AS if you needed another excuse to leave the office early today: The free outdoor J&R Downtown MusicFest 2005 rumbles on.

Soul singer Leela James and gospel duo Mary Mary perform at 5 p.m. in City Hall Park. The fest continues tomorrow at 1 p.m., with pianist Robert Glasper, saxophonist Javon Jackson, Latin-funk ensemble Yerba Buena and Latin percussionist Ray Barretto.

For more information, call (212) 238-6305 or surf over to jr.com.