For 40 years now, PBS has broadcast a live concert from the lawn of the U.S. Capitol featuring live performances from talented musicians and personalities. This year, a world-famous frog has been added to the lineup as Kermit the Frog joins the 41st annual A Capitol Fourth.
What’s Happening:
- On July Fourth, America’s national Independence Day celebration honors our country’s birthday with an all-star salute. Broadcast on PBS, this top-rated extravaganza features coverage from 20 cameras positioned around Washington, D.C., ensuring viewers are front and center for the greatest display of fireworks in the nation.
- According to a tweet from the official account for A Capitol Fourth, the world’s most famous amphibian, international film and television star Kermit the Frog will be celebrating the holiday on the special broadcast, set to air on Sunday July 4th, at 8/7c, only on PBS.
- Capital Concerts announced the 41st annual A Capitol Fourth, America’s Independence Day celebration on PBS, will be hosted by multi-platinum recording artist and star of television, film and the Broadway stage Vanessa Williams. Planning has been underway for many months for A Capitol Fourth to be a pre-recorded show due to the pandemic with a live fireworks presentation, in lieu of the traditional live concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The nation’s 245th birthday celebration will feature Williams hosting and performing from Washington, D.C. All-new pre-taped performances from locations across the country will feature top stars from pop, country, R&B, classical and Broadway. Capping off the concert broadcast will be live coverage of the fireworks display over our nation’s iconic skyline captured by multiple cameras stationed around the city.
- Along with Kermit the Frog, other performers in 2021’s A Capitol Fourth include Jimmy Buffet, Cynthia Erivo, Pentatonix, Auli’i Cravalho, Christopher Jackson, Train, Alan Jackson, and more.
- In the four decades since the humble beginning of A Capitol Fourth, a parade of superstars — including Frankie Valli, Patti LaBelle, John Williams, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Reba McEntire, Carole King, Neil Diamond, Dolly Parton, Steve Martin, Josh Groban, Gloria Estefan, Huey Lewis and the News, Little Richard, Tony Bennett, Faith Hill, Ray Charles, the Bee Gees, Kenny G, Aaron Neville, Kenny Rogers and the Muppets from Sesame Street — has offered the best in American entertainment and helped set the tone for a spectacular American birthday party.