Nathan Hager, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – The National Mall puts on one of the best fireworks displays in the country every Fourth of July.
So who will be on the bill for the patriotic entertainment before the rockets’ red glare during the Capitol Fourth concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol?
Organizers say it’ll be a mix of reality TV, Broadway glitz and Olympic spirit.
“Dancing With the Stars” host Tom Bergeron will emcee the concert. The latest “American Idol” winner Philip Phillips will perform along with Javier Colon, season one winner of NBC’s “The Voice.”
Providing the taste of Broadway, Matthew Broderick will join his a “Nice Work If You Can Get It” co-star Kelli O’Hara for selections from the Gershwin musical.
Megan Hilty, one of the stars of NBC’s Broadway drama “Smash,” is also on the bill.
And, before they head to London for the Summer Olympic Games, eight-time speedskating medalist Apolo Anton Ohno will lead a tribute to 13 members of Team USA who will take the stage.
John Williams will conduct the National Symphony Orchestra in a performance of his “Olympic Fanfare and Theme,” and British tenor Russell Watson will sing “Because We Believe,” a song written and performed by Andrea Bocelli at the closing ceremony of the 2006 Winter Games in Turin, Italy.
Rounding out A Capitol Fourth 2012 is country music singer Josh Turner and R&B/funk veterans Kool & the Gang.
A Capitol Fourth will be held from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. July 4 and will be broadcast live on PBS and to troops around the world on the American Forces Network.
The fireworks will begin at 9:10 p.m. and last for about 20 minutes, the National Park Service said.
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(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)
