A Capitol Fourth to broadcast live on 4th of July; John Stamos hosts

John Stamos will host the 37th annual edition of PBS’ A Capitol Fourth. The concert will be  broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.

Performaners include The Beach Boys, featuring John Stamos (drums) and Sugar Ray’s Mark McGrath (vocals); soul men Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi of The Blues Brothers; country music singer and songwriter Kellie Pickler; legendary Motown stars The Four Tops; Grammy-nominated gospel legend Yolanda Adams; The Voice Season 12 winner Chris Blue; and Broadway star and two-time Tony Award nominee Laura Osnes; with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly.

 

Actress and singer Sofia Carson will open the show with a special performance of the national anthem. The concert will also feature a tribute to the men and women in uniform by country music star Trace Adkins who will perform his new single “Still a Soldier.” The performance will be dedicated to the troops and veterans, and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice fighting for this nation’s freedom. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Star Wars, the National Symphony Orchestra will perform the “Star Wars Main Title” with special guest appearances by R2-D2 and C-3PO.

Also participating in the event will be the Choral Arts Society of Washington, the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, the U.S. Army Ceremonial Band, Members of the Armed Forces carrying the State and Territorial Flags and the Armed Forces Color Guard provided by the Military District of Washington, D.C.

The night will end with a rousing rendition of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” with live cannon fire provided by the United States Army Presidential Salute Battery.