A Capitol Fourth concert provides The U.S. Army Band and The Old Guard to mix with the stars
Country and Western recording artist Trace Adkins performs his musical dedication to the military, “Still a Soldier,” during a July 3 rehearsal for The Capitol Fourth concert. Adkins also sang “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” during the Public Broadcasting Service television broadcast and the dress rehearsal of the Independence Day show.
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and member of The Beach Boys, Mike Love, stops to pose for a photo with The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Herald Trumpet members Staff Sgts. Kevin Gebo and E.J. Ramos and Master Sgt. Mike Cano before the dress rehearsal of The A Capitol Fourth Concert July 3 in Washington, D.C.
One of the Blues Brothers, Zee Blues — also known as Jim Belushi — belts out an old-time favorite song, “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love,” during an afternoon rehearsal for A Capitol Fourth concert in Washington, D.C., July 3.
The combination of The U.S. Army Band, the gritty blues of Chicago, surf songs from California plus patriotic music produced America’s biggest birthday party on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol July 4.
Gospel, Motown, Rock and Roll and Country music artists assembled as one musical family for rehearsals July 3 for the Independence Day television production entitled A Capitol Fourth.
Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall and Military District of Washington service members added ceremonial and musical support to the hour and a half gala. Pershing’s Own band members received opportunities to stand shoulder to shoulder with Rock and Roll hall of fame members and other popular recording artists.
The days of rehearsal leading up to the Independence Day concert allowed military musicians and musical acts like The Beach Boys and Blues Brothers the chance to all become brothers and sisters.
“This is where we all celebrate,” said Gospel Artist Yolanda Adams who sang The Battle Hymn of the Republic. “We come here as Americans. We have different genres hanging out together. Trace Adkins is one of my favorites. You’ve got the Blues Brothers and Sam (Moore) from Sam and Dave. You have The Four Tops. Where can you find all this music in one place? The Capitol.”
The U.S. Herald Trumpets were featured during the National Anthem and other patriotic numbers. Behind the scenes before the July 3 dress rehearsal, Pershing’s Own band members snapped photos and selfies with Beach Boys front man Mike Love, the Blues Brothers’ Dan Aykroyd and Broadway star Laura Osnes.
Country-Western recording superstar Trace Adkins, a veteran of performing for the military at bases and USO shows, personally thanked all who once wore and still wear the uniform.
“This next song, “Still a Soldier”, is dedicated to all of those who serve or have served for this great country,” Adkins said. The “Still a Soldier” single is a selection from Adkins’ new album “Something’s Going On.”
The U.S. Presidential Battery, a part of Fort Myer’s 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) also participated in the Independence Day gala with cannon firings during the National Mall fireworks presentation.
Other popular artists providing entertainment at The Capitol Fourth Concert included The Four Tops, A Capitol Fourth host John Stamos, Sofia Carson and Country Singer Kellie Pickler.
Pentagram Writer Jim Dresbach can be reached at jdresbach@dcmilitary.com.
