Concerts

Let’s compare the entertainment between America’s bicentennial in 1976 and this year’s 250th birthday, shall we?

I’m just old enough to remember all the hype and pageantry around the American bicentennial in 1976. After Watergate and Nixon, it was a remarkable coming together of the country, regardless of political affiliation or support.

In 1976, the performers involved were:

Also appearing:

  • Walter Cronkite
  • Bob Hope
  • The United States Marine Band
  • The US Army Band
  • The Navy Band
  • The Air Force Band
  • A selection of marching bands from across the US.

The performers for America’s 250th birthday are:

  • Donald Trump
  • Vanilla Ice
  • Flo Rida
  • Lara Trump (probably)

And how’s this for weird: The promoter is a company called Universal Attractions. The guy in charge of booking the talent and entertainment is named…Jeff Epstein! Two different guys, of course, but jeezus, talk about fact being weirder than any fiction.

Just sayin’. It’s a fiasco. Trump is furious about this. It’s a humiliation. Someone in the White House actually insisted that the artists involved signed up with the intention of pulling out thereby embarrassing Trump. Sure. Right.

Maybe this guy will perform.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

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