This July 4th, America’s national Independence Day celebration kicks off our country’s 236th birthday, as A CAPITOL FOURTH (2012) welcomes a new host, Emmy Award-winning television personality Tom Bergeron. Hot off another winning season as host of the hit TV series “Dancing With the Stars,” Bergeron will lead an all-star cast in a patriotic evening of unrivaled musical performances, topped off by the greatest display of fireworks anywhere in the nation. The multi award-winning event will feature acclaimed Broadway and television star Megan Hilty (“Smash”); singer-songwriter Javier Colon (winner of “The Voice”); R&B superstars Kool & the Gang; four time Tony-nominated Broadway star Kelli O’Hara; the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly; plus a tribute to Team USA honoring the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams (additional talent to be announced). The broadcast will be live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.

A CAPITOL FOURTH has truly become America’s favorite Independence Day celebration and a cornerstone of PBS’ annual programming line-up, as evidenced by the ratings. During the 2010-2011 season, A CAPITOL FOURTH took the top prize, for the second consecutive year, as the number one rated program in primetime. A CAPITOL FOURTH reached more than 11 million viewers. 

“What an honor to be in the nation’s capital for America’s biggest birthday party,” said Bergeron.  “Hosting A CAPITOL FOURTH enables me to celebrate two things I’m a big fan of — America and PBS!” 

The 2012 broadcast of A CAPITOL FOURTH will include two unique segments:

• A rousing and patriotic send off to Team USA as they head to the London 2012 Olympic Games, featuring current and past U.S. Olympians as well as members of the U.S. Paralympic team.

• A musical tribute to beloved American legend Gene Kelly, in celebration of his 100th birthday, featuring the National Symphony Orchestra performing a medley of Hollywood classics, including Singin’ in the Rain and An American in Paris.

 

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