Chita Rivera to Headline “West Side Story” 65th Anniversary Celebration on PBS’ “A Capitol Fourth” Program

Chita Rivera will bring the West Side to the world…

This year’s A Capitol Fourth, the annual televised Independence Day concert, will feature a celebration of West Side Story‘s 65th anniversary, headlined by the 89-year-old half-Puerto Rican actress, singer, dancer and Broadway star.

Chita RiveraRivera, who played Anita in the original Broadway production of West Side Story, will lead the anniversary celebration, as the National Symphony Orchestra performs a musical tribute.

The event, to be broadcast on PBS, will be hosted by Mickey Guyton, with performances by Darren Criss, Yolanda Adams, Gloria Gaynor, Keb’ Mo’, Emily Bear, Andy Grammer and Loren Allred with the National Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Jack Everly.

Rachel Platten will do a special tribute to military heroes and their families, as she performs her song Stand By You.

The event, on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, will be open to the public, after two years of virtual celebrations due to COVID-19.

The evening will conclude with the Capital fireworks display, including a performance featuring The U.S. Army BandPershing’s Own,” also marking its 100th anniversary.

The event will air from 8:00 pm ET to 9:30 pm ET on PBS. It also will be aired on Armed Forces Network and aired on NPR member stations. It will be streamed on YouTube and PBS.org from July 4 to July 18.

Aloe Blacc to Take Part in City of Hope’s Livestream Concert Fundraiser

Aloe Blacc isn’t losing Hope

City of Hope’s Music, Film and Entertainment Industry Group’s Future Hope New York Committee has announced that it will be partnering with Bandsintown for a special livestream concert fundraiser, featuring the 41-year-old Panamanian American singer/songwriter.

Aloe Blacc

In addition to Blacc, the star-studded event will feature performances by Almost Monday, Andy Grammer, Anna Shoemaker, For King & Country, Gunnar Gehl, Jack Newsome, John Splithoff, JP Saxe, Kalie Shorr, Leslie Odom, Jr., Lovelytheband, Matt Nathanson, Pentatonix, The Happy Fits, Train and more.

The show will benefit City of Hope’s mission to eliminate cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases.

“Bandsintown has always been at the forefront of supporting the artists and their fans,and bringing them together. With that said, our Future Hope team is excited to be partnering with Bandsintown, and with these talented artists and their label and management teams, to help raise awareness and support for City of Hope,” said Future Hope New York co-founder Anthony Iovino in a press statement. “It’s a blessing to take what we do each day in this industry and put that energy and passion towards helping others. City of Hope is a special place that does amazing things, and it makes us all want to step up and do amazing things to support that mission of hope!”

Catch the public event on Wednesday, December 16 at 3:00 pm ET/12:00 pm PT via live.bandsintown.com. Those wanting to help the cause will also be able to donate via the landing page.

Mandy Gonzalez to Perform on PBS’ Virtual Independence Day Concert, “A Capitol Fourth”

Mandy Gonzalez has found her Independence

The 41-year-old half Mexican American actress/singer, best known for her leading roles on Broadway, will perform on PBS’ virtual Independence Day concert, A Capitol Fourth.

Mandy Gonzalez

Due to the continued coronavirus pandemic, PBS opted for a virtual Fourth of July event, instead of cancelling it completely.

A Capitol Fourth, now in its 40th year, will feature pre-taped performances from around the country, hosted by John Stamos and Vanessa Williams.

In addition to Gonzalez, who played Elphaba in the Broadway production of Wicked and originated the role of Nina Rosario in the Off-Broadway and Broadway productions of the musical In the Heights, performers include Patti LaBelleJohn FogertyRenee Fleming,The TemptationsTrace AdkinsAndy GrammerYolanda Adams, Brantley GilbertLauren AlainaBrian Stokes-MitchellKelli O’Hara, and members of the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Jack Everly.

Segments for the eventare being pre-taped, and the special also will feature highlights from previous years.

The 90-minute show also will feature a tribute by Stamos to workers on the front lines of the coronavirus crisis, with Chrissy Metz singing I’m Standing with You.

There will also be segments honoring African American heroes from the past and present, and a salute to wounded warriors. A live segment of the special will feature the annual fireworks display over the D.C. skyline.

“For four decades A Capitol Fourth has paid tribute to our nation’s birthday and the hopes and dreams of all Americans,” said executive producer Michael Colbert. “This year, our broadcast will reflect the reality of what we as a country have faced and the challenges ahead, while showcasing our message of inclusion, patriotism and love.”

The special will air on PBS on July 4 at 8:00 pm ET, and will be heard on the American Forces Network and in stereo over NPR member stations.  The concert also will be streamed on FacebookYouTube and PBS.org and will be available on demand from July 4-18.

Ryan Vasquez to Star in Ross Golan’s Musical “The Wrong Man”

Ryan Vasquez is in the Wrong

The Latino actor/singer has been cast in the world premiere in New York this September of multi-platinum songwriter Ross Golan’s musical The Wrong Man.

Ryan Vasquez

Vasquez will star opposite Tony-nominee Joshua Henry and Ciara Renéein the musical.

The Wrong Man is set in Reno, Nevada, and tells the story of Duran, a man just scraping by, who is accused of a murder he says he didn’t commit.

Golan’s first stage musical was initially conceived as an acoustic solo piece, but over a decade has grown to include a full-length concept album and an animated film.

Previews begin on Wednesday, September 18, with an opening night of October 7, at the Off Broadway MCC Theater.

Golan (book, music, lyrics) has written massive hits for a massive roster of artists including Maroon 5, Justin BieberNicki MinajLady Antebellum, Michael BubléSelena GomezKeith Urban, Ariana GrandeFlo RidaOne Direction, Idina MenzelNellyDemi LovatoJason DeruloMeghan TrainorCee Lo Green, 5 Seconds of SummerPrince RoyceSnoop DoggGavin DeGraw, Colbie CaillatAndy GrammerJames Blunt, Big Sean and Travis Barker.

Vasquez has appeared on Broadwayin Hamilton, Waitress and Wickedand on television in The Good FightCurb Your Enthusiasm and The Code.