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THE CONCERT The concert is broadcast LIVE from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, where there is always something interesting to see. Take a front seat to the 2013 "National Memorial Day Concert!" The PerformersThe 2013 “National Memorial Day Concert” features award-winning stars and well-known personalities.
Gary Sinise Gary Sinise
Joe Mantegna
General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.)
Ed Harris
Harris made his feature film-directing debut on “Pollock,” receiving an Academy Award nomination as Best Actor for his performance in the title role. His co-star, Marcia Gay Harden, won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar under his direction. Harris’ film credits include “Appaloosa” (director, co-screenwriter and star), “A History of Violence” (National Society of Film Critics Award), “The Hours” (Oscar, Golden Globe, SAG and BAFTA nominations), “Gone Baby Gone,” “The Truman Show” (Oscar nomination, Golden Globe Award), “Apollo 13” (Oscar and Golden Globe nominations, SAG Award), “Copying Beethoven,” “The Right Stuff,” “The Abyss,” “The Rock,” “The Human Stain,” “A Beautiful Mind,” “Stepmom,” “The Firm,” “A Flash of Green,” “Places in the Heart,” “Alamo Bay,” “Sweet Dreams,” “Jacknife,” “State of Grace,” “The Third Miracle,” and “Touching Home.” He recently collaborated again with director Peter Weir (“The Truman Show”), starring to critical acclaim in Weir’s epic adventure, “The Way Back.” On television, Harris most recently starred with Julianne Moore and Woody Harrelson in the Jay Roach-directed HBO film “Game Change,” winning a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor along with Emmy and SAG nominations for his portrayal of John McCain. He starred with Paul Newman in the HBO miniseries “Empire Falls.” For his performance in the latter he received Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG nominations as Best Actor. His television credits include “The Last Innocent Man,” “Running Mates,” “Paris Trout,” and “Riders of the Purple Sage,” for which he and his wife Amy Madigan, as co-producers and co-stars, were presented with the Western Heritage Wrangler Award for Outstanding Television Feature Film. At the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles, Harris starred last year with Amy Madigan, Bill Pullman and Glenne Headley in the world premiere of playwright Beth Henley’s “The Jacksonian,” directed by Robert Falls. He received both an Outer Critics Circle Award nomination (Outstanding Solo Performance) and a Lucille Lortel Award nomination (Outstanding Solo Show) for the Off-Broadway production of “Wrecks” at New York City’s Public Theatre. He originated the role, with writer/director Neil LaBute, for the play’s world premiere at the Everyman Palace Theatre in Cork, Ireland and won the 2010 LA Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Solo Performance for the production of “Wrecks” at the Geffen Playhouse. His theatre credits include: Ronald Harwood’s “Taking Sides,” Sam Shephard’s plays “Fool for Love” (Obie), and “Simpatico” (Lucille Lortel Award for Best Actor), George Furth’s “Precious Sons” (Drama Desk Award), “Prairie Avenue,” “Scar,” “A Streetcar Named Desire,” “The Grapes of Wrath,” and “Sweet Bird of Youth.” Candice Glover
Chris Mann
Katherine Jenkins
Alfie Boe
Maestro Jack Everly
The National Symphony Orchestra
Military District of Washington
The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets
U.S. Army Chorus
The Soldiers' Chorus of The United States Army Field Band
U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters
U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants
Behind the ScenesThis year’s award-winning production team features the Capital Concerts’ founder and top Hollywood talent. Jerry Colbert
Michael ColbertA principal in Capital Concerts for over fifteen years, Executive Vice-President Michael Colbert directs the organization year round in addition to serving as Producer for the “National Memorial Day Concert” and “A Capitol Fourth.” He also served as Executive Producer of the “National Salute to Veterans”that aired on PBS November 11, 2012. Colbert is the primary liaison with the over twenty government and non-governmental Washington agencies and organizations that contribute to the shows, and directs the hundreds of television professionals who participate annually. With more than 20 years of experience, Colbert's credits include major national television specials on CBS, Fox, PBS and Comedy Central in locations ranging from Washington, DC, New York and Los Angeles to Nashville. He has also produced a wide range of major corporate events. Walter MillerProducer Walter C. Miller is recognized as America’s leading live director and producer with credits including television’s top awards shows, such as the “Grammy Awards,” “Country Music Awards,” “The People’s Choice Awards,” “Tony Awards,” “American Comedy Awards,” “The Emmy Awards,” “Daytime Emmy Awards” and “Golden Globe Awards.” In 1999, he won an Emmy for producing the “Tony Awards.” For “Liberty Weekend: Americana Music Concert,” Miller received the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Director. He has won additional Emmys for “S’Wonderful, S’Marvelous, S’Gershwin,” a special with Jack Lemmon and Fred Astaire, “Annie, The Women In A Life Of A Man.” His live musical concert credits include “Concert of the Americas” with Frank Sinatra in addition to “A Capitol Fourth” and the “National Memorial Day Concert.”
