We usually are not in town on the fourth of July, but this year we will be. We attended the Memorial Day Concert at the Capitol in May, but as soon as we arrived the crowd was asked to leave because of severe thunderstorms. We also attend a few of the Army Band concerts on the Capitol steps on Friday evenings throughout the summer. And again on Labor Day, there is also another concert. Memorial Day is a somber event, while Labor Day marks the end of summer- another somber event. A Capitol Fourth Concert is packed with visitors, tourists, and residents alike and has its share of "celebrities." And of course the fireworks display is spectacular with cannons and all.
Broadway stars Matthew Broderick, Megan Hilty and Kelli O'Hara will be among the performers for this year's A Capitol Fourth, to be broadcast live by PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, on July 4 from 8pm to 9:30pm ET (check local listings), according to reports. Dancing with the Stars' Tom Bergeron will host the event, which will also feature American Idol winner Phillip Phillips, The Voice winner Javier Colon; country singer Josh Turner, pop singer Russell Watson, R&B superstars Kool & The Gang; the National Symphony Orchestra; and a tribute to Team USA honoring the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams, featuring composer John Williams.(from Theater Mania)
Usually there is a dress rehearsal the evening before, and it is more low key and less crowded, but not everyone shows up. Since none of the "stars" are a must-see, it hardly matters. The weather oftentimes dictates which one we go to. It really is quite a sight to see the monuments and the fireworks with the 1812 Overture playing. We could watch it on TV like everyone else, but there is something about having a front row seat to the event, even though our seat is usually way far in the back.
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| Setting up for the celebration |
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| A lot yet to be done |
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| Either guarding all the junk or directing it somehow |
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| It's really busy this time of year |
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| Fencing is put up all around the grounds to keep pedestrian traffic in check |
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