PBS Welcomes Music Superstar Barry Manilow
America’s leading host, two-time Emmy Award-winning television personality Tom Bergeron (Dancing With The Stars) will return to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol to host A Capitol Fourth, starring music legend Barry Manilow, who is back following his debut performance on the show in 2009.
Broadcast live on PBS, the show will also feature performances by: Candice Glover, the Season 12 winner of American Idol; country music artist Scotty McCreery (winner of American Idol); actor and singer Darren Criss (Glee); musical prodigy and classical crossover star Jackie Evancho; Broadway and television star Megan Hilty (Smash); Broadway’s new hit Motown The Musical; and the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly.
Five-time Academy Award-winning composer John Williams will conduct music from the Oscar-winning blockbuster Lincoln, with a special moment from legendary film director and three-time Oscar-winner Steven Spielberg.
“It’s a great honor to return to our nation’s capital to celebrate our birthday together on A Capitol Fourth,” said Bergeron. “It’s a celebration you just can’t find anywhere else, with outstanding music and, of course, the greatest display of fireworks… ever!”
With twenty cameras positioned around the city, including the U.S. Capitol, the White House and the Washington Monument, viewers are front and center for the greatest display of fireworks anywhere in the nation during this top-rated extravaganza.
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.
The 33rd annual broadcast of A Capitol Fourth airs on PBS Thursday, July 4, 2013 from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET before a concert audience of hundreds of thousands, millions more at home, as well as to troops serving around the world on the American Forces Network.
In the picture above: Grammy and Golden Globe Award-winning musician and songwriter Neil Diamond will be nationally debuting “Freedom Song (They’ll Never Take Us Down)” on the 33rd annual broadcast of A CAPITOL FOURTH.
