PBS Offers "A Capitol Fourth" Celebration Live From Washington, D.C.

July 3, 2008 8:15 p.m. EST

Washington, D.C. (CNS) - The Fourth of July wouldn't be complete without fireworks in our state capitol, and PBS is making sure we don't miss out on any of the excitement. The network will broadcast "A Capitol Fourth" live from the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol on July 4th.

Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning film, theater and television actor Jimmy Smits will host the 28th annual broadcast of one of America's biggest and best-loved 4th of July concerts. The PBS show will feature musical performances from some of the country's best known artists, as well as a spectacular fireworks display on the National Mall over the Washington Monument.

Grammy winners Huey Lewis and the News, "American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks, rock 'n' roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis, Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell, classical superstar Hayley Westenra and soprano Harolyn Blackwell will perform a selection of patriotic and celebratory music with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Erich Kunzel.

Olympic Gold Medal winner Scott Hamilton will lead a tribute to Team USA members competing in Beijing including, Bob Malaythong (Badminton), Tim Morehouse (Fencing), Nancy Rios (Sailing), Dominic Grazioli (Shooting), Eli Bremer (Modern Pentathlon), Kendrick Farris (Weightlifting), Jake Deitchler (Wrestling), Jessica Long (USA Paralympics, Swimming).

The July 4th concert finale includes Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture," which is an audience favorite and "A Capitol Fourth" tradition, featuring the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets complete with live cannon fire provided by the United States Army Presidential Salute Battery.

The Choral Arts Society of Washington, under the direction of Norman Scribner, also returns to the show. The Joint Armed Forces Color Guard of the Military District of Washington as well as the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps will also be featured. "A Capitol Fourth" will air on PBS at 8/7c on July 4.