Paul MillerPaul Miller has been directing television since 1982, with credits including three seasons as director of “Saturday Night Live” and four as director of “In Living Color.” He has received four Emmy nominations, and won in 1999, for directing the “Tony Awards,” and again in 2010 for directing ABC News’ coverage of the Inauguration of President Barrack Obama. He has also been nominated twice for the Directors Guild of America in the Musical/Variety category and won for directing the “Tony Awards”. In addition, Miller has directed the “Country Music Awards”for the last fifteen years as well as “CMA Christmas” for three years. He has also directed “An American Celebration at Ford’s Theater”multiple times. Other credits include directing the December 2011 and 2012 broadcasts on NBC of the “American Giving Awards,” a celebrity tribute to community heroes. On July 4, 1993, he teamed professionally with his father, Walter C. Miller, for “A Capitol Fourth” and has directed both the “National Memorial Day Concert” and “A Capitol Fourth”. Paul Miller is a partner in RickMill Productions, a Hollywood based entertainment company that has produced numerous series for Comedy Central as well as specials for HBO and Showtime. This season, Miller has produced and directed “Off Their Rockers” starring Betty White for NBC.
Barr WeissmanBarr Weissman has produced and edited the documentary segments for the “National Memorial Day Concert”since 1998. Weissman edited and helped produce several independent documentaries; including the Academy Award winning film, “The Stonecarvers” and “Mr. Justice Brennan.” He has directed and edited biographical films for the Kennedy Center Honors (including films on The Who, Mel Brooks and Bruce Springsteen). In addition, he has produced and edited documentaries for the Discovery Channel, National Geographic, NBC, PBS, and others. His work has been recognized by the Emmy’s, received awards at film festivals worldwide, and screened at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Weissman’s most recent film, “The Secret To A Happy Ending” has screened at film festivals and theaters worldwide and received 4 stars from Rolling Stone. A native Washingtonian, Weissman produced and independently distributed two critically acclaimed documentaries about the city – “Home: The Langston Terrace Dwellings” and “A View From The Street: The Art Of Lily Spandorf.”
Celia StrausWriter Celia Straus has received a number of nominations and awards for her work as a writer for local PBS programming including “The Man Who Loved the Stars,” starring Ossie Davis, “Give and Take,” (Action for Children’s Television award, nomination National Emmy)and “Tax Whys” (Gold, Ohio State Award). She has garnered Cine Golden Eagles, and industrial film festival gold and silver awards as scriptwriter for the American Red Cross, Agency for Instructional Television, USDA, Discovery, National Trust for Historic Preservation and MPT, among others. She was the writer/co-producer of the annual national broadcast of the Thomas “Jefferson Awards for Public Service” and served as co-writer/producer for the full length documentary, “Broke, the American Dream,” which premiered on the Documentary Channel. For the past decade she has worked with numerous veterans service organizations and written the book, “Hidden Battles on Unseen Fronts, Stories of American Soldiers with PTSD and TBI,” Casemate, 2009. Her trilogy on spiritual parenting included the national best seller, “Prayers On My Pillow,” Ballantine Books, 1998.
