New voice of soul Ricky Fante to perform at the Grove

LOS ANGELES (Casey Sayre & Williams/ www.cswpr.com) - R&B/soul newcomer Ricky Fante, whose music has been hailed as "manna from heaven" by legendary soul man Isaac Hayes, is performing live at The Grove on Wednesday evening. Featuring the hit single "It Ain't Easy (on Your Own)," Fante's debut album "Rewind" has been critically acclaimed nationwide as the must-have soul album of today.

Fante's performance kicks off a month-long set of live shows at The Grove, as part of its annual Summer Music Series, which features a different celebrity performance every Wednesday night at 7 p.m. from August 4-25. Opening for Fante is hot up-and-comer Christi Bauerlee, whose hit "Working Girl's Dream" is moving to the top of the country music charts.

A great place for families to spend L.A.'s warm summer evenings, The Grove welcomes all concertgoers to enjoy the free live performances while dining al fresco at any of its popular restaurants or by bringing picnic baskets and spreading blankets on the grassy lawn in Town Square. An elaborate concert stage will be set over the dancing water fountain, transforming The Grove into a spectacular open-air performance venue. Next week's show will feature Jada Pinkett-Smith and band Wicked Wisdom, with opening act Jimmy Sommers and Julia Fordham.
More information about the Summer Music Series or The Grove's store and restaurant hours may be obtained by calling The Grove Concierge at: (323) 900-8080 or by visiting www.thegrovela.com.

WHO: Soul sensation RICKY FANTE
Hot country music newcomer CHRISTI BAUERLEE

WHAT: Summer Music Series at The Grove

WHEN: Wednesday, August 4 - Concert begins at 7 p.m.

WHERE: THE GROVE - Outdoor concert stage at the water fountain 189 The Grove Drive, located at Third and Fairfax, Los Angeles
- Press check-in opens at 6 p.m.
- Free self-parking for press in The Grove parking structure
- News van parking available along The Grove Drive

CONTACT: Media with valid press credentials must RSVP to secure a space in the press box - Limited space reserved for video and photography. All media requests should be directed to Jessica del Mundo at (310) 396-2400 or [email protected].