Download a photo of fireworks over the U.S. Capitol.
WASHINGTON D.C. — The 40th anniversary presentation of A CAPITOL FOURTH, the national July 4th TV tradition on PBS, airs on PBS Saturday, July 4, 2020 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. as well as to our troops serving around the world on the American Forces Network. Hosted by John Stamos and Vanessa Williams, the program can be heard in stereo over NPR member stations nationwide, streamed on Facebook, YouTube and at www.pbs.org/a-capitol-fourth and via video on demand from July 4 to July 18, 2020.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the traditional live A CAPITOL FOURTH will not be held on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Instead, to ensure the health and safety of all involved, this year’s concert performances were pre-taped without a live audience.
This 90-minute presentation will feature a tribute to our nation’s workers on the front lines in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, a segment honoring the contributions of African American heroes from our nation’s past and present and a salute to our wounded warriors and their families. The fireworks display over our nation’s iconic skyline will be covered live during the broadcast captured by multiple cameras stationed around the city.
The 40th anniversary edition of A CAPITOL FOURTH will feature performances by: Grammy Award-winning legend Patti LaBelle; Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer John Fogerty; world-renowned four-time Grammy Award-winning soprano superstar Renée Fleming; legendary Motown stars The Temptations celebrating their 60th anniversary; country music star and Grammy-nominated member of the Grand Ole Opry Trace Adkins; multi-platinum singer/songwriter Andy Grammer; five-time Grammy Award-winning gospel vocalist extraordinaire Yolanda Adams; hard-rocking multi-platinum country music singer/songwriter Brantley Gilbert; platinum-selling country music star Lauren Alaina; Tony Award-winning Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell; Tony Award-winning Broadway star Kelli O’Hara and Broadway and television star Mandy Gonzalez; with members of the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly. To mark the program’s 40th anniversary, the broadcast will also feature highlights of iconic performances from previous concerts.
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