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For over thirty years, Gary Sinise’s dedication to our nation’s active duty defenders, veterans and first responders has become a tireless crusade of support, service and gratitude to all those who serve and protect America. His portrayal of Lt. Dan Taylor in the landmark film “Forrest Gump” formed an enduring connection with servicemen and women throughout the military community. After embarking on USO handshake tours in 2003, Sinise formed the “Lt. Dan Band” which now performs nearly 50 concerts a year for military bases, charities and fundraisers. Sinise serves as spokesperson for the Disabled American Veterans and the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial Foundation, and was instrumental in the fundraising efforts of the Pentagon Memorial in Washington, D.C. and The Brooklyn Wall of Remembrance in NYC. He also serves on the board of directors for Snowball Express, executive council for The Medal of Honor Foundation and the USO, and is an advisory board member for Hope for the Warriors. Among his many awards, Sinise has received the Bob Hope Award for Excellence in Entertainment from the Medal of Honor Society, the Presidential Citizens Medal, the Department of Defense's Spirit of Hope Award, and was named an honorary Chief Petty Officer by the Navy. In 2013, he received the Civic Statesmanship Award from the United States Former Members of Congress and the Easter Seals Advocacy Award. In June 2011, he launched the Gary Sinise Foundation (GarySiniseFoundation.org) as an extension of his individual efforts. Its mission is to serve and honor our nation’s defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need by creating and supporting unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen and build communities. “Freedom and security are precious gifts that we, as Americans, should never take for granted,” says Sinise. “We must do all we can to extend our hand in times of need to those who willingly sacrifice each day to provide that freedom and security. While we can never do enough to show our gratitude to our nation’s defenders, we can always do a little more.” For more information, please visit 
Joe Mantegna is a world-class and award-winning entertainer with a strong background in television, theater and film who returns to co-host the “National Memorial Day Concert” for his eighth consecutive year with Gary Sinise. Currently, Mantegna stars as FBI Special Agent David Rossi in season eight of the hit CBS drama “Criminal Minds”. He also currently has hosting and producing duties on “Gun Stories” for the Outdoor Channel. Mantegna’s acting credits are long and impressive and he has received critical acclaim for his performances. He has numerous Emmy nominations and was awarded the Tony and Joseph Jefferson Award for his acclaimed performance as Richard Roma in David Mamet's Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Glengarry Glen Ross”. Some of Mantegna’s film and television highlights include: “House of Games,” “Searching for Bobby Fisher,” “Godfather III,” the role of Dean Martin in “The Ratpack” (for which he received both an Emmy and a Golden Globe nomination), the CBS mini-series “The Last Don”(for which he received his second Emmy nomination); the voice of “Fat Tony” on “The Simpsons” and the voice of “Grem” in “Cars2.” For two seasons, he starred with Mary Steenburgen and Amber Tamblyn in the critically acclaimed CBS drama “Joan of Arcadia,” winner of the 2004 People Choice Award for best new drama as well as picking up three Emmy nominations. In 2008, Mantegna reprised his Emmy nominated role of Lou Manahan opposite Debra Messing in the USA Network series “The Starter Wife”. He recently completed the feature films “The Bronx Bull,” “Ten Cent Pistol” and “Compulsion.” He also is co-producing a documentary on the late science fiction icon Ray Bradbury that is due out in 2013. With a rich family history in the military, Mantegna has long been a supporter of our men and women who serve. In May of 2012, he was appointed the National Spokesperson for The U.S. Army Museum, to lead the fundraising campaign to build the long-planned National Museum of the United States Army. Born and raised in Chicago, Mantegna lives in Los Angeles and, in April of 2011, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. For more information, visit 
For over fifty years, General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.) has devoted his life to public service. Having held senior military and diplomatic positions across four presidential administrations, Powell’s deep commitment to democratic values and freedom has been felt throughout the world. From 1987-1989 Powell served as President Ronald Reagan’s National Security Advisor. He served from 1989-1993 as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for both President George H.W. Bush and for President Bill Clinton, and was not only the youngest officer and first ROTC graduate to ever serve in the position but was also the first African American to do so. During his time as Chairman, he oversaw 28 crises to include the Panama intervention of 1989 and Operation Desert Storm in the 1991 Persian Gulf War. Under President George W. Bush, Powell was appointed the 65th Secretary of State, leading the State Department in major efforts to address and solve regional and civic conflicts in the Middle East, Sudan, Congo and Liberia, in the Balkans, Haiti, Northern Ireland, Afghanistan, and elsewhere. Powell is the Founder of the Colin L. Powell Center for Leadership and Service at his alma mater, the City College of New York. The Center is student-focused with a mission to develop a new generation of publicly engaged leaders. He is the Founder and Chairman Emeritus of the America’s Promise Alliance, dedicated to forging a strong and effective partnership alliance committed to seeing that children experience the fundamental resources they need to succeed. Currently, Powell is a strategic limited partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, the renowned Silicon Valley venture capital firm, and is on the board of Bloom Energy. He is the Chairman of the Advisory Board of Leeds Equity Partners, a private equity firm focused on investments in the education, training, information and business services industries. He is also the Chairman of the Eisenhower Fellowships, a cross-cultural program for emerging international leaders. His autobiography, “My American Journey,” was a bestseller and has been published in more than a dozen languages. Powell’s second book, “It Worked For Me,” was an instant “New York Times” bestseller and reveals the lessons that shaped his life and career. For more information, follow Gen. Colin Powell on 
Ed Harris currently stars on screen in director Michael Bay’s “Pain and Gain” with Mark Wahlberg and Dwayne Johnson. His next film coming up is “The Face of Love” with Annette Bening for director Arie Posen.
