A Capitol Fourth
Hosted by Jimmy Smits, America's biggest birthday party features appearances by Barry Manilow, Aretha Franklin, Natasha Bedingfield, the Jersey Boys cast, Michael Feinstein, Andrew von Oeyen, members of Sesame Street, and more!
- Jul 4, 2009 at 8:00 PM
- US Capitol Building - West Lawn
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About the Program
A CAPITOL FOURTH 2009National Symphony Orchestra
Erich Kunzel, conductor
Independence Day Concert
Saturday, July 4, 2009, 8 to 9:30 p.m. (Gates open to the public at 3 p.m.)
West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol
On July Fourth, there's no place like our nation's capital for America's biggest birthday party. Featuring the most spectacular fireworks display anywhere in the nation, the 29th annual PBS broadcast of A Capitol Fourth airs live in high definition and commercial free from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.
Emmy and Golden Globe Award–winning actor Jimmy Smits returns to host the biggest and brightest birthday party in the country. Barry Manilow will both open and close the concert broadcast with a stirring medley of hits and patriotic classics along with the National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Erich Kunzel and the Choral Arts Society of Washington. Also on the program are the Queen of Soul and 1994 Kennedy Center Honoree Aretha Franklin, international pop sensation Natasha Bedingfield, the Tony and Grammy Award–winning cast of Jersey Boys, multi-Grammy Award nominee Michael Feinstein, and acclaimed classical pianist Andrew von Oeyen.
As a special treat for the entire family, Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch, and more of the SESAME STREET gang will be on hand to celebrate America's 233rd birthday. The Muppets will perform a musical medley of patriotic favorites as well as iconic songs that we all know and love.
Also participating in the event will be The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band, The U.S. Army "Old Guard" Fife and Drum Corps, and the Armed Forces Color Guard provided by the Military District of Washington, D.C.
Free event, no tickets required
There will be two rehearsals: July 2 and July 3 at 8 p.m. (not 7:30 as it has been in previous years). Gates open to the public at 5 p.m.
All events and artists subject to change without prior notice.
Group of 20 or more? Group Sales offers special terms and discounts for most performances.
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