Plot Synopsis

Each year since 1981, PBS has broadcast the Independence Day celebration on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, with fireworks, a live performance by the National Symphony Orchestra, and musical numbers by world-renowned guest musicians and singers. The celebration ends with a rousing rendition of Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture," complete with live cannon fire provided by the United States Army Presidential Salute Battery.
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In 2023, PBS aired A CAPITOL FOURTH live on Tuesday, July 4 from 8-9:30pm ET (live)/PT (tape), with Alfonso Ribeiro hosting. The line-up for A CAPITOL FOURTH features:

- Chicago: multi-Grammy Award-winning legendary rock and roll band;
- Boyz II Men: Grammy Award-winning and best-selling R&B group of all time;
- Belinda Carlisle: Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and co-founder/lead vocalist of the Go-Go's;
- Babyface: 12-time Grammy Award-winning recording artist, songwriter and producer;
- Maddie & Tae: multi-platinum country duo and CMT Award-winner;
- Charles Esten: artist-songwriter and star of global hit series OUTER BANKS and NASHVILLE;
- Ruthie Ann Miles: Tony Award-winning Broadway star of THE KING AND I and currently starring in her Tony nominated performance in the hit Broadway revival of SWEENEY TODD.
- The Broadway cast of A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical featuring Will Swenson and Robyn Hurder;
- The National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly.

The evening also features a special tribute to our men and women in uniform and their families with a musical performance dedicated to their service and sacrifice by world-renowned five-time Grammy Award-winning soprano superstar Renee Fleming. Plus, from the International Space Station orbiting Earth, NASA astronauts Frank Rubio, Steve Bowen and Woody Hoburg will share a special Independence Day message with the nation.

Acclaimed actress and singer Adrienne Warren, who received a Tony Award for her portrayal of Tina Turner in the Broadway musical TINA: THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL, will pay tribute to the legendary Queen of Rock n' Roll.

Capping off the festivities will be a patriotic musical medley featuring The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" during the spectacular fireworks display, an annual audience favorite. The musical finale is accompanied by live cannon fire provided by the United States Army Presidential Salute Battery, an A CAPITOL FOURTH tradition.