The newly crowned winner of the 12th season of “American Idol,” Candice Glover, won over the hearts of millions with her powerful voice and unforgettable performances. Now, the 23 year old singer from St. Helena Island, SC, will release her debut album, “Music Speaks” this summer. The album, anticipated for a July 16th release on 19 Recordings/Interscope Records, is available now for pre-order on the iTunes Store (www.iTunes.com/AmericanIdol). Fans who pre-order will instantly get Glover’s moving single and “American Idol” coronation song, “I Am Beautiful.” Glover’s debut CD is being rushed for pre-orders at www.candiceglover-official.com. Leading up to the album release, Glover has numerous performances and appearances including “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “Live! with Kelly & Michael,” PBS’s 24th annual “National Memorial Day Concert,” and “A Capitol Fourth.“ Next, Glover embarks on the “American Idol Live!” 2013 concert tour. The 40-show tour kicks off June 29th in St. Louis, MO, and stops in major cities including, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami before wrapping in Nashville, TN. Tickets are on sale now via www.americanidol.com/tour and www.aeglive.com.
Chris Mann is a classically trained American singer-songwriter who first captured the hearts of millions on the hit NBC singing competition “The Voice” in 2012. His stunning classical-pop singing style landed him on a team coached by Christina Aguilera, who told him, “I feel the heavens open up when you sing.” America agreed and Chris Mann became one of the breakout stars of season two, scoring two hit songs on the iTunes Top 10 Pop Singles Chart. Mann immediately went on to sign with Faircraft/Republic, a new label formed by renowned producer/music executive Ron Fair (Christina Aguilera, Mary J. Blige). His debut full-length CD, “Roads,” introduced a whole new generation to the classical-pop genre and shot straight to No. 1 on Billboard's Heatseekers Chart and Top 5 on Billboard's Classical Chart. Mann also released a holiday EP, “Home for Christmas”, which was sold exclusively at Walmart and hit No. 1 on the chain's Best-Selling Albums List. “Roads” boasts a wildly eclectic assortment of songs, ranging from Willie Nelson’s “Always on My Mind” and Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now” to “Ave Maria” (a favorite) and Damien Rice’s “The Blowers’ Daughter,” with the latter featuring a special guest appearance from Aguilera. Among the album’s endless highlights is “Cuore”, a song co-written by Mann based on Bach’s “Air on a G String,” and a new take on the classic hit “My Way,” which legendary songwriter Paul Anka reworked specifically for him, altering the perspective from an older man to a younger one looking ahead - a notion central to the theme of “Roads.” Mann was raised in Wichita, Kansas. Following his graduation in 2000 from Wichita Southeast High School, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee to study at Vanderbilt University. Mann graduated from the school's prestigious Blair School of Music in 2004, with a degree in vocal performance and was immediately cast in an Italian opera in Europe. He then moved to Los Angeles where he consistently worked in studio and group singing gigs, including an appearance as a Dalton Academy "Warbler" on an episode of “Glee,” the Sundance Film Festival, and the AFI Life Achievement Award 2010. In addition, his studio work has been featured in several films such as “Avatar,” “Glee: The 3D Concert Movie,” “Letters to Juliet,” “Tangled,” “Sex and the City 2,” “The Smurfs,” “2012” and “The Philanthropist.” He has recorded music with Heather Headley, performed with Katharine McPhee, and toured with India.Arie and Idina Menzel. Since the release of his two bestselling albums, Mann has been featured on numerous high-profile television shows and specials including performing for President Obama on TNT’s “Christmas In Washington” special, “The Today Show,” “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” NBC's “Christmas In Rockefeller Center,” “Conan,” “Ellen” and “The Voice.” Fans can catch him live on his very own PBS special, “Chris Mann in Concert: A Mann for all Seasons”and on his headlining tour of North America. For more, visit, 
Katherine Jenkins is the world’s most prolific classical crossover artist. Since launching her career in 2004, the Welsh mezzo-soprano has sold in excess of seven million albums. Best known for her unique interpretations of popular songs, operatic arias and hymns, Jenkins, from a town called Neath in the Welsh Valleys, has also won praise for her long standing work with the British Forces Foundation, for which she is a trustee, that has led to her being referred to as the Forces Sweetheart. An internationally recognized figure, Jenkins at the age of only 32, has become an ambassador and inspiration for millions of people around the world. Her stratospheric rise has made her the fastest selling mezzo-soprano ever. Having released nine studio albums, she has won various BRIT