Cynthia Erivo, BD Wong, Patina Miller, Ruthie Ann Miles Are Part of PBS Memorial Day Concert May 26. Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise host the 35th anniversary broadcast. Several Tony winners are part of PBS’ annual National Memorial Day Concert, which is broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol May 26 beginning at 8 PM ET on PBS; check local listings. The concert is also available for streaming at PBS.org and YouTube and on demand May 26–June 9.
Cynthia Erivo, BD Wong, Patina Miller, and Ruthie Ann Miles
Hosted by Tony winner Joe Mantegna (Glengarry Glen Ross) and Emmy winner Gary Sinise, the 35th anniversary broadcast features performances by Tony winners Cynthia Erivo (The Color Purple), Ruthie Ann Miles (The King and I), and Patina Miller (Pippin); country music star Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts; Tony nominee Mary McCormack (Boeing-Boeing); and singer-songwriter Jamey Johnson, who served eight years in the Marine Corps Reserve. The artists are backed by the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of conductor Jack Everly.
The concert will also include a World War II Tribute featuring Tony and Olivier winner Bryan Cranston (Network, All the Way); a Gold Star Families Remembrance with Tony winner BD Wong (M. Butterfly); a segment Honoring a Generation’s Service with Golden Globe nominee Jena Malone; and a Salute to Services featuring the Joint Chiefs of Staff
and Service Color Teams.
Also participating in the broadcast are members from The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, The U.S. Army Chorus, The Soldiers’ Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band, The U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters, The U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants, and the Armed Forces Color Guard provided by the Military District of Washington, D.C.
“For 35 years, our mission has been to bring the country together to remember the fallen, commemorate the real meaning of the holiday, and pay tribute to generations of our American heroes and their families,” said Capital Concerts Executive Producer Michael Colbert in an earlier statement. “It is an honor to share this annual tradition of remembrance, healing, and community at the U.S. Capitol.”
