A Capitol Fourth


Sunday, July 4 at 7 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.

The 41st edition of America’s Independence Day celebration features performances by top stars from pop, country, R&B, classical and Broadway, capped off with patriotic classics and a spectacular fireworks display over the Washington, DC skyline. Vanessa Williams, multi-platinum recording artist and star of television, film and the Broadway stage, will host.

The stars of this year’s concert include Jimmy Buffett, Cynthia Erivo, Gladys Knight, Jennifer Nettles, Alan Jackson, Pentatonix, Mickey Guyton, Ali Stroker, Jimmie Allen, Train, Laura Osnes, Auli’i Cravalho, Maestro Jack Everly conducting the National Symphony Orchestra and a special performance of the national anthem by Renée Fleming.

Planning has been underway for many months for “A Capitol Fourth” to be a pre-recorded show due to the pandemic with a live fireworks presentation, in lieu of the traditional live concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.  The nation’s 245th birthday celebration will feature Williams hosting and performing from Washington, D.C.  All-new pre-taped performances from locations across the country will feature top stars from pop, country, R&B, classical and Broadway.  Capping off the concert broadcast will be live coverage of the fireworks display over our nation’s iconic skyline captured by multiple cameras stationed around the city.

“I am so honored to be hosting ‘A Capitol Fourth’ this year,” said host Vanessa Williams, “I first performed on this national July 4th TV tradition in 2005, and it has always held a special place in my heart.”

“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 program will bring us together with themes of love, hope, and patriotism, with performances and tributes from around our great country. A rousing rendition of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” with the National Symphony Orchestra and The Joint Armed Forces Chorus to accompany the fireworks, an audience favorite and ‘A Capitol Fourth’ tradition, will return.

Also participating are members of the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, The Joint Armed Forces Chorus, and The Armed Forces Color Guard provided by the Military District of Washington, D.C.

The concert will honor men and women of our military and their families for their contributions to our nation and their dedication to service, which exemplifies the American ideals we celebrate on the Fourth of July.

The National Symphony Orchestra will perform John Williams’ inspiring 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.

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