The Fugees will kick off Grammy week tonight (Feb. 6) with a free open-air concert on the corner of Hollywood and Vine in Los Angeles.
The hip-hop trio–Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel–will perform their new single, “Take It Easy,” as well as new material from the long-awaited follow-up to their multi-platinum sophomore album, The Score.
That album spawned the hits “Killing Me Softly,” “Fu-Gee-La” and “Ready or Not,” and generated critical acclaim.
More than 8,000 fans are expected for the show, which will air Feb. 7 on an exclusive live broadcast titled “The 2006 Grammy’s Presents: The Fugees Reunited,” at midnight on New York’s Hot 97(WQHT) FM.
Verizon Wireless customers can watch highlights from the concert, as well as clips from previous Fugees shows, on their V CAST-enabled phones. Video from tonight’s performance will be available for free for a limited time.
“We are excited to perform at this exclusive Verizon Wireless concert to kick off Grammy week in L.A.,” the group stated. “As artists, we realized that there was more music we needed to make together. Verizon Wireless’ V CAST allows us to connect directly to our fans by placing the music from our hearts into the palms of their hands.”
The concert is one of the Fugees’ first performances in the U.S. since their breakup in 1997. The group reunited in late 2005 for a European tour.
In the coming weeks, V CAST Music customers can access audio recordings from the show and purchase recordings from the performance on their V CAST Music-enabled phones.
“The Fugees have legions of fans from coast to coast who crave their music,” said John Harrobin, vice president of marketing for Verizon Wireless, in a statement. “The availability of songs from this exclusive Fugees concert on V CAST–in both the video and music formats–gives our customers a front row seat in a truly mobile format while giving legendary bands, like the Fugees, a new way to connect with their fans.”
Tickets for the event will be distributed through LA-area radio contests, TXT and PIX messaging offers, at local area Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and by Verizon Wireless street team members.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the concert will begin at 7 p.m.
