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Arts & Culture

A Capitol Fourth 2017

Fireworks over the U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. "A Capitol Fourth" puts viewers front and center for the greatest display of fireworks anywhere in the nation.
Courtesy of PBS and Capital Concerts
Fireworks over the U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. "A Capitol Fourth" puts viewers front and center for the greatest display of fireworks anywhere in the nation.

Airs Tuesday, July 4, 2017 at 8 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. on KPBS TV

Emmy Award-nominated actor and producer John Stamos (“Fuller House,” “Scream Queens”) is set to host the 37th annual edition of PBS’ "A Capitol Fourth," broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.

The all-star musical and fireworks extravaganza will kick off the country’s 241st birthday with performances by acclaimed country music singer and songwriter Kellie Pickler; Grammy-nominated gospel legend Yolanda Adams; Broadway star and two-time Tony Award nominee Laura Osnes, soul men Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi of The Blues Brothers; iconic multi-platinum selling music legends The Beach Boys, with special guests John Stamos (drums) and Sugar Ray’s Mark McGrath (vocals); legendary Motown stars The Four Tops; “The Voice” Season 12 winner Chris Blue; and Tony-nominated Broadway star Phillipa Soo ("Amélie," "Hamilton"); with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly.

S2017: 2017 A Capitol Fourth Preview

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"The 2017 edition of A Capitol Fourth is hosted by John Stamos and features performances by The Beach Boys

Multi-talented actress and singer Sofia Carson (“Descendents 2”) will open the show with a special performance of the National Anthem.

The concert will also feature a tribute to our men and women in uniform by country music star and Grammy-nominated member of the Grand Ole Opry Trace Adkins, who will perform his new single “Still a Soldier.”

The inspiring moment will be dedicated to our troops and veterans, and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice fighting for our freedom.

Trace Adkins performs this year for America's birthday celebration.
Courtesy of PBS
Trace Adkins performs this year for America's birthday celebration.

"A Capitol Fourth" airs on PBS Tuesday, July 4, 2017 before a concert audience of hundreds of thousands, millions more at home, as well as to our troops serving around the world on the American Forces Network.

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The Four Tops perform this year for America's birthday celebration.
Courtesy of PBS and Capital Concerts
The Four Tops perform this year for America's birthday celebration.

The top-rated, award-winning program features 20 cameras positioned around the city to capture the fireworks display including the U.S. Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.

The Beach Boys perform for America's birthday celebration.
Courtesy of Udo Spreitzenbarth
The Beach Boys perform for America's birthday celebration.

Capping off the show will be a rousing rendition of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” complete with live cannon fire provided by the United States Army Presidential Salute Battery, an audience favorite and "A Capitol Fourth" tradition.

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.

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The concert will also be live-streamed online on Facebook Live and on the program website. The full show will be available to view on demand for a limited time after the broadcast through July 18, 2017.

Yolanda Adams performs for America's birthday celebration.
Courtesy of PBS and Capital Concerts
Yolanda Adams performs for America's birthday celebration.