awards and broken countless records with her albums going platinum around the world. She has performed for the Queen and the Prime Minister. From her breakout in 2003 where she signed the biggest ever classical deal, Jenkins has become the premiere ambassador of bringing classical music to a mainstream audience. She is cherished as one of Britain’s favourite singers, equally at home performing in her homeland Wales, or performing on international TV shows such as “The X Factor.” Throughout her career, Jenkins has picked up numerous awards and performed at every single high profile tournament on the British sporting calendar, which together cement her status in the classical crossover field. Having performed with operatic legends like Andrea Bocelli, Plácido Domingo, Jose Carreras and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Jenkins has become one of classical music’s most-loved artists, widely credited for making the genre accessible across the world. Having worked with internationally renowned producers including David Foster, John Shanks and Mike Hedges, her unique and timeless vocals have defined the genre. In the UK, she has also reached a whole new audience, including many younger fans, thanks to her appearances as a mentor in two series of ITV's “Popstar To Operastar.” In 2010, she also landed the guest star role in the “Dr. Who Christmas Special” alongside Sir Michael Gambon. Two years later in 2012, she starred in her first Christmas TV special “Steppin Out with Katherine Jenkins” that was broadcast on ITV1 last December. In the US, Jenkins was a contestant on Season 14 of “Dancing With The Stars,” where she opened the season with the highest ever debut score, and was runner up in the finals. Last year, she also released her first Christmas album, “This Is Christmas,” featuring traditional carols and festive favorites, which went straight to No.1 in the American Classical Music Chart. Cherished as one of Britain’s favorite singers, Jenkins has now become one of its greatest musical exports. 
Tony Award-winner Alfie Boe, a household name in the UK, celebrates one million records sold in the last 24 months. He is set to start his completely sold out UK Tour, titled Storyteller, after a successful 27-date tour here in the US. In fact, just last year Boe’s autobiography, “Alfie: My Story,” hit number two on the UK Sunday Times Bestseller List and 2013 is set to be an even bigger year for him. Growing up the youngest in a large Catholic family in the British seaside town of Fleetwood, Boe was encouraged in school to get a trade and began work as a car mechanic. However, he then auditioned, and out of 1000 people, he was asked to join the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company and toured the country for 12 months before winning a scholarship to the Royal College of Music in London. After a brief detour into rock and roll, Boe continued his classical education at the Royal Opera House’s Young Artists Programme, where six months into his course came the moment that defined his career. Oscar-nominated director Baz Luhrmann (“Moulin Rouge”) was holding a London audition for his Broadway production of “La Boheme.” Boe snagged the lead role in the show and made the controversial decision to leave his opera education for New York City. After the nine-month Broadway run of “La Boheme” finished, he decided to stay in America and tour with the Boston Pops, singing songs from the Thirties and Forties. In 2006, Boe released his debut album, “Classic FM Presents Alfie Boe.” It was followed in 2007 by two more albums, “Onward” and “La Passione.” The same busy year, he toured the UK with the Fron Male Voice Choir and was nominated for a Classical Brit Award. In 2008, Boe was nominated for two more Classical BRIT Awards, and returned to the London Coliseum in a production of “The Merry Widow”and “Der Rosenkavalier,” before going back to the Royal Opera House for a role in “Elektra.” In 2009, he released his fourth album, “Love Was A Dream” and made festival appearances all over the world, starring in a Welsh National Opera revival of “La Traviata”and reprising his role as Rodolfo in Sir Jonathan Miller’s English National Opera (ENO) production of “La Boheme.” Boe’s highlights of 2010 include two operas for ENO – “The Pearl Fishers” and “Katya Kabanova” - as well as a production of “Romeo et Juliette” at Covent Garden. In 2011, after slaying 38,000 enraptured fans as Jean Valjean at the “Les Misérables” 25th Anniversary O2 concerts, Boe conquered the West End with a five-month run at the Queen’s Theatre, where he transformed the role. 2011 also saw Boe enjoy Top 10 success with his first Decca album “Bring Him Home,” which went on to sell a quarter of a million copies. In July of that year he received the prestigious Silver Clef award for Classical Music. In 2012 Boe gave an inspiring performance at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee concert in London, flooring the crowd with his vocal power. His Storyteller tour launches March 22, 2013. 
