A Capitol Fourth, the annual Independence Day concert, anchors NPT’s holiday programming again this year with a live broadcast on July 4. But getting an early start to the Fourth of July holiday is practically a summer tradition, so NPT’s Independence Day programming kicks off June 30.
Here’s a complete rundown of festive or patriotic-themed programming airing on NPT over the next couple of weeks as we celebrate our country’s 240th birthday.
Thursday, June 30, at 8 p.m. NPT’s original production Nashville WWII Stories chronicles the experiences of Middle Tennessee’s World War II veterans and the wartime contributions of those on those home front.
Thursday, June 30, at 9:30 p.m. This spring NPT hosted a town hall event for veterans and civilians as part of the Veterans Coming Home public media initiative. Bridging the Civilian/Military Divide, the broadcast version of that discussion, explores ways to recognize veterans and military families for their service while moving beyond stereotypes.
Monday, July 4, at 7 p.m. A Capitol Fourth will be broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol with an encore presentation immediately afterward at 8:30 p.m. This year’s concert features Middle Tennessee resident and Olympic figure skating legend Scott Hamilton leading a special salute to the 2016 U.S. Summer Olympic and Paralympic teams, along with host Tom Bergeron and guests Smokey Robinson; Kenny Loggins; retired Army Gen. Colin L. Powell; Gavin DeGraw; Amber Riley; Cassadee Pope; Alisan Porter; Jackie Evancho; Yolanda Adams; Sutton Foster; the cast of Broadway musical On Your Feet!; and Christopher Jackson (George Washington) of Broadway smash Hamilton.
Monday, July 4, at 11 p.m. The holiday would not be complete without a showing of 3,2,1 Fireworks, a behind-the-scenes look at pyrotechnics and the Washington, D.C., fireworks show.
Tuesday, July 12, at 7 p.m. The White House: The Inside Story is coda to the Independence Day holiday and precursor to PBS’ prime-time coverage of this year’s political conventions. With unprecedented access, this two-hour tour of the fabled residence includes interviews with President Obama and former President Jimmy Carter; comments by Michelle Obama and three former first ladies; and insight from White House staff.
Find our full programming lineup at http://www.wnpt.org/schedule/.