AXS TV CELEBRATES INDEPENDENCE DAY WEEKEND WITH A COUNTRY MUSIC CONCERT MARATHON JULY 5

Los Angeles – June 29, 2015 – AXS TV celebrates Independence Day weekend with over 15 hours of country music in a special concert marathon July 5 beginning at 2 p.m. ET. The line-up features unforgettable performances some of country’s most beloved artists, including Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Martina McBride, Willie Nelson and more.

The marathon kicks off at 2 p.m. ET with outlaw country legend Merle Haggard as he takes the stage at the iconic Billy Bob’s Texas, followed by country superstar Tim McGraw (4 p.m. ET), who performs out a mix of his new songs and classic hits, and the star-studded tribute concert “George Jones: 50 Years of Hits” (5 p.m. ET) where a line-up including Alan Jackson, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Wynonna Judd and many more celebrate legendary artist’s music.

Then, AXS TV presents Luke Bryan’s iconic spring break concert from Panama City, Florida at (7:05 p.m. ET), Kenny Chesney’s blockbuster “Summer in 3D” concert film (8:05 p.m. ET), Shania Twain’s Las Vegas show “Still The One” (9:25 p.m. ET), and Martina McBride’s Everlasting Tour performance from the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville (11:05 p.m. ET).

The night continues as Willie Nelson performs Billy Bob’s Texas (12:35 a.m. ET), Sugarland plays hits from “Incredible Machine” and other favorites (2:30 a.m. ET), chart-topper Travis Tritt performs classics such as “Bonnie and Clyde” and “Great Day” (3:30 a.m. ET) and Trace Adkins caps off the marathon in “Live Country!” (4:20 a.m. ET).

The full schedule is as follows (all times eastern):

2 p.m. – Merle Haggard: Live at Billy Bob’s Texas

4 p.m. – Tim McGraw

5 p.m. – George Jones: 50 Years of Hits

7:05 p.m. – Luke Bryan: Spring Break… Checkin’ Out

8:05 p.m. – Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3D

9:25 p.m. – Shania Twain: Still The One

11:05 p.m. – Martina McBride: Everlasting Tour Live from the Ryman Auditorium

12:35 a.m. – Willie Nelson Live at Billy Bob’s Texas

2:30 a.m. – Sugarland 2009

3:30 a.m. – Travis Tritt

4:20 a.m. – Trace Adkins: Live Country!

CHARLIE DANIELS BAND NEW RECORDING OF "MY HOME" SET FOR 38TH ANNUAL MACY'S 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS® DISPLAY

Photo credit: Webster and Associates PR

PRESS RELEASE

NEW YORK, NY (June 12, 2014) – On Friday, July 4th, The Charlie Daniels Band will help celebrate Independence Day as his newly recorded performance of “My Home,” written by the Emmy Award winning songwriting team of Doug Katsaros and William Schermerhorn, will be synced to dazzling pyrotechnics as the 38th Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® ignite the sky over New York City – Live from the Brooklyn Bridge. Set to deliver the nation’s largest display of patriotic firepower and ready to dazzle more than 3 million spectators and millions more on television nationwide, Macy’s Fireworks this year will be launched from barges positioned on the lower East River and from the world-famous Brooklyn Bridge.

"It's an honor to be a part of celebrating the birthday of the greatest nation on earth and an honor to be chosen to record this patriotic song that is going to be choreographed with one of the most spectacular fireworks displays that our country will see this year," says Charlie Daniels.

"As the song was being written for the fireworks score, we knew it had to be performed by an iconic American band that can get this country up on its feet!" says William Schermerhorn, creative director for Macy's 4th of July Fireworks. "It was thrilling to have Charlie and his band take this song and make it their own. And nothing could add to our pyrotechnic celebration like the sound of Charlie Daniels' fiddle!"

Against the iconic New York City skyline, the 38th annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks will fire more than 40,000 pyrotechnic shells and effects during an expertly synchronized display. Pyro Spectaculars by Souza is once again at the helm of the pyrotechnics set to launch from the Brooklyn Bridge and from three barges positioned on the lower East River between the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges heading south towards the historic South Street Seaport district and the shores of Brooklyn’s famed piers and promenade.

“Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks are a one-of-a-kind spectacle that will once again inspire audiences nationwide as we illuminate the shores of lower Manhattan and Brooklyn with stunning effects, color and sound,” said Amy Kule, executive producer of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks. “This year, we are thrilled to incorporate the magnificent Brooklyn Bridge as a showcase for never-before-seen effects and as a stunning backdrop to the multi-dimensional, hyperkinetic experience of the nation’s best Independence Day fireworks display.”

Beginning with the score, the musical blueprint to the high-flying explosions will be a patriotic wonder. The 25-minute display will be choreographed to dynamic new arrangements of both classic patriotic favorites and new musical selections. From “God Bless America” to “This Land Is Your Land,” the score will feature the talents of the all-female musicians of The DIVA Jazz Orchestra; with vocal artistry featuring Tony Award® winner Billy Porter helming the new song “It’s a Patriotic Kind of Day;” the world-famous Charlie Daniels Band on the patriotic “My Home;” and the acclaimed vocal ensemble Judith Clurman’s Essential Voices USA putting their special touch on “America the Beautiful.” In honor of the 200th Anniversary of “The Star Spangled Banner,” Broadway superstar and Tony Award winner Idina Menzel will inspire the entire nation with her heartfelt rendition of the National Anthem.

