At long last, after hours of fun and waiting, A Capitol Fourth started. It was broadcast live on PBS stations around the country. Now that I know about it, we'll probably try to catch the show every year we are not actually there.
Everyone was excited. With a lot of stars coming out to perform, the crowd around the Capitol just pulsed with an amazing energy. When Aretha Franklin came out and sang the Star Spangled Banner, you could cut the silence with a knife. She did a beautiful job.
Jimmy Smits was the host for the evening. I really haven't seen him in many things recently, but I am sure that most of you will remember the tear-jerking episode of NYPD Blue when he died. Although I questioned his wardrobe manager for putting him in a PURPLE shirt and tie, he was great to listen to.
Then, the moment my mother had been waiting for, waiting 36 years in fact. Her favorite singer of all time hit the stage.
Barry Manilow opened the show with a great performance. I need to explain a little about why my mother had waited 36 years for this moment. Mutti has, in the past, seen Barry Manilow perform live three times. What is important about the story is that my father was supposed to accompany her to those shows, but would suddenly be sent TDY somewhere the week or days before the show. In 36 plus years of marriage, Dad had escaped Barry Manilow. Until July 4, 2009. And this is what he thought of the performance!
I enjoyed his performance, having grown up on Barry Manilow, as his music was frequently heard in our house. His performance of Copacabana was great and really the entire reason I wanted to see him.
After his performance, we all were treated to a birthday party celebration for the muppets of Sesame Street. Sesame Street turns 40 years old this year. I actually woke Morgan up from her little nap so she could see Big Bird, Memo (Elmo), Oscar the Grouch, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, and a few other muppets. Even though she was annoyed that I woke her up, she smiled great big when she saw Memo and Big Bird.
This is Big Bird talking with the conductor of the National Symphany Orchestra.
After singing along to some classic childhood tunes, including I Love Trash and C is for Cookie, another popular performer hit the stage to sing along with the Sesame Street gang.
Of course Natasha sang her famous Pocket Full of Sunshine and a few other tunes. I have to say that I am a little out of touch with the more popular music, as I don't listen to the current rock station on Sirius.
Jimmy Smits was the host for the evening. I really haven't seen him in many things recently, but I am sure that most of you will remember the tear-jerking episode of NYPD Blue when he died. Although I questioned his wardrobe manager for putting him in a PURPLE shirt and tie, he was great to listen to.Then, the moment my mother had been waiting for, waiting 36 years in fact. Her favorite singer of all time hit the stage.Barry Manilow opened the show with a great performance. I need to explain a little about why my mother had waited 36 years for this moment. Mutti has, in the past, seen Barry Manilow perform live three times. What is important about the story is that my father was supposed to accompany her to those shows, but would suddenly be sent TDY somewhere the week or days before the show. In 36 plus years of marriage, Dad had escaped Barry Manilow. Until July 4, 2009. And this is what he thought of the performance!I enjoyed his performance, having grown up on Barry Manilow, as his music was frequently heard in our house. His performance of Copacabana was great and really the entire reason I wanted to see him.After his performance, we all were treated to a birthday party celebration for the muppets of Sesame Street. Sesame Street turns 40 years old this year. I actually woke Morgan up from her little nap so she could see Big Bird, Memo (Elmo), Oscar the Grouch, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, and a few other muppets. Even though she was annoyed that I woke her up, she smiled great big when she saw Memo and Big Bird.
This is Big Bird talking with the conductor of the National Symphany Orchestra.After singing along to some classic childhood tunes, including I Love Trash and C is for Cookie, another popular performer hit the stage to sing along with the Sesame Street gang.Of course Natasha sang her famous Pocket Full of Sunshine and a few other tunes. I have to say that I am a little out of touch with the more popular music, as I don't listen to the current rock station on Sirius.We were also treated to a wonderful performance by the cast of The Jersey Boys, after which Patrick and I immediately said we would have to see when it comes back to Pittsburgh/Morgantown. Michael Feinstein (on left) and Andrew von Oeyen (blonde on right) played piano together, which was lovely.
The Queen of Soul hit the stage again to sing some of her classics, including Respect which was great. If you look at her outfit you will see that she is wearing a fur cuffed jacket. In the middle of summer. Why, I do not know.
Barry Manilow came back out one more time to close the vocal performance piece, and as he finished, the fireworks started over the Washington Monument.
The fireworks were spectacular. It was awesome to spend America's 233rd birthday in the heart of our nation. I encourage you, if you have never gone before, GO. It's certainly something every American should experience at least once in their lifetime.
And at the end of the night, you will have crazy hair, be tired and worn out, but you too will still be waving your flag, proud to be an American.
The Queen of Soul hit the stage again to sing some of her classics, including Respect which was great. If you look at her outfit you will see that she is wearing a fur cuffed jacket. In the middle of summer. Why, I do not know.Barry Manilow came back out one more time to close the vocal performance piece, and as he finished, the fireworks started over the Washington Monument.The fireworks were spectacular. It was awesome to spend America's 233rd birthday in the heart of our nation. I encourage you, if you have never gone before, GO. It's certainly something every American should experience at least once in their lifetime.And at the end of the night, you will have crazy hair, be tired and worn out, but you too will still be waving your flag, proud to be an American.
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