“A Capitol Fourth” will return for its 41st annual celebration show, but the concerts will be pretaped again this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
However, like last year, the fireworks will be broadcast live. One difference is that crowds will return to the National Mall for Fourth of July fireworks to celebrate the nation’s 245th birthday.
Vanessa Williams, multiplatinum recording artist and a television, film and Broadway star, will host and perform during the show from D.C.
“I first performed on this national July 4 TV tradition in 2005, and it has always held a special place in my heart,” Williams said.
The concert will include musical performances from Jimmy Buffett, Cynthia Erivo, Gladys Knight, Jennifer Nettles, Alan Jackson, Pentatonix, Mickey Guyton, Ali Stroker, Jimmie Allen, Train, Laura Osnes and Auli’i Cravalho.
“As families and friends reunite and the country begins to open up this Fourth of July, we plan to bring you an exciting program with the greatest fireworks display in the nation, performances by the biggest stars and patriotic favorites,” said Executive Producer Michael Colbert.
“Make ‘A Capitol Fourth’ your Independence Day celebration. We have something for everyone’s party.”
The National Symphony Orchestra will perform John Williams’ composition “Olympic Fanfare” in tribute to Team USA, honoring the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams as they prepare for the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
The concert will honor members of the military and their families for their contributions to the nation and their dedication to service during the show.
PBS will air the show on Sunday, July 4, from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The program can also be heard on NPR member stations nationwide and will be streaming on Facebook, YouTube and on PBS' website.
[I was interested to see the lineup of stars for this year's celebration. It does look like something for everyone. If you are going to see the fireworks live in your own community, you can record the show to watch later, as many of us do.]
