A Capitol Fourth in High Definition
Jimmy Smits To Host America’s
National Independence Day Celebration
Live on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol
Saturday, July 4th, from 8:00 to 9:30 pm ET
(check local listings)
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Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning film, theater and television actor Jimmy Smits hosts the 29th annual broadcast of America’s biggest and best-loved 4th of July concert, featuring a spectacular fireworks display on the National Mall over the Washington Monument captured by 18 TV cameras stationed around the city.
Barry Manilow will perform a selection of patriotic and celebratory music with the National Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of top pops conductor Erich Kunzel and the Choral Arts Society of Washington, under the direction of Norman Scribner.
Also performing – the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, international pop sensation Natasha Bedingfield, the Tony and Grammy Award-winning cast of Jersey Boys, multi Grammy Award-nominee Michael Feinstein and acclaimed classical pianist Andrew von Oeyen.
As a special treat for the entire family, Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch and more of the Sesame Street gang will be on hand to celebrate America’s 233rd birthday.
The July 4th concert finale includes Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" – featuring the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets and complete with live cannon fire provided by the United States Army Presidential Salute Battery. Also featured are the U.S. Army Ceremonial Band, the U.S. Army “Old Guard” Fife and Drum Corps and the Joint Armed Forces Color Guard of the Military District of Washington.
A Capitol Fourth is made possible by grants from The Boeing Company, the National Park Service, Department of the Army, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the National Endowment for the Arts, PBS and public television viewers nationwide. Air Travel is provided by American Airlines.
A Capitol Fourth can also be heard live over NPR Member stations nationwide and is broadcast to U.S. military personnel in more than 175 countries and U.S. Navy ships at sea by the American Forces Radio and Television Network.
