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HOH’s One-Minute Recess: America’s Birthday Party

While most Members of Congress have left Capitol Hill to head back to their districts for the July Fourth recess, thousands of tourists are expected to flock to the National Mall on Sunday for the star-studded A Capitol Fourth celebration.

Actor Jimmy Smits will host the 30th annual event on the Capitol’s West Front. Broadcast live on PBS, the show will also feature performances from country superstar Reba McEntire, R&B legend Gladys Knight, Hootie and the Blowfish’s Darius Rucker, American Idol’s David Archuleta, pianist Lang Lang and the National Symphony Orchestra.

Gates for the 8 p.m. concert will open at 3 p.m. Sunday. The public can also watch the concert’s dress rehearsal, which kicks off at 8 p.m. Saturday.

Several street closures will be in effect around the Capitol this weekend, so the Capitol Police have advised concertgoers to take public transit to get to the show.

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