PHOENIX -- Arizona PBS kicks off Independence Day festivities with the 36th annual broadcast of “A Capitol Fourth,” live from the U.S. Capitol July 4 at 7 p.m., with an encore broadcast at 8:30 p.m.

Emmy Award-winning television personality Tom Bergeron (“Dancing with the Stars”) returns to host this year’s all-star musical extravaganza, which puts viewers front and center for the nation's largest display of fireworks and live musical performances.

“We’re pleased to welcome back one of our station’s most beloved traditions, ‘A Capitol Fourth,’ for another dazzling celebration complete with a lineup of live musical performances and a stunning display of fireworks that will light up the sky over the U.S. Capitol,” said Nancy Southgate, associate general manager of content at Arizona PBS. “This program is a celebration of America’s heritage and honors the bravery and patriotism of the soldiers who won our freedom and those who continue to protect it.”

“A Capitol Fourth” (#July4thPBS) features performances by award-winning artists:

· Smokey Robinson

· Kenny Loggins

· Gavin DeGraw

· Cassadee Pope

· Amber Riley (“Glee”)

· Jackie Evancho

· Sutton Foster (“Younger,” “Gilmore Girls”)

· The cast of the hit Broadway musical “On Your Feet!” the true story of Gloria and Emilio Estefan;

· The National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pop conductor Jack Everly

· Alisan Porter, the Season 10 winner of “The Voice,” who opens the show with a performance of the “National Anthem.”

The concert also features special segments in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the USO and the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. The 36th annual broadcast of “A Capitol Fourth” airs before a concert audience of hundreds of thousands, millions more at home, as well as to our troops serving around the world via the American Forces Network. The program can also be heard live in stereo over NPR member stations nationwide.

The top-rated, award-winning program features twenty cameras positioned around the city, including the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. Capping off the show is a rousing rendition of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” complete with live cannon fire provided by the United States Army Presidential Salute Battery, an audience favorite and “A Capitol Fourth” tradition.

Also participating in the event is the Choral Arts Society of Washington, Patrick Lundy and The Ministers of Music, the U.S. Army Ceremonial Band, the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, Members of the Armed Forces carrying the State and Territorial Flags and the Armed Forces Color Guard provided by the Military District of Washington, D.C.

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