Everyone loves a party, especially when there is always an invitation to join the fun.
In commemoration of our country’s 236th birthday, Tom Bergeron comes to the U.S. Capitol as the new host of PBS’ top-rated annual event: “A Capitol Fourth.”
“What an honor to be in the nation’s capital for America’s biggest birthday party,” said Bergeron. “Hosting ‘A Capital Fourth’ enables me to celebrate two things I’m a big fan of — America and PBS.”
An Emmy-award winning host of the hit TV series “Dancing with the Stars,” Bergeron leads an all-star cast in an evening of patriotic merry-making. This year’s lineup includes “American Idol” winner, Phillip Phillips, two-time Tony-Award winner Matthew Broderick, country music star Josh Turner, Kool & the Gang, tenor Russell Watson and the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of pops conductor extraordinaire, Jack Everly.
| Onstage |
| ‘A Capitol Fourth’ |
| Where: West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol |
| When: 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday |
| Info: Free; show will be broadcast on PBS; pbs.org/capitolfourth |
Eight-time Olympic medalist Apolo Anton Ohno will host a tribute to Team USA honoring the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams. The special homage will feature five-time Academy Award-winner John Williams, conducting his “Olympic Fanfare.”
In a musical tribute to the beloved Gene Kelly, in honor of his 100th birthday, the NSO will perform a medley of Hollywood classics including “Singin’ in the Rain” and “An American in Paris.”
Finally, there are the fireworks, lighting the sky and providing a fitting backdrop for the NSO’s stirring rendition of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture.” Live cannon fire will be provided by the U.S. Army Presidential Salute Battery. In addition, the Choral Arts Society of Washington will be participating in a glorious and rousing tribute, along with the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, the U.S. Army Ceremonial Band and many more.
The program is a co-production of WETA, Washington and executive producer of Capital Concerts, Jerry Colbert.
“I love the idea of participating in a great Fourth of July,” said Colbert.
“This is a wonderful party; what John Adams and the others talked about — when they [said] it would be a great day in American history, with fireworks and bonfires and parties and all kinds of events to celebrate our freedom.”
