Tenor Anthony Kearns to Perform in 25th Annual National Memorial Day Concert in Washington, D.C. on Sun., May 25, 2014 at 8 p.m. ET

WASHINGTON, May 9, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Popular tenor Anthony Kearns will be a guest performer in PBS's National Memorial Day Concert, which has become a national tradition over the past 25 years. This year's program will be a tribute to America's men and women in uniform, their families, and all those who have given their lives for our country. The event will be broadcast  from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on Sun., May 25, 2014 from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Eastern time. 

One of PBS' highest-rated annual programs, the National Memorial Day Concert will be performed before a live audience of hundreds of thousands, and millions of viewers live on PBS (check local listings).  It will also be broadcast to U.S. troops on the American Armed Forces Network. 

"We're pleased to have Anthony Kearns lend his powerful voice for what will be a historic and inspiring tribute to America's service men and women, their families, and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country," said Jerry Colbert, Executive Producer and founder of Capital Concerts.  

Mr. Kearns will sing with the National Symphony Orchestra. "I'm honored to perform with the NSO, and to be a part of this Memorial Day concert program in sacred remembrance of the immeasurable sacrifices of American soldiers worldwide," Kearns said.

The award-winning program will be co-hosted for the ninth year by Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna and Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise. The concert will feature inspiring stories of service and sacrifice throughout generations of Americans – and include a special "Welcome Home" to thank veterans who served most recently in Afghanistan.  There will also be a commemoration of the 70^th anniversary of the D-Day invasion of the Normandy beaches of France, a seminal moment that turned the tides of war in favor of the Allies. 

"Anthony Kearns frequently lends his beautiful voice to support U.S. military and other causes, including veterans and their families.  He is one of the world's great tenors – and I know his performance with the National Symphony Orchestra will be a dramatic and poignant part of this year's momentous Memorial Day concert," said Kirsten Fedewa, Kearns' agent and publicist.

Last May, Kearns opened the televised 2013 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C.  In January of 2013, he performed as the guest of General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in a tribute to Medal of Honor recipients, with the U.S. Army Chorus. In March 2013, Kearns also was the special guest of Speaker John Boehner at a bipartisan luncheon hosted for President Barack Obama, members of Congress, and foreign dignitaries. He also performed at the World War II Memorial for Labor Day in a tribute to America's "Greatest Generation" and U.S. forces deployed to defend America after the 9-11 terrorist attacks. In 2012, Kearns was a featured guest performer in the award-winning Veteran's Day PBS Special, "America's Veterans: A Musical Tribute," with the U.S. Air Force Band.  In 2010, he sang "Amazing Grace" during the National Memorial Day Parade's Moment of Remembrance.

In addition to touring with The Irish Tenors, Kearns has a robust international solo career. He first took the American television audience by storm in 1999 as the youngest member of The Irish Tenors, with whom he has five PBS Specials and 10 CDs. His solo career includes concerts, high-profile celebrity engagements, major television appearances, operas, and collaborations with some of the world's most renowned orchestras. He has had the honor to perform for three U.S. Presidents. In fall 2013, Kearns released his first solo album, "With a Song in My Heart." 

www.anthonykearnstenor.com

Besides Mr. Kearns, featured guests and performers include:

• Distinguished American leader, General Colin L. Powell USA (Ret.)
• Two-time Academy and Emmy Award-winning actress Dianne Wiest
• Country music sensation and THE VOICE 2013 winner Danielle Bradbery
• Broadway and television star Megan Hilty
• Musical prodigy and classical crossover star Jackie Evancho

The program is a co-production of Capital Concerts and WETA, Washington, D.C

SOURCE Anthony Kearns