Jack Everly is the Principal Pops Conductor of the Baltimore and Indianapolis Symphony Orchestras, Naples Philharmonic Orchestra and National Arts Center Orchestra (Ottawa). He has been on stage with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, The New York Pops at Carnegie Hall, appears annually with The Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom Music Center and is a frequent guest conductor with orchestras including Pittsburgh, Edmonton and Oklahoma City. Originally appointed by Mikhail Baryshnikov, Everly was conductor of the American Ballet Theatre for 14 years, where he served as Music Director. In addition to his ABT tenure, he has teamed with Marvin Hamlisch in Broadway shows that Hamlisch scored, including “The Goodbye Girl,” “They’re Playing Our Song” and “A Chorus Line.” He conducted Carol Channing in “Hello, Dolly!” in two separate Broadway productions. In television and film, Everly has appeared on “In Performance at the White House” and conducted the songs for Disney’s animated classic “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” He has been Music Director on numerous Broadway cast recordings and conducted the critically praised “Everything’s Coming Up Roses: The Complete Overtures of Broadway’s Jule Styne.” Everly conducted Sandi Patty’s 2011 release “Broadway Stories” and Daniel Rodriguez’s “In the Presence” from 2005, both with the Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra of Prague. In 1998, Everly created the Symphonic Pops Consortium serving as Music Director. The consortium, based in Indianapolis, produces a new theatrical pops program each season. In the past fourteen years, more than 250 performances of SPC programs have taken place across the U.S. and Canada. Maestro Everly holds an Honorary Doctorate of Arts from Franklin College in his home state of Indiana. 
The National Symphony Orchestra of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, led by Music Director Christoph Eschenbach, is recognized not only nationally but internationally as well, and is considered one of the world's finest ensembles. The Orchestra, in its 82nd season (2012-13), maintains a busy concert schedule in this country and abroad. Within the last year the NSO has visited nine countries on four continents. The NSO performs approximately 175 concerts each season, including a classical subscription series, pops concerts, a summer series at Wolf Trap, and one of the nation’s most varied and extensive educational programs. The National Symphony is particularly distinguished for its commitment to the music and musicians of this country, exemplified through several innovative projects, among them the American Residency program, which took the National Symphony to 21 states performing concerts and providing educational services, with all proceeds benefiting artistic organizations in the local states. Through the John and June Hechinger Commissioning Fund, the Orchestra has commissioned more than 60 works by American composers; two have earned Pulitzer Prizes, and the series also includes cycles of fanfares and encores, which, taken as a whole, are representative of the diverse influences in American composition today. The Orchestra provides free public concerts on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, as well as at other venues around the Washington, DC, area. For more information on the National Symphony’s programs, please visit 
The Military District of Washington works with Capital Concerts in coordinating the Department of Defense participation of the Premier Service Bands and Service Honor Guards.
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Jerry Colbert is the Executive Producer and founder of two of television’s longest-running and multi-award winning live programs that commemorate America’s most important holidays. “A Capitol Fourth,” our country’s biggest birthday party, celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2010 and was the second highest-rated program in primetime on PBS for the 2011-2012 season. The “National Memorial Day Concert” has become the nation’s premier tribute to our men and women in uniform during its 23 years on air and was the number four top-rated program in primetime on PBS for the 2011-2012 season. Colbert also served as Executive Producer of the “National Salute to Veterans”that aired on PBS November 11, 2012. In addition to his annual work on these events, Colbert has produced many films such as “Mr. Justice Brennan,” “Sister Adrian,” the “Mother Teresa of Scranton,” “The Regulators: Our Invisible Government” and “H.R. 6161: An Act of Congress.” Colbert previously served as deputy director of the Center for Understanding Media in New York.