We Sing America: Planet Word Celebrates the 4th of July

Saturday, July 4, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Free | Great Hall

This July 4th, head to Planet Word for a free, all-ages community sing-along!

The afternoon features Washington, D.C.’s own Nolan Williams, Jr., who will lead the crowd in a celebration of the songs and voices that have shaped America.  Emceed by Esther Ciammachilli, WAMU’s Morning Edition host, this unforgettable sing-along features the award-winning composer, producer, and well-known performer with a live band and Williams’s NEWorks Voices of America.

From beloved folk songs to American classics to Civil Rights anthems, we’ll journey through the music that tells America’s story. Come ready to lift your voice, then visit Planet Word’s galleries for more July 4th fun throughout the day.

WAMU is the official media sponsor of Planet Word’s We Sing America, connecting communities with a celebration of language and music.

Register to receive important event updates. For questions or concerns regarding accessibility needs, please contact [email protected].

Song List (View program)
Prelude: “The Stars and Stripes Forever”
“The Star-Spangled Banner”
“Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing”
“My Country, ‘Tis of Thee”
“If I Had a Hammer”
“Someday We’ll All Be Free”
“God Bless America”
“Home on the Range”
“This Land Is Your Land”
“Blowin’ in the Wind”
“Freedom”: An improvised word activation, led by Nolan Williams, Jr.
“O-o-h Child”
“Oh Shenandoah”
A Salute to the Armed Services (“The Army Goes Rolling Along,” “The Marines’ Hymn,” “Semper Paratus [Always Ready],” “Anchors Aweigh!”, “The U.S. Air Force”)
“A Change Is Gonna Come”
“Take Me Home, Country Roads”
“America the Beautiful”

Event Photos
Jamie Christiani, courtesy of NEWorks Productions