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‘A Capitol Fourth’ concert kicks off America’s 250th anniversary

By WTOP Staff

Stay with WTOP for coverage of America’s semiquincentennial Fourth of July, including fireworks, ‘A Capital Fourth’ concert, and other celebrations. Tune in to 103.5 FM on air, online or via the WTOP app.

A patriotic performance took place outside of the U.S. Capitol Friday night to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary of independence this July Fourth.

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“A Capitol Fourth: 250th Weekend Celebration” kicked off the holiday weekend on the west lawn of the Capitol on Friday night.

Performers included Patti LaBelle, Trace Adkins, Carly Pearce and Chicago, according to organizers. Members of the U.S. military also performed as well as parts of bands and choirs.

Watch the concert live below:

Unlike past years, the concert is happening the day before the holiday. The fireworks show will still take place on the Fourth of July.

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National Museum of the American Latino to be housed in historic Smithsonian building

By Neal Augenstein
The Smithsonian Institution has decided to put the National Museum of the American Latino into an existing, historic building, rather than constructing a new one. The Smithsonian Board of Regents on Monday designated the Arts and Industries Building, a 145-year-old redbrick Victorian structure located between the Smithsonian Castle and the Hirshhorn Museum, as the permanent site of the National Museum of the American Latino, which Congress authorized in 2020. In 2022, the Smithsonian narrowed its survey for permanent locations for the National Museum of the American Latino and the American Women's History Museum to four locations near the National Mall on land owned by the National Park Service. The Arts and Industries Building, located at 900 Jefferson St. SW, was one of the four sites. New construction on National Park Service land would require congressional approval. However, since the Smithsonian already owns the Arts and Industries Building, the institution can place the National Museum of the American Latino in the existing building without additional legislation.
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