Entertainment NOW

2 • July 2 - 8, 2023 Entertainment Now By Dana Simpson TV Media I ndependence Day is full of numbers. Last Fourth of July, Americans collectively spent an average of $7.7 billion on food, more than $2.4 billion on fireworks and consumed in excess of 150 million hot dogs to cele- brate the 56 signatures marked on the Declaration of Indepen- dence in 1776 (per WalletHub. com). While the celebrations have been consistently growing in size and grandeur since the first Fourth of July parade in 1785 (held in Bristol, Rhode Island) — with the exception of times of turmoil, like the pandemic, of course — not all the festivities require revelers to leave their homes. In fact, this Fourth of July, TV viewers can enjoy countless hours of patriotic entertainment, ranging from unique, televised festivals to special episodes of favorite TV shows and major Hol- lywood films — we're looking at you "Independence Day" (1996) — across several networks. Among the most notable view- from-home programs are Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacu- lar on NBC and PBS's "A Capitol Fourth," which airs from the na- tion's capital, Washington, D.C. As the events broadcast nationwide, however, please be sure to check your local listings for times and any additional information or lo- cal events. Since Macy's inaugural Thanks- giving Day Parade in 1924, New Yorkers have gathered to watch in awe of the pomp and circum- stance. While the department store's Fourth of July festivities don't range quite as far back, their roots can be traced to a "pyrotechnic extravaganza" over the Hudson River on July 1, 1958, initially in celebration of the shop's 100th anniversary. With approximately one million people in attendance that year, this fireworks spectacular gave rise to the festivities we know today. First hosted by Macy's in partnership with Disney in 1977, the vibrant display has become a staple for Americans in person and on television. This year, the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular airs live from New York City's East River on NBC and its stream- ing platform, Peacock. The 47th celebration of its kind, the event coordinators have promised "seri- ous star power, electrifying per- formances and heart-pounding pyrotechnics." While the com- plete list of stars taking part in the event has yet to be announced as of press time, significant informa- tion has been shared regarding the musical score and perfor- mance, presided over by musical director Ray Chew (whose credits include "Showtime at the Apollo," "American Idol," "Dancing With the Stars" and more). "I am thrilled to be back to compose the fireworks score for the Macy's team and NBC," Chew said in a statement. "This year, we will recognize trailblazers as we celebrate our country's inde- pendence through the voices of young people." Helping Chew to realize his vi- sion for the score is the U.S. Army Field Band, accompanied by Sgt. First Class Kyra Dorn's "incredibly soulful vocals" for "God Bless America" and other well-known pieces. Additionally, rappers, R&B artists and fellow Staff Sgts. Nicholas Feemster and Lamar Rid- dick take to the mic for a heartfelt rendition of "Sea to Shining Sea." For those in or close to Man- hattan and who wish to be a part of the three million or more attendees this year, the Macy's Spectacular is a free event, and more information — including the full list of artists, celebrities and performers, once announced — can be found online at Macys. com/fireworks. Over on PBS, meanwhile, a party kicks off in the nation's capital. Airing live (and in replay) from the Capitol in Washington, D.C., this year's "A Capitol Fourth" is hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro ("The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air"). The biggest draw of this event is without a doubt the concerts, which are open to on-site at- tendees and broadcast crews all night on the grounds' West Lawn. The full list of performers can be found at PBS.org/a-capitol- fourth, including links to artist bios for Chicago, Boyz II Men, Babyface, Belinda Carlisle, Charles Esten and more. The Muppets of Sesame Street also make an ap- pearance, as do the National Sym- phony Orchestra, the Northwell Nurse Choir, Patrick Lundy & the Ministers of Music and the cast of Broadway's Neil Diamond musi- cal, "A Beautiful Noise." Of course, no Fourth of July celebration is complete without special recognition of the armed forces. This year, "A Capitol Fourth" is proud to welcome the Military District of Washington, the United States Army Band "Perishing's Own," The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets and the United States Presidential Salute Battery. For those who wish to prepare for the big day with music, festive recipes and patriotic decorations, PBS has you covered for that, too. Curious Americans can find all of the above — including a 57-song pre-show playlist, 24 mouth- watering recipes, six July Fourth- themed games and a curio of inspired decorations ideas — at PBS.com/a-capitol-fourth. Whatever your plans this Fourth of July, don't let the party pass you by. (Even if you happen to be more inclined to audio entertainment, ABC News Radio presents a three- hour Independence Day special on "Press Play" with Jason Nathanson. Find out more at ABCaudio.com/ pressplay23.) Let the festive fun begin and don't miss Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular and "A Capitol Fourth," airing Tues- day, July 4, on NBC and PBS, respectively. Cover Story Alfonso Ribeiro hosts "A Capitol Fourth" Fourth-coming TV: NBC, PBS present premium Fourth of July entertainment Farmers Insurance 2 x 2 Letters & Numbers Sudoku Fill in the grid so that every row,every column, and every 4x4 box contains the digits 1 through 9 AND the letters A-F. Solution on page 12. 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