"A Capitol Fourth," With Megan Hilty, Matthew Broderick, Kelli O'Hara, Airs on PBS July 4

By Andrew Gans
04 Jul 2012

Megan Hilty
Megan Hilty

Tom Bergeron of "Dancing with the Stars" fame hosts the Independence Day celebration "A Capitol Fourth," which airs on PBS stations around the country July 4 at 8 PM ET; check local listings.

The 90-minute celebration features the talents of "American Idol" winner Phillip Phillips; two-time Tony Award winner Matthew Broderick and four-time Tony nominee Kelli O'Hara performing songs from Nice Work If You Can Get It; "Smash" and Broadway actress Megan Hilty; singer-songwriter and winner of "The Voice" Javier Colon; country music star Josh Turner; R&B superstars Kool & The Gang; tenor Russell Watson; "Glee" singer-actress Amber Riley; and the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of conductor Jack Everly.

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

Added executive producer Jerry Colbert, “We are thrilled that Tom Bergeron will lead our nation in this star-spangled celebration. We are also humbled that the viewers have chosen this unique live television event as their favorite. With the eyes of America upon us, we join as one family to celebrate our freedoms, using the magical medium of television.”

The broadcast, according to press notes, includes 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; and 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."

Also participating in the event are The Choral Arts Society of Washington, along with The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band, the Quantico Marine Corps Band, members of the Armed Forces carrying the State and Territorial Flags and the Armed Forces Color Guard provided by the Military District of Washington, D.C.