit single "Touch the Sky". The interest sparked by this song fronted his first official hit single "Kick Push" off of his debut album Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor.

Lupe landed a remarkable three Grammy nominations, including Best Rap Album, Best Rap Solo Performance and Best Rap Song for "Kick Push." He also won the Grammy for Best Urban/Alternative Performance with Jill Scott for their song, "Daydreamin". Lupe returned with a second album Lupe Fiasco's The Cool including the hits "Superstar" and "Paris, Tokyo", and received another four Grammy nominations. His latest hit "Shining Down", from future release Lasers, is rapidly climbing the charts.

No smoking, alcohol, dogs, lawn chairs, coolers, signs on sticks, or strollers will be allowed into the park. Backpacks and large purses will be allowed, but concertgoers will be asked to open them at the entrance.

The gate to Hubbard Park, located on the corner of Jefferson and Madison streets, will open at 6 p.m. The event will kick-off with a pep rally and food from local vendors.

The event is free and open to the public. All UI students are encouraged to attend. Only UI students will be eligible for free food, prizes or raffles and must show their UI student ID card to claim. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to call (319) 335-3041 for special seating accommodations. For press inquiries, as well as additional information regarding the Hawks Nest and the pep rally, please visit www.hawkapalooza.com or contact Tim McLaughlin at (515) 480-6863 or timothy-mclaughlin@uiowa.edu. 

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa - sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact SCOPE in advance at 319-335-3395 or scope@uiowa.edu.