Hand me my flag. The waving one, not the burning one.
Today’s the day for all true patriots to celebrate. Ah, ah, ah … only professional fireworks. Let’s turn on the radio and TV and enjoy a Fourth of July that’s safe and sane, not counting Peter Boyles, who’s worried it’ll become Cuatro de Julio.
Say it proud, play it loud: KVOD 90.1-FM airs “The Sound of America” with all-American music all day today from Scott Joplin, George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, Irving Berlin and others. Finishing up, I hope, with Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever.”
On the television side, it wouldn’t be a patriotic day without the Boston Pops in a “fireworks spectacular” (9 tonight, KCNC-Channel 4). An added attraction: Dr. Phil McGraw and his wife, Robin, are co-hosts.
An estimated 500,000 people are expected to turn out on the Esplanade to watch Keith Lockhart conduct a traditional program that includes the “1812 Overture.” The last 20 minutes are given over to fireworks.
Also:
“Kaboom!” – Stuff blows up real good on a “Nova” special that cleverly teaches us about science (7 p.m., KRMA-Channel 6).
“A Hero’s Welcome” – Patrick Duffy hosts a special that honors everyday Americans for extraordinary acts (7 p.m., Channel 4).
“Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular” – Watch 20,000 aerial shells and special effects set off on four barges on the East River (8 p.m., KUSA-Channel 9).
“An American Celebration at Ford’s Theater” – Tom Selleck hosts an all-star show whose audience includes President and Mrs. Bush (9 p.m., KMGH-Channel 7).
And the most patriotic display of all:
“Yankee Doodle Dandy” – James Cagney stars in the all-singing, all-dancing, all-flag waving 1942 biography of showman George M. Cohan (8:15 p.m., TCM).
Happy Fourth! You kids stay clear of those cherry bombs.
Around the dial
Narendhra Morar and Neil Parkinson of BBC World, which is producing a 13-part series on the Denver-based PeaceJam, holding forth at the Denver Press Club at 6 p.m. on July 13. It’s open to the public. … Ladysmith Black Mambazo headlines the “etown” radio program taping July 23 at the Boulder Theater. Tickets at
bouldertheater.com. … Bryan Schock elevated to director of programming for NRC Broadcasting, overseeing KJAC 105.5-FM, KCUV 102.3-FM and KYOL 1510-AM. … Dan Caplis and Craig Silverman offering listeners a chance to play a round of golf on July 17 as a fundraiser for The Children’s Hospital. Only if they promise not to bring up Ward Churchill. Info at KHOW.com. … Quotable: “Patriots always talk of dying for their country, and never of killing for their country.” Bertrand Russell
Dick Kreck’s column appears Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. He may be reached at 303-820-1456 or dkreck@denverpost.com.
