The performance by Knowles is one of several key events the company will host Thursday through Monday, June 12-16, on the grounds of the Henry Ford II World Center, which surrounds Ford's World Headquarters in Dearborn. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra will open the concert series on Friday, June 13. Country music superstar Toby Keith, recently named the "Country Singles Artist of the Year" at the 2002 Billboard Music Awards, will close the concert series with a live performance on Sunday, June 15. 

Knowles is known as the creative and driving force behind the multi-Grammy winning pop R&B group Destiny's Child, one of the best-selling female groups of all time, with 22 gold, platinum and multi-platinum certifications by the Recording Industry Association of America and more than 30 million records sold worldwide. 

With the highly anticipated May 2003 release of Knowles' solo debut album "Dangerously In Love" on Music World Music/Columbia Records, THE ROAD IS OURS 100th Anniversary Celebration concert is expected to be Knowles' first concert featuring material from her new album. The evening's performance also will include appearances by solo artists Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams and Solange Knowles, Detroit gospel sensation Ramiyah, Swedish girl band Play, a special surprise guest and Destiny's Child. 

Knowles began to expand her creative repertoire in 2002 with her feature- film acting debut in "Austin Powers in Goldmember." The film's soundtrack featured Knowles' solo debut single "Work It Out." Knowles will star opposite Cuba Gooding Jr., in the film "The Fighting Temptations," which is scheduled for release in August 2003.

 "Beyonce Knowles is a talented performer and a fantastic addition to THE ROAD IS OURS celebration," said Jim O'Connor, group vice president, Ford North America Marketing, Sales and Service. "The entertainment lineup for our concert series represents a diverse mix of talents, and Beyonce Knowles is sure to deliver an exciting first-class performance for all of our guests.

" Tickets to THE ROAD IS OURS 100th Anniversary Celebration are available on-line by accessing the 100th anniversary Web site at www.ford.com or by calling 1-866-4-100-FORD. Tickets are $24.95 per person (children age 12 and under are admitted free when accompanying a paying adult). Employees and retirees receive a special discounted price of $19.95.

 Each ticket purchase includes credentials for entry all five days, which gives access to all activities, concerts and displays -- including the Beyonce Knowles concert. Those who purchase tickets in advance will receive a daily assigned parking area and shuttle service to and from the event grounds, an opportunity to display their classic Ford car or truck, discounted admission and free shuttle service to local attractions, including Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village, Henry Ford Estate - Fairlane, and Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, a 100th Anniversary commemorative coin and discounts on 100th Anniversary merchandise.