A Capitol Fourth: Smokey Robinson Leads Motown Tribute July 4 On PBS

WASHINGTON, DC — The 44th annual Capitol Fourth concert on PBS will be live on Thursday, July 4, with actor and TV host Alfonso Ribiero serving as host of the event from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

The concert is free and open for the public to attend; it will also air on PBS and stream on YouTube at 8 p.m. ET on July 4. Most stations air the concert at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT and repeat the program at 9:30 p.m. ET.

Performers include Fantasia, Darren Criss, Sheila E., Fitz & Noelle from Fitz and The Tantrums, Chloe Flower, Sister Sledge, the National Symphony Orchestra and military bands.

Olympic gold medal gymnast Shawn Johnson East will lead A Tribute to Team USA including several Olympians and Paralympians, and Mae Krier, an original “Rosie the Riveter,” is set to appear.

The U.S. Army Band and the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets will provide a patriotic soundtrack as the National Park Service fireworks go off over the Capitol.

Here’s more information on the performers.

The program can also be heard in stereo over NPR member stations nationwide, and will be streaming on Facebook, YouTube, PBS.org and the PBS app.

If You Go

The concert is free and open to the public; no tickets are required. Gates to the West Lawn open at 3 p.m. on July 4. The gates are located at the southwest corner of the Capitol grounds.

The nearest Metro stations are Federal Center SW (on the Orange and Blue lines) and Union Station (on the Red Line).

Guests should expect bag checks and metal detectors. Details, including what’s allowed and what’s not, will be posted on the U.S. Capitol Police website.

In past years, picnic supplies, camp chairs and blankets have been allowed, while alcohol, glass and animals were prohibited.

There are two viewing areas to accommodate guests who have disabilities.

If you can’t make it on Independence Day, the public may watch the dress rehearsal on July 3.