THIS JULY 4, JOIN US FOR THE MOST SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS DISPLAY ANYWHERE IN THE US OF A! A Capitol Fourth, AMERICA'S BIGGEST BIRTHDAY PARTY, LIVE ON PBS IN HIGH DEFINITION

Washington, D.C., June 30, 2008 /PRNewswire/—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 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 Orchestraunder the direction of top pops conductor Erich Kunzel. The event will also feature a special salute to our Olympic athletes with Gold medal winner Scott Hamilton.

Following this musical salute, 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. 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. "There's no greater place to be this July Fourth than in Washington, D.C." said Jimmy Smits. "I am honored to host A Capitol Fourth live from our nation's capital. You don't want to miss this year's all-star cast and the most amazing fireworks display ever. I hope you'll join me and the millions of Americans watching at home in what is truly America's biggest birthday party."

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.

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