The Concert
CONCERT HIGHLIGHTS
In the three decades since the humble beginning of "A Capitol Fourth", a parade of superstars — including Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Reba McEntire, Natasha Bedingfield, Barry Manilow, Dolly Parton, Steve Martin, Josh Groban, Gloria Estefan, Huey Lewis and the News, Little Richard, Tony Bennett, Faith Hill, Ray Charles, the Bee Gees, Kenny G, Aaron Neville and Kenny Rogers and the Muppets from "Sesame Street" — have offered the best in American entertainment and helped set the tone for a spectacular American birthday party.
There’s been an Independence Day celebration for 236 years — since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, our first capital. “A Capitol Fourth” is still celebrating Independence Day on the lawn of the current Capitol, with patriotic performances and the biggest, most distinctive fireworks display in the nation. It’s a great place to be on July 4th.
Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers make bluegrass magic on the 2011 “A Capitol Fourth.”
On the 2012 “A Capitol Fourth,” star of both the stage and hit TV show “Glee” Matthew Morrison and four-time Tony nominated Broadway star Kelli O’Hara, performed a stunning rendition of “Tonight” from “West Side Story.”
On a previous "A Capitol Fourth", everybody’s favorite Muppet – Elmo – sang a heartfelt "Happy Birthday America" accompanied by the renowned National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Erich Kunzel.
Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” is played each year on the show accompanied by the brilliant fireworks display over the Washington Monument. It’s a crowd pleaser and “A Capitol Fourth” tradition.
The Marine Drum and Bugle Corps performed favorite American marches at the Grant Statue while the fireworks exploded over the city.