July 4 Mall to Feature Military Bands, Opera, Country Artists for America's 250th
Several artists have withdrawn from the semiquincentennial concerts citing safety concerns and partisan concerns. Organizers say the program remains open to additional performers.
consequenceofsound.netMorris Day and the Time, Young MC, Martina McBride, Bret Michaels and the Commodores announced their withdrawals in recent days. Martina McBride and Young MC said they were misled into believing the events were completely nonpartisan. Bret Michaels cited severe safety concerns and online threats directed at his crew and family.
Vanilla Ice, Flo Rida and Fab Morvan, performing under the Milli Vanilli name, remain confirmed for the June 24 program. Freedom 250 spokeswoman Rachel Reisner said the organization respects artists’ decisions and that its doors remain open to any performer who wants to participate.
The U.S. Marine Band and the Joint Armed Forces Chorus will also appear. President Donald Trump confirmed he will attend and speak.
250 is the official commemoration of America’s semiquincentennial. It coordinates nationwide celebrations, exhibitions, concerts, sporting events, parades and historical initiatives under White House direction. An Ultimate Fighting Championship card hosted by the president is scheduled at the White House on Flag Day, June 14.
A 40-minute fireworks display will take place in Washington on July 4 as part of Freedom 250 programming. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said the Mall will serve as the stage for telling the nation’s story and that the fair will bring together all 56 states and territories.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order early in his second term that established the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday. Freedom 250 operates as a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization.
