LU music groups to join Michael W. Smith, Jason Crabb at July 4 Salute to America event in D.C.
July 2, 2026 : By Office of Communications & Public Engagement

In front of a crowd on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and millions likely tuning in via live broadcast, Liberty University music groups the Liberty Worship Collective and LU Praise will perform on the same stage as Grammy Award winners Michael W. Smith and Jason Crabb and the Joint Armed Forces Orchestra as part of Freedom 250’s Salute to America event on July 4.
The Liberty Worship Collective will lead two worship songs during a pre-broadcast portion from 5-6 p.m. Then, as part of the live broadcast beginning at 7 p.m. and ending at approximately 10:30 p.m., the Collective will join LU Praise as a backing choir for the featured performers for a medley of songs. In all, 47 Liberty students and alumni will be taking part in the event.
The evening’s finale will be a stunning fireworks show, illuminating the sky of our nation’s capital at a scale fitting of the landmark occasion for America.
The event will mark the second time in recent months that Liberty groups have been invited to perform at a large-scale event in Washington. On May 17, Chancellor Jonathan Falwell and Liberty music groups participated in another major Freedom 250 event in D.C. — Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise, and Thanksgiving — where they joined thousands in a time of worship, prayer, testimony, and a renewed dedication to our founding principles as One Nation Under God. Falwell was among a large list of notable faith leaders who spoke at the event, and the Liberty Worship Collective and LU Praise (59 students and staff members) performed in the afternoon.
For more information, visit the Freedom250 website.


