Grammy-Winning Hip Hop Sensation 'The Roots' to Kick Off New 'Fusion Flash Concerts' National Series With Free Show Tomorrow Night at Hudson River Park's Pier 54

           Music Fan 'Flash Mobbers' Nationwide Registering on
    www.fusionflashconcerts.com for 'Insider' Details on Free, Secret
   Performances by Jermaine Dupri, Fat Joe, Yellowcard, and Other Stars

The Artist: Philadelphia's Grammy-winning hiphop group The Roots started out in 1987 playing street corners, and ended up as one of Rolling Stones' "20 Greatest Live Acts in the World." The Roots are as famous for their knack for collaboration as for their ambitious merging of old-school hiphop, rock, jazz sensibilities, and live instrumentation. The alternative hiphop ensemble founded by drummer Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson and Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter, includes keyboardist Kamal Gray and bassist Leonard "Hub" Hubbard.

The Scene: The Roots are performing a free, unannounced-until-today "Fusion Flash Concert" for "insiders" registered on http://www.fusionflashconcert.com/ and the general public on a first come, first-admitted "space available" basis.

The Roots show is the first of 10 nationwide. Jermaine Dupri will play in Atlanta this weekend and Fat Joe hits Philadelphia next week at secret locations. The secret series, interactive website and exclusive content is part of a national grassroots effort to amplify the street buzz surrounding the launch of the new 2006 Ford Fusion sedan.

Show Time: Thursday, July 14, 2005. The Roots will perform live on- stage, starting between 7:30 - 8:00 p.m. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.

The Roots' ?uestlove will be available for a media briefing session and select one-on-one media interviews from 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. (EDT)

The Spot: Hudson River Park's Pier 54 @ Westside Highway and 13th Street

The Quote: "We're really excited to get this summer-long party started in New York," said The Roots' ?uestlove. "With our music being fusion of hip hop, rock, jazz and funk, we're a perfect fit for this eclectic concert series."

Contact John Eckel, +1-949-278-6870 (c) or +1-310-394-9700 for advance scheduling of interviews with the artist(s) or organizers.

PRNewswire -- July 13