WILL SMITH

............

Will Smith Surprises Audiences at The Grove with Special "Summertime" Live Performance at Wicked Wisdom Concert.

"The Grove has become synonymous with top quality entertainment," said founder and CEO of Caruso Affiliated, Rick J. Caruso, owner and developer of The Grove. "The crowd was thrilled to see Will Smith perform after already hearing a wonderful concert by Wicked Wisdom, Jimmy Sommers and Julia Fordham. We've established a new summer tradition in Los Angeles, where families and friends can gather at The Grove on warm summer nights to enjoy free live concerts with the stars, under the stars."

The Grove was the "it" place to be Wednesday night, as Hollywood hot shots such as Tom Cruise, "Collateral" co-star of headliner Jada Pinkett-Smith, gathered to see the Summer Music Series with family and friends. Last night, Pinkett-Smith returned to The Grove with her R&B/rock-fusion band Wicked Wisdom, after having completed a European tour with Britney Spears earlier this year. Pinkett-Smith, widely known for her starring roles in films like "The Matrix: Revolutions" and recent summer release "Collateral," performed material from Wicked Wisdom's debut album "My Story." Opening for Wicked Wisdom was Julia Fordham, an English songwriter and contemporary vocalist making her American debut with the August 10 release of her newest album "That's Life" and Jimmy Sommers, a saxophone phenomenon also performing at The Grove for the second year in a row. Concert emcees included Mark Steines, new co-host of "Entertainment Tonight," and former MTV vee-jay Ananda Lewis from new daily entertainment show "The Insider."

Every Wednesday at 7 p.m., The Grove hosts a free concert in its Town Square, which is transformed into an exciting outdoor concert venue with the performance stage set over The Grove's high-flying dancing water fountain. This year's series began with a free concert by Alanis Morissette over Memorial Day weekend. The all-star lineup of performers for August included Christi Bauerlee and Ricky Fanté on August 4, and Julia Fordham and Jimmy Sommers opening for Jada Pinkett-Smith & Wicked Wisdom last night on August 11. Next week on August 18, hit crooner Matt Dusk opens for rock legend John Waite, famous for hits "Missing You" and "When I See You Smile." The concert series wraps up on August 25 with pop musician Lisa Loeb, well-known for the "Reality Bites" soundtrack hit "Stay," and American Idol finalist Kimberly Locke, whose first single "8th World Wonder" off her debut album "One Love" has made her a favorite contemporary female vocalist.

Concertgoers have the option to grab a blanket and spread out a picnic in Town Square. Or The Grove Concierge can arrange pre- or post-concert dinner reservations at any of its fine restaurants, some of which feature al fresco dining such as favorites like La Piazza, Morel's French Steakhouse & Bistro, The Whisper Lounge, Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill, Maggiano's Little Italy, The Farm of Beverly Hills or Madame Wu's Asian Bistro.

Since opening in March 2002, The Grove has attracted millions of shoppers, diners and entertainment seekers, offering a first-class range of restaurants and retail stores, such as Nordstrom, Crate & Barrel and Apple Computers, and exclusive only-in-L.A. stores such as Pottery Barn Kids, Nike Goddess and Bodega Chocolates. Spanning 575,000 square feet and situated adjacent to the historic Farmers Market, The Grove also features an expansive outdoor grass area with a spectacular dancing water fountain and a real working trolley that transports shoppers along the center's tree-lined main street. Built on providing outstanding customer service, The Grove's full-service concierge was ranked number one in the nation by the Wall Street Journal. Also home to the number one movie theatre in Los Angeles in terms of highest gross earnings, The Grove's elaborate cineplex regularly hosts Hollywood premieres and features an opulently styled theatre lobby, staffed with traditionally dressed movie ushers, in a nod to Hollywood's golden era.

The second annual summer concert series is executively produced by Marc Brogdon, president of N2U Creative Marketing Group, and Bruce Sterling of activentertainment Inc. Located in the Fairfax district of Los Angeles, The Grove offers onsite parking in an eight-level structure located at The Grove Drive between Beverly Boulevard and Third Street. More information about the summer concert series or specific store and restaurant hours may be obtained by calling The Grove Concierge at: (323) 900-8080 or by visiting www.thegrovela.com.

------------------------