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The nation’s beloved PBS program “A Capitol Fourth” will follow with spectacular fireworks shows, live from the nation’s capitol. This year celebrates America’s 233rd birthday and Jimmy Smits will host the program. Filmed live from the U.S. capitol, the program airs July 4, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. Eastern time. Check local listings for your time zone. The program concludes at 9:30 Eastern time. The fireworks shows follow the celebrity entertainment and the traditional symphony concert. This year marks the 29th broadcast of A Capitol Fourth.
In addition to the dazzling fireworks shows, this year’s Fourth of July presentation has an impressive list of performers. Emmy and Golden Globe award winning actor, Jimmy Smits will host the event. Other celebrity performers include:
- Barry Manilow
- Aretha Franklin
- Natasha Bedingfield
- Cast of Jersey Boys
- Michael Feinstein
- Andrew Von Oeyen
- Muppets from Sesame Street
- Erich Kunzel
- The National Symphony Orchestra
- Choral Arts Society of Washington
- Military District of Washington
- United States Army Presidential Salute Battery
- United States Army Herald Trumpets
- United States Army Ceremonial Band
- United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps
For those who are going to view the concert, celebrity performances, and fireworks shows live, gates open to the public at 3:00 p.m. at the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The event, concert, and firework display is free and no tickets are required. It is recommended to take the Metro to the West Lawn as streets are closed and traffic will be heavy. Check with local Metro schedules as the Smithsonian Metro stop will be closed. Those attending the concert and firework display should prepare for travel time as well as tightened security measures. The U.S. Police website has a press release that details all of the security methods, preparations, items that are allowed in and which streets will be closed for the event.
Barry Manilow will open and close the event singing patriotic medleys. He will perform with the National Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Erich Kunzel. The Sesame Street characters that will be present include Oscar the Grouch, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, and Elmo. They will sing and perform patriotic classics as well as songs familiar to children.
Rehearsals are open to the public and will be held on July 2nd and July 3rd at 8:00 p.m. Gates for rehearsals open at 5:00 p.m.
Firework fun to celebrate the Fourth of July
Send Fireworks E-Cards to friends and family
Create Your own Fireworks Shows with music (requires Java)
Tips for photographing fireworks shows and displays from the Smithsonian Institute
More Information
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