CHICAGO (thefutoncritic.com) -- The WB will officially cement its relationship with drink giant Pepsi Co. next month as the network is set to bow its new music series "Pepsi Smash." The live one-hour series will kick off Wednesday, July 16 at 9:00/8:00c.

Here's how the Frog describes the series (via press release):

The WB and Pepsi, two of the strongest brands in youth marketing, are proud to announce the premiere of PEPSI SMASH on Wednesday, July 16 at 9:00 p.m. Part of The WB/Pepsi relationship, PEPSI SMASH is a one-hour show featuring live musical performances from some of the hottest acts in pop music today. Already booked to appear in the show�s six-week run are Beyonc�, Evanescence, Michelle Branch, Foo Fighters, Ashanti, Fabolous and Mya, to name just a few.

PEPSI SMASH offers the excitement of one-of-a-kind, live performances -- there will be no lip-syncing or singing to track, a true rarity for musical acts on television. Each week, PEPSI SMASH will deliver these artists in a format featuring a permanent host along with a variety of guest hosts and a few surprise visitors along the way. As many as five groups or artists will perform on each show, and viewers will have the opportunity to see up-close and personal segments with artists backstage as well as behind-the-scenes footage of artists on tour in the U.S. and around the world.

PEPSI SMASH continues The WB�s long-running tradition of bringing the hottest music of the times to the small screen. Executive produced by Joel Gallen (Super Bowl XXXVII Halftime Show, 2002 MTV Movie Awards, The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show) of Tenth Planet Productions, PEPSI SMASH puts music into television in a way that hasn�t been seen for some time.

"Hot musical acts haven�t been on broadcast television in years and The WB is the perfect place for the return of this kind of programming, especially in the hands of superstar producer Joel Gallen," said Keith Cox, Senior Vice President, Alternative Programming, The WB. "We're thrilled to be working with Pepsi on this exciting summer show, and viewers won't find anything else like it on network TV."

"We're going to create a music lover's dream, with weekly events featuring the best acts in the music industry on a show that will present great live performers in a completely intimate audience environment," said Joel Gallen, Executive Producer.

"For generations, music has been an incredibly important part of the Pepsi experience," said Dave Burwick, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Pepsi-Cola North America. "PEPSI SMASH enables us to bring some of the hottest music directly to fans through our own show. With superstar talent, non-stop entertainment and top-notch production, this is �can�t miss� television � particularly for teens and young adults."