Since 1976, Macy’s Fireworks have grown in scale and artistry as they burst to life over many of New York City’s waterways and neighborhoods. Incorporating landmarks and milestones is a Macy’s Fireworks signature. Macy’s last showcased the Brooklyn Bridge in its Fireworks spectacle in 1995. This year’s more intricate and advanced creative presentation on the Bridge will accentuate a jam packed show of stunning effects.

Amy Kule added, “We’ve had our eyes set to feature this world-famous landmark in our show for many years and with the advancements in pyrotechnic technology and artistry, we expect to launch a series of custom effects at various featured points during the 25-minute show that will delight millions of spectators as this quintessential New York icon joins the 4th of July party.”

From a rapid fire comet chase along the roadways and towers to a stunning rainbow cascade effect, the highlighted moments of the Brooklyn Bridge’s integration into the show will enhance the dynamic multi-angle, multi-dimensional fireworks presentation along the lower East River. With 5,000 custom-made effects among others emanating from the Bridge at various points during the display, the presentation ranges from special accent moments to full-scale Bridge solos, creating a spectacle fit for the record books. The 38th annual display which begins at approximately 9:20 PM, will also debut new shells and effects including a red serpent star fish, puffy snowballs with red and blue centers, and amber colored glitter shells. Revelers lining viewing locations are encouraged to enjoy the full experience by tuning in to radio station 1010 WINS-AM to hear the musical score to which the show is choreographed.

Macy’s explosive spectacle is made possible in part by Cracker Jack®, FYI™ Network, The Howard Hughes Corporation’s South Street Seaport, Kool-Aid®, Planters®, South Street Seaport Museum, and is presented in partnership with the City of New York.

Fans joining the revelry in person along viewing points on the water will be in for extra special treats as the fun begins with two rumbling flyovers from United States Navy F-18 jets at approximately 7:30 PM and a patriotic flight from the NYPD Helicopter unit at approximately 7:45 PM. In addition, the FDNY will return with their famed 4th of July water show beginning at 8:00 PM. Public viewing locations and dedicated entry points will be set up along various streets in the South Street Seaport historic district for FDR Drive viewing in lower Manhattan and from various streets in Brooklyn for access to Brooklyn Bridge Park Piers 1-6, as well as the Brooklyn Heights Promenade.

Spectators from coast-to-coast will also have a front row view of the pyro in the sky by tuning to NBC’s national broadcast of “Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular” at 8:00 PM ET (check local listings). In addition to the pyrotechnics, the 4th of July’s most popular entertainment special will be hosted by Nick Cannon and feature performances from Ariana Grande, Hunter Hayes, Miranda Lambert, Lionel Ritchie, and more of the nation’s hottest musical acts.

Telly Alert: Kenny Chesney is Making Fireworks with Katy Perry on July 4

NBC celebrates the nation's 236th birthday extravaganza with an all-star line-up of performances, including chart-topping superstars Katy Perry and Kenny Chesney. The show will air on Wednesday, July 4th 9-10 p.m. ET, 8-9 p.m. CT.

"NBC is thrilled to have Katy Perry and Kenny Chesney join us in celebrating America's birthday," said Doug Vaughan, Senior Vice President of NBC Entertainment’s Special Programs and Late Night, "These stars’ powerful voices and stage presence will serve as the perfect complement to Macy's captivating visual artistry."

Katy Perry is a global superstar whose two albums have generated a string of number one hit singles and multi-platinum sales during the past four years. The special edition, “Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection,” available now, features 3 new songs including "Part of Me," her 7th Hot 100 number one, and "Wide Awake," which she wrote for her forthcoming 3D film, “Katy Perry: Part Of Me,” in theaters July 5th.

Kenny Chesney will release his 13th studio album, "Welcome to the Fishbowl" on June 19. With more than 30 million album sold and 23 number one singles, Chesney has been honored with numerous awards from the Academy of Country Music, Country Music Association, American Music Awards, Country Music Television, Billboard Music Awards, and People's Choice Awards. The 20-plus all stadium "Brothers of the Sun" Tour with Tim McGraw is the summer's biggest party and will run through August.

The Macy's 4th of July Fireworks, the nation's largest Fourth of July fireworks display, returns to the Hudson River to illuminate the sky over New York City with a glorious spectrum of colors, shapes and sparkling dazzlers. More than 40,000 firework shells will ignite the sky for the nation's 236th birthday party. "Ignite the Night," the theme of the 36th annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks display, will fire more than 40,000 pyrotechnic shells during a 25-minute synchronized display.

“As the nation’s premiere Independence Day pyrotechnic display, Macy’s Fireworks ignite the sky with a jaw-dropping celebration each year,” said Amy Kule, executive producer of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks. “With America’s help we have put together a show like no other, filled with incredible high-flying effects, choreographed to a soaring, patriotic and exuberant score that will cap off a magnificent day of celebration for millions.”

About Macy's 4th of July Fireworks : Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks are the nation’s largest 4th of July pyrotechnic display. Produced by Macy’s and designed in conjunction with Pyro Spectaculars by Souza of Rialto, CA, Macy’s Fireworks are a digitally synchronized display of firepower that is choreographed to a rousing patriotic score. Annually fired from various locations across New York City, Macy’s Fireworks feature shells from all over the world. Seen by more than 3 million spectators and millions of viewers nationwide, Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks have become the nation’s premiere 4th of July celebration event.

The telecast is a production of Universal Television in association with Macy's. It is produced by Brad Lachman Productions with Lachman serving as executive producer. Bill Bracken is producer. Lachman's credits include a variety of NBC specials, including the "Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade," "Christmas in Rockefeller Center," in addition to "Don't Forget the Lyrics!" and a variety of other projects.