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Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning film, theater and television actor Jimmy Smits hosts the 29th annual broadcast of America’s biggest and best-loved 4th of July concert, featuring a spectacular fireworks display on the National Mall over the Washington Monument captured by 18 TV cameras stationed around the city.

Barry Manilow will perform a selection of patriotic and celebratory music with the National Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of top pops conductor Erich Kunzel and the Choral Arts Society of Washington, under the direction of Norman Scribner.

Also performing – the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, international pop sensation Natasha Bedingfield, the Tony and Grammy Award-winning cast of Jersey Boys, multi Grammy Award-nominee Michael Feinstein and acclaimed classical pianist Andrew von Oeyen.

As a special treat for the entire family, Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch and more of the Sesame Street gang will be on hand to celebrate America’s 233rd birthday.

The July 4th concert finale includes Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" – featuring the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets and complete with live cannon fire provided by the United States Army Presidential Salute Battery. Also featured are the U.S. Army Ceremonial Band, the U.S. Army “Old Guard” Fife and Drum Corps and the Joint Armed Forces Color Guard of the Military District of Washington.