Press Releases: PR Newswire
June 15th, 2008 by missyslySource: SunHerald.com (Original Article)
WASHINGTON, June 16 — On July Fourth, there’s no place like our nation’s capital for America’s biggest birthday party. Featuring the most spectacular fireworks display anywhere in the nation, the 28th annual broadcast of A Capitol Fourth airs live in high definition and commercial free from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Hosted by Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actor Jimmy Smits, the star spangled party features special performances by Grammy Award-winning winning musicians Huey Lewis and the News, American Idol winner Taylor Hicks, Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame legend Jerry Lee Lewis, Tony Award-winning Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell, classical superstar Hayley Westenra and American soprano Harolyn Blackwell in performance with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Erich Kunzel. New this year will be extended coverage of the most dazzling display of fireworks in the nation. The skyline of the nation’s capital will come alive with vibrant and booming pyrotechnics, set against silhouettes of national landmarks the U.S. Capitol, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. A Capitol Fourth will capture this stunning fireworks display from every vantage point with eighteen TV cameras stationed around the city — including the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the Washington Monument and across the Potomac River. The multi-award winning event will be broadcast on PBS Friday, July 4, 2008 from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET (check local listings), simulcast on National Public Radio and around the world to our troops on the American Forces Network. 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 now A Capitol Fourth tradition.
“We heard from our viewers that they’d like to see more of the most amazing fireworks display in the nation. Frequent Flyer Card We are pleased to respond to …continue reading