Media Advisory: National Museum of American History Hosts "Raise It Up! Anthem for America"

Museum Will Unite Two Iconic American Symbols

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Smithsonian's National Museum of American History

Jun 11, 2014, 10:14 ET

WASHINGTON, June 11, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Star-Spangled Banner, the flag that inspired the National Anthem, with "Raise It Up! Anthem for America," a concert on the National Mall and online sing-along.

WHEN: Saturday, June 14
2 p.m.: Ribbon cutting
2:30 p.m.: "Anthem for America" concert

WHERE: Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
Constitution Avenue entrance

WHO: Wayne Clough, Secretary, Smithsonian Institution
Martin O'Malley, governor of Maryland
Burt Kummerow, president, Maryland Historical Society

The National Museum of American History will celebrate the bicentennial of the Star-Spangled Banner by uniting two of America's most iconic symbols: the flag itself, on view at the museum, and Francis Scott Key's original manuscript, on loan from the Maryland Historical Society through July 6.

At 2:30 p.m. EDT, the museum will host a concert on its National Mall terrace, which will feature appearances by Kristen Capolino, Carlene Carter, a 400-person choir conducted by Grammy-winning composer Eric Whitacre and MacArthur "Genius" Fellow Francisco Núñez, The U.S. Air Force Band under the direction of Colonel Larry Lang, Smithsonian Folkways' Little Bit A Blues Band and the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Quintet. Martin O'Malley, the governor of Maryland, and Smithsonian Secretary Wayne Clough will also be on hand to "Raise It Up!" and during the 4 p.m. singing of the anthem.

The Fort McHenry Guard Fife and Drum Corps will perform popular War of 1812 pieces by the Constitution Avenue entrance at 10 a.m. and noon and immediately after the concert on the museum's Mall terrace.

The "Anthem for America" concert will be shared worldwide with a 90-minute webcast culminating in a moment of unity as Americans stop to sing the Anthem across the country. It will be streamed live on ESPN3 and YouTube from 2:30 to 4 p.m. EDT.

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SOURCE Smithsonian's National Museum of American History