Motown Legend Smokey Robinson Joins Star-Spangled Spectacular Concert Lineup

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—State leaders gathered Tuesday for a special announcement. It's all part of Maryland's Star-Spangled Celebration, honoring the 200th anniversary of our National Anthem. Celebrations will include fireworks and tall ships.

Marcus Washington has all the exciting details.

It's a Baltimore celebration 200 years in the making that even has Maryland's governor getting folks excited.

In less than four weeks, we celebrate a part of America's history back in its birthplace.

Baltimore will have the national spotlight as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Star Spangled Banner.

Not since 100 years ago has there been a celebration planned like the one starting September 10. For one week, Baltimore will put on an extravagant celebration of events.

"We have three specific real time tours where we'll be sailing in the waters where the actual battle took place on the exact 200th anniversary," said Jamie Trost, Pride of Baltimore II.

From the water to the Blue Angels in the air, folks will be entertained by so much---including a two hour live national broadcast including performances by John Lithgow, Kristen Chenowith, the Baltimore Symphony, the off-Broadway show "Stomp," just to name a few. Oh, and how could I forget: the legendary Smokey Robinson!

And to top it all off, a fireworks display to remember located on six different barges stretching more than three miles along the harbor.

Rain or shine, this is one event folks like Vietnam veteran Michael Lamorte from New Jersey say is worth celebrating.

"About our country...it's a great place we live in and we should be thankful," he said.

It's estimated 1.5 million people will attend the event. It's estimated to cost over $5 million.

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