PBS rocks D.C. with A Capitol Fourth
by: Amy Santoro
Archived Articles:
It's a spectacle that's rocked the republic since the Declaration of Independence. And although leading pop, rock and classical artists plan to share the spotlight before a crescendo of cannons and fi reworks explode over the Washington Monument, the real star of this grand old party is the U.S.A. — and everyone's invited.
"It's a labor of love to put on this patriotic birthday party that celebrates the freedom and uniqueness of our country," says Jerry Colbert, executive producer of the PBS Independence Day holiday special A Capital Fourth. "I love music and I have a lot of fun doing this. It's a blast watching thousands of people singing the anthem and having a great time." One person slated to hold his hand over his heart for the ceremonies, will be actor Jimmy Smits, who in a situation of life imitating art, will host the proceedings.
"I am honored to host A Capitol Fourth," says Smits, whom viewers will recall earned his keys to the White House in the series finale of The West Wing a couple years back. "I hope you'll join me and the millions of Americans watching at home in what is truly America's biggest birthday party."
In what is generally the mostwatched PBS event of the year, Colbert predicts that whether at home or in Washington, audiences will rock to the "Heart of Rock 'n' Roll" by Grammy recipients Huey Lewis and the News and sway to "Great Balls of Fire" with the legendary Jerry Lee Lewis. A Capital Fourth also boasts performances by American Idol winner Taylor Hicks, Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell, soprano Harolyn Blackwell and Celtic singer Hayley Westenra.
A Capitol Fourth will also feature performances by The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, The U.S. Army Presidential Salute Battery, an Armed Forces Color Guard provided by the Military District of Washington, D.C., the Choral Arts Society of Washington and a tribute to the Olympics and Team America. Capping off the itinerary will be conductor Erich Kunzel leading the National Symphony Orchestra in a moving rendition of Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture," complete with the signature fireworks and cannons.
"Our forefathers would be proud of A Capitol Fourth because it makes people feel patriotic," muses Colbert. "If the founding fathers could see A Capitol Fourth they'd say, ‘Hey, after 232 years, they're still going at it!'"
A Capitol Fourth airs July 4 at 8 p.m. ET on PBS
Additional information: www.pbs.org/capitolfourth