America’s longest-running live national Independence Day TV tradition, A Capitol Fourth, will broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on ETV-HD on Tuesday, July 4 at 8 p.m.
This year’s celebration welcomes iconic actor and television host Alfonso Ribeiro to lead the 43rd annual edition of America’s national Independence Day celebration on PBS. A Capitol Fourth celebrates America’s birthday with special tributes, musical selections, fun for kids of all ages with Elmo and Cookie Monster of Sesame Street and the greatest display of fireworks in the U.S.A.
Ribeiro will lead an all-star cast in a patriotic extravaganza of all-live musical performances by top stars from pop, country, R&B, classical and Broadway, featuring the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of premier pops conductor Jack Everly.
A Capitol Fourth will feature:
- Chicago – multi-Grammy Award-winning legendary rock and roll band
- Boyz II Men – Grammy Award-winning and best-selling R&B group of all time
- Belinda Carlisle – Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and co-founder/lead vocalist of the Go-Go’s
- Babyface – 12-time Grammy Award-winning recording artist, songwriter and producer
- Maddie & Tae – multi-platinum country duo and CMT Award-winner
- Charles Esten – artist-songwriter and star of global hit series OUTER BANKS and NASHVILLE
- The Broadway cast of A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical – featuring Will Swenson and Robyn Hurder
The evening will also include several special tributes. World-renowned five-time Grammy Award-winner Renée Fleming will honor our service members and their families. The acclaimed actress and singer Adrienne Warren, who received a Tony Award for her portrayal of Tina Turner in the Broadway musical Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, will pay tribute to the legendary Queen of Rock n’ Roll. A special performance by the Northwell Nurse Choir will also pay tribute to America’s nurses.
NASA astronauts Frank Rubio, Steve Bowen and Woody Hoburg will also share a special Independence Day message with the nation from the International Space Station.
The festivities will culminate with a patriotic musical medley featuring The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” during the spectacular fireworks display, an annual audience favorite. The musical finale will be accompanied by live cannon fire provided by the United States Army Presidential Salute Battery, A Capitol Fourth tradition.
A Capitol Fourth airs live on ETV-HD on Tuesday, July 4, at 8 p.m., with an encore broadcast to follow at 9:32 p.m. The event will also and stream on the PBS website and the PBS YouTube channel.
QUOTES
“Each year our excitement grows for this spectacular event. SCETV is honored to share the A Capitol Fourth celebration once again with our viewers. It’s an event everyone should have the opportunity to experience.” –SCETV Interim President and CEO Dr. Stephanie Cook
"To bring the longest running Independence Day broadcast celebration once again to our viewers is a privilege. It will be an evening of music, tributes, fun and a fireworks display that won’t soon be forgotten!” –SCETV Chief Content Officer Tabitha Safdi
FAST FACTS
- A Capitol Fourth, America’s national Independence Day celebration, broadcasts live on ETV-HD on Tuesday, July 4 at 8 p.m.
- Alfonso Ribeiro will host the 43rd annual edition of A Capitol Fourth from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.
- The celebration will also stream on the PBS website and the PBS YouTube channel.
- The event will feature live performances by Chicago, Boyz II Men, Belinda Carlisle, Babyface, Renée Fleming, Maddie & Tae, Charles Esten, Adrienne Warren, the Broadway cast of A Beautiful Noise, the Neil Diamond Musical, the Muppets of Sesame Street and the National Symphony Orchestra.
- The evening will include special tributes to service members, America’s nurses, the late Tina Turner and a special message from NASA astronauts aboard the International Space Station.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as Carolina Classrooms, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Somewhere South, Yoga in Practice and How She Rolls. In addition, SC Public Radio produces the national radio production, Chamber Music from Spoleto Festival USA.
Media Contact
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
America’s longest-running Independence Day celebration to broadcast live on South Carolina ETV (PDF)
