One of my favorite parts of Independence Day, aside from the fireworks, hamburgers and hot dogs, huge volume of appropriate Muppet clips, and all-around feeling of patriotism, is PBS’ annual broadcast of “A Capitol Fourth.” And for a few years now, I’ve been hoping that the 2019 edition of the program would celebrate a certain iconic PBS show‘s 50th anniversary. Thankfully, the minds behind “A Capitol Fourth” didn’t disappoint, and if you tune in to your local PBS station this Thursday, July 4th, you’ll see some of the superstars from Sesame Street performing live on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.
This is the first time the Sesame Street Muppets have been on the show in a decade, last appearing to celebrate their 40th anniversary in 2009. Big Bird, Abby Cadabby, Rosita, Elmo, Grover, Bert, and Ernie will perform “a musical medley of patriotic favorites and iconic songs from the groundbreaking children’s television series, currently celebrating a landmark 50 years of learning and fun.” Other Muppet-related guests include Lindsey Stirling, Gone West featuring Colbie Caillat, and the Queen of Trash herself, Vanessa Williams, who performed with Elmo on “A Capitol Fourth” back in 2006.
Not confirmed to return: Elmo’s bow tie.
So be sure to check your local PBS station’s listings for more details on what time the program will air in your area, and if you prefer an online viewing experience (unless the host of your cookout is okay with you dragging a TV set into the backyard), you can stream the program on PBS.org, YouTube and Facebook.
Click here to tell me how to get, how to get to the West Lawn on the ToughPigs forum!
by Matthew Soberman
