National Park Service & National Park Foundation Announce Hip Hop Artist and Actor Common to Host the 2010 National Christmas Tree Lighting

Jackie Evancho and Jim James Join Star Studded List of Performers Including Maroon 5, B.B. King and Sara Bareilles

Ceremony to be Streamed Live at www.thenationaltree.org on December 9th at 5 p.m. ET and Broadcast Nationally on Public Television Throughout December

WASHINGTON, Nov. 23, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation announced that hip-hop artist and actor Common will host the 2010 National Christmas Tree Lighting.   In addition, ten-year-old "America's Got Talent" soprano prodigy Jackie Evancho and singer-songwriter Jim James, from rock group My Morning Jacket, will perform at the event, which will be held on Thursday, December 9, 2010, at 5:00 p.m. ET on the Ellipse at President's Park in Washington, D.C..  The ceremony will usher in the holiday season in our nation's capital and can be viewed LIVE online at www.thenationaltree.org or on public television throughout the month of December.  

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090630/DC40408LOGO)

Common, Jackie Evancho and Jim James join previously announced artists including blues legend B.B. King, Grammy®-nominated singer-songwriter and pianist Sara Bareilles, and Grammy®-award winning band Maroon 5 for the 87th anniversary of the event.  The star-studded line up will offer a diverse and entertaining program of traditional holiday music and other surprises yet to be announced.  

For more information about the 2010 National Christmas Tree Lighting, visit www.thenationaltree.org.  

The 2010 National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is presented by the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation and produced by Alex Coletti Productions.  Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is the premier sponsor of the event.  

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System and its 393 National Park sites for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.  The National Park Service works with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.  For more information, visit www.nps.gov.        

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION

You are the owner of 84 million acres of the world's most treasured landscapes, ecosystems, and historic sites -- all protected in America's nearly 400 national parks.  Chartered by Congress, the National Park Foundation is the official charity of America's national parks.  We work hand in hand with the National Park Service to connect you and all Americans to the parks, and to make sure that they are preserved for the generations who will follow.  Join us in supporting your national parks -- this is your land.  www.nationalparks.org.

SOURCE National Park Foundation