PBS's 'A Capitol Fourth' celebrates America

For 45 years, “A Capitol Fourth” has celebrated America’s Independence Day broadcasting live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.

This year is no different. The hour-long special will broadcast at 8 p.m. Friday, July 4, on New Mexico PBS. It will then re-air at 9:30 p.m. The program is also available to stream on the PBS app after the first broadcast.

Alfonso Ribeiro returns as host as the nation celebrates its 249th birthday. The evening will feature patriotic performances from pop, country, R&B, classical and gospel artists, along with a performance by the National Symphony Orchestra and a fireworks display over the D.C. skyline.

“I’m honored to be back hosting the 45th anniversary of ‘A Capitol Fourth,’” said Ribeiro, in a statement. “It’s everything you want in an Independence Day celebration — great music and fantastic fireworks. For me, the best part is always the crowd: so many happy, patriotic faces, from grandparents to little kids.”

The “A Capitol Fourth” line-up includes: The Temptations; country music superstar Josh Turner; Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Lauren Daigle; Grammy Award-winning musician and producer Trombone Shorty; country music stars LOCASH; Four-time Grammy Award-winning gospel music artist Yolanda Adams; and season 22 “American Idol” winner Abi Carter.

The “A Capitol Fourth” 45th anniversary will also feature:

• A celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and the 2.8 million all-volunteer men and women of the armed forces, culminating in the “Armed Forces Medley” with the service branch color teams.
• Honoring the “greatest generation” and commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
• A thank you and salute to first responders including fire, police, EMT and paramedics, and emergency health care professionals across the country.
• A performance of the “1812 Overture” accompanied by live cannon fire provided by the United States Army Presidential Salute Battery.
• A musical finale featuring The U.S. Army Band, The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets and The Joint Armed Forces Chorus, with a fireworks display, presented by the National Park Service, over the National Mall and Memorial Parks.