Smokey Robinson and Fantasia to Lead ‘Capitol Fourth’ Independence Day Celebration

Jon Blistein
·2 min read
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Smokey Robinson and Fantasia - Credit: Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images/Byron Allen AMG/TheGRIO Awards; Taylor Hill/Getty Images/Live Nation Urban
Smokey Robinson and Fantasia - Credit: Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images/Byron Allen AMG/TheGRIO Awards; Taylor Hill/Getty Images/Live Nation Urban

Smokey Robinson and Fantasia will headline PBS’ annual Independence Day concert, A Capitol Fourth. The show will take place on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C., airing on PBS and YouTube starting at 8 p.m. ET.

The show will feature additional music from Darren Criss, Sheila E., Fitz and Noelle (of Fitz and the Tantrums), Sister Sledge featuring Sledgendary, Loren Allred, Chloe Flower, and the National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Jack Everly. Actor Alfonso Ribeiro will host the proceedings, and deliver a special performance alongside dancer and choreographer Britt Stewart of Dancing With the Stars.

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A Capitol Fourth 2024 will find Robinson leading a special Motown 65th anniversary segment, and Flower will perform “Rhapsody in Blue” to mark the 100th anniversary of George Gerswhin’s classic composition. Former gold medal gymnast Shawn Johnson East will lead a tribute to Team USA ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, with the National Symphony Orchestra performing John Williams’ “Olympic Fanfare,” composed for the 1984 games in Los Angeles.

And of course, it wouldn’t wouldn’t be the Fourth of July without some fireworks. As always the show will feature a rendition of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” complete with cannon fire, while the U.S. Army Band “Perishing’s Own” and the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets will soundtrack the grand finale fireworks display.

“I can’t wait to celebrate America’s Birthday on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol,” Ribeiro said in a statement. “I’m incredibly excited and honored to be your host of A Capitol Fourth once again. It is going to be a great 4th of July party, and we’re going to get everyone in our nation’s capital and all those watching at home on their feet dancing!”

Ribeiro also hosted A Capitol Fourth last year. That show featured performances from Chicago, Boyz II Men, Belinda Carlisle, Babyface, Maddie & Tae, Charles Esten, Renée Fleming, and Adrienne Warren.

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