The Concert

CONCERT HIGHLIGHTS

In the quarter century since A Capitol Fourth’s humble beginning, a parade of superstars — including Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton, Gloria Estefan, Tony Bennett, Faith Hill, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, the Bee Gees, Kenny G, Aaron Neville and Kenny Rogers — have offered the best in American entertainment and helped set the tone for a spectacular American birthday party.

There have been many highlights throughout the 27 years of A Capitol Fourth.  We’d like to share a few from last year’s show.

Everybody’s favorite Muppet Elmo sang a heartfelt Happy Birthday America accompanied by the renowned National Symphony Orchestra.

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 performers in front of the cameras are fun to watch, but it’s the talent behind the scenes makes it all come together.  It’s a monumental task, from start to finish.

A dedicated crew of more than 400 people returns year after year to produce this one-of-a-kind live broadcast. Coordination among over 20 government entities is required to facilitate such a large undertaking, including the Military District of Washington, the National Park Service, the Office of the Architect of the United States Capitol and, because of its unique location at the Capitol, three law enforcement agencies – the U.S. Capitol Police, the U.S. Park Police and the Washington Metropolitan Police Department.

Many factors have contributed to the show's success over the years. Find out what goes on behind the scenes at A Capitol Fourth and what it takes to put the show on the air. The show must go on, no matter what the weather conditions, and that keeps the production staff busy up until the last minute with frenzied preparations. For a visit down memory lane, read an interview with Executive Producer Jerry Colbert about the creation of A Capitol Fourth and visit our photo gallery to relive the highlights of previous years' concerts.

A Capitol Fourth is the most-watched special on PBS, bringing people from all over the country to Washington, DC to honor our nation's heritage and enjoy the music, dancing, dramatic readings and fireworks from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.