Issue date: 10/29/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Ian Zuckerman/DP File Photo Black Thought plays with the rest of The Roots in honor of Amy Gutmann's inauguration in 2004. The group will headline the SPEC-TRUM fall concert on Nov. 6. [Click to enlarge]

This fall will feature a concert by a group that doesn't include a Ben or the musical stylings of college rock.

The Roots, a Philadelphia-based hip-hop band, will be headlining the SPEC-TRUM fall concert at Irvine Auditorium on Nov. 6.

The Roots are well-known for their jazz-inspired sound and their live performances, which emphasize actual instrumentation over record sampling.

"They have great shows," said SPEC-TRUM co-director and Engineering senior Edwin Akrong. "Their performances are awesome.

SPEC-TRUM is a branch of the Social Planning and Events Committee that organizes events with an emphasis on the undergraduate minority community.

The group is returning to campus after playing at University President Amy Gutmann's inauguration in 2004.

SPEC-TRUM members are hoping that the band's popularity and performance style will appeal to a large number of students.

"We felt The Roots would appeal to the populace at the University of Pennsylvania" and to the local community, said SPEC-TRUM co-director and College sophomore Thurston Hamlette. "Their sound is unique and different than your run-of-the mill group."

Over the last few years, students have criticized SPEC for only bringing in alternative-rock musicians, like Ben Kweller, Ben Folds and OAR.

Although SPEC-TRUM initially had an opening act lined up, that contract was cancelled due to a scheduling conflict. Concert organizers said they are currently looking for a new opener.

Regardless of who opens, The Roots seem to be a big enough name to draw a sizeable crowd on their own.

Wharton sophomore Will Crosson said he is definitely going to attend the concert.

"I've heard good things about their live performances," he said. "And they're a great hip-hop group that has their roots in Philadelphia."

Crossen said he had been looking forward to the SPEC-TRUM concert announcement after being disappointed by the selection of Ben Folds for Spring Fling.

The Roots formed in Philadelphia around 1987 and now features Black Thought, ?uestlove, Kamal Gray, F. Knuckles and Captain Kirk Douglas. Their most recent album, Game Theory, was nominated for Best Rap Album at the 2007 Grammy Awards.

Tickets for the show will be available on Locust Walk starting today.

Prices are $15 for Penn students and $30 for the general public. A total of 1,200 tickets are available.

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