Today's Entertainment

July 3 - 9, 2023 Page 3 By Dana Simpson This Fourth of July, TV view- ers can enjoy countless hours of patriotic entertainment, ranging from unique, televised festivals to special episodes of favorite TV shows and major Hollywood films — we're looking at you "Inde- pendence Day" (1996) — across several networks. Among the most notable view-from-home pro- grams are Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular on NBC and PBS's "A Capitol Fourth," which airs from the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. As the events broadcast nationwide, however, please be sure to check your local listings for times and any additional information or local events. This year, the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular airs live from New York City's East River on NBC and its streaming platform, Peacock. The 47th celebration of its kind, the event coordinators have promised "serious star power, electrifying performances and heart-pounding pyrotechnics." While the complete list of stars taking part in the event has yet to be announced as of press time, significant informa- tion has been shared regarding the musical score and performance, presided over by musical director Ray Chew (whose credits include "Showtime at the Apollo," "Amer- ican Idol," "Dancing With the Stars" and more). "I am thrilled to be back to compose the fireworks score for the Macy's team and NBC," Chew said in a statement. "This year, we will recognize trailblazers as we celebrate our country's in- dependence through the voices of young people." Helping Chew to realize his vision for the score is the U.S. Army Field Band, accompanied by Sgt. First Class Kyra Dorn's "incredibly soulful vocals" for "God Bless America" and other well-known pieces. Additionally, rappers, R&B artists and fellow Staff Sgts. Nicholas Feemster and Lamar Riddick take to the mic for a heartfelt rendition of "Sea to Shining Sea." For those in or close to Man- hattan and who wish to be a part of the three million or more attendees this year, the Macy's Spectacular is a free event, and more information — including the full list of artists, celebrities and performers, once announced — can be found online at Macys. com/fireworks. Over on PBS, meanwhile, a party kicks off in the nation's capital. Airing live (and in replay) from the Capitol in Washing- ton, D.C., this year's "A Capitol Fourth" is hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro ("The Fresh Prince of Bel- Air") and is sponsored by Boeing. The biggest draw of this event is without a doubt the concerts, which are open to on-site at- tendees and broadcast crews all night on the grounds' West Lawn. The full list of performers can be found at PBS.org/a-capitol-fourth. Of course, no Fourth of July celebration is complete without special recognition of the armed forces. "A Capitol Fourth" 2023 is proud to welcome the Military District of Washington, the Unit- ed States Army Band "Perishing's Own," The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets and the United States Presidential Salute Battery. ACROSS 1. Tabula ___ 5. Test for M.A. seekers 8. leg in a film noir 11. Kelly Clarkson is one 12. Scottish hillside 13. "I ___ you one" 14. Reality series set aboard a lux- ury yacht 16. Dinghy propeller 17. "May the ___ be with you" 18. Salon supply 19. TV superhero drama "legends ___" 23. The whole shebang 24. Smarten oneself up 27. Devout 30. Copycat's words 31. Springfield and Quahog 32. Former "Cougar Town" star Courteney 33. Actress Nancy, who voices Bart Simpson 39. "uh-huh" 41. Actor Brandon, who starred in the show referenced in 19 Across 42. Suffix with form 43. One who inks 47. Put on TV 48. Ho-hum 49. Some N.C.O.'s 50. Butterfly catcher 51. 2015 disaster film "___ Andreas" 52. Voice mail prompt DOWN 1. Barbecue offering 2. Fruity summer drink 3. Costa del ___ 4. Skyward 5. ___-Roman wrestling 6. Speed demon 7. Cartoon scream 8. Hallmark Channel dramedy that starred an enchanting Cath- erine Bell 9. Hit musical "Come from ___" 10. Nothing other than 12. Real estate ad abbr. 15. Romance 19. Mishmash or hodgepodge 20. Workflow diagram 21. Engine speed, for short 22. Neighbor of Ida. 23. Quick on the uptake 25. like some points 26. Chicken ___ 28. Merkel of old movies 29. Abbr. on old maps 34. Start of a joyous refrain 35. Odin's Germanic moniker 36. Babe with a bat 37. "Who am ___ say?" 38. Supernatural reality series "Ce- lebrity ___ Stories" 39. Chinese dollar 40. Nobel Prize-winning author Wiesel 43. Cable inits. 44. "Where did ___ wrong?" 45. RR stop 46. Half of an African fly CoverStory The identity of the featured celebrity is found within the answers in the puzzle. In order to take the TV Challenge, unscramble the letters noted with asterisks within the puzzle. InFocus Fourth-coming TV: NBC, PBS present premium Fourth of July entertainment "The Afterparty - Season 2" (Apple TV+ — Season Premiere, July 12) This comedic murder mystery series explores a different character's account of one fateful evening, all told through the lens of popular film genres and unique visuals to match the storyteller's perspective. In Season 2, a wedding is ruined when the groom is murdered and every guest is a suspect. Detective Danner (Tiffany Had- dish) returns to help Aniq (Sam Richardson) and Zoë (Zoe Chao) solve the crime. Solution is on page 2. Alfonso Ribeiro hosts "A Capitol Fourth"

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