Tony winner Joe Mantegna and Emmy winner Gary Sinise will return as hosts for PBS' National Memorial Day Concert, premiering May 29 at 8 PM ET; check local listings. The 33rd annual broadcast will also be available to stream on YouTube and PBS.org.
The national night of remembrance will feature performances by Tony winners Lea Salonga (Miss Saigon) and Brian Stokes Mitchell (Kiss Me, Kate), Tony nominee Norm Lewis (The Gershwins' Porgy & Bess), country music singer-songwriter Craig Morgan, Grammy winner Rhiannon Giddens, and American Idol alum Pia Toscano. The artists will be backed by the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of conductor Jack Everly.
The evening will also include the Salute to Services with the Joint Chiefs of Staff plus performances 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 and Service Color Teams provided by the Military District of Washington, D.C.
The annual event, honoring those in uniform, veterans, their families, and all those who have given their lives for our country, will feature a remembrance of General Colin Powell from Dennis Haysbert; a Generations of Service segment honoring combat medic Francis Whitebird, portrayed by Gil Birmingham; a tribute to Gold Star Families with Emmy winner Jean Smart; a tribute to the women who served the nation in uniform and on the home front in World War II, featuring Mary McCormack; a Medal of Honor Tribute with host Sinise; and a marking of the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln Memorial, also with host Sinise.
Although the concert will be live, the venue is not open to the public as the Capitol complex continues its phased re-opening.
