THE DON’T MISS LIST
HOLIDAY
Independence Day Divas
MUSIC industry divas Mariah Carey, Gloria Estefan and Gretchen Wilson flex their patriotic pipes on three different networks this July 4th. Mariah Carey is the exclusive musical guest on NBC’s Macy’s extravaganza. On CBS, Gretchen Wilson heads up a holiday blowout on Boston’s Charles River Esplanade. Over on PBS, Gloria Estefan will Headline a musical lineup in Washington, D.C. that includes The Beach Boys, the O’Jays and the National Symphony Orchestra.
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A CAPITOL FOURTH
Monday, 8-9:30 p.m. and 9:30-11 p.m., PBS
MACY’S FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR
Monday, 9-10 p.m., NBC
BOSTON POPS FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR
Monday, 10 p.m., CBS
DRAMA
Dances with Spielberg
WITH the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad underway, the great Oglala warrior Red Cloud unites his fellow warriors to drive the settlers out on Steven Spielberg’s “Into the West.” He conspires with Crazy Horse to lure a regiment guarding a supply train into a trap and annihilate them. Imagine how this makes the settlers feel, knowing the Indians want to wipe them off the face of the Earth. Clara Wheeler, who just survived one massacre, makes her way to her cousin Daniel’s place in Omaha. Daniel and his sons build a moveable way station that can follow the railroad’s path. One son, Robert, falls in love with Clara, and rides off into the sunset with her when the railroad is complete.
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INTO THE WEST
Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m., TNT
SPECIAL
Altared states
DID you know that Sarah Jessica Parker wore black on her wedding day? The “Sex and the City” star will reveal why she made such a perverse choice on “Celebrity Weddings Unveiled.” The hosts of this Hollywood love bath are Lara Spencer from “The Insider” and singer Carlos Ponce. In addition to Parker, who married Matthew Broderick by the way, Julia Roberts, Lisa Rinna and John Travolta, among many others, reminisce about “the big day.” The special will also feature weddings such as the one between Holly Robinson and Rodney Peete, performed at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas.
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CELEBRITY WEDDINGS UNVEILED
Tuesday, 8 p.m., CBS
DOCUMENTARY
Hello, Louis
LOUIS Armstrong was one of the most beloved and talented American entertainers. From New Orleans to Corona, Queens, he connected with audiences in a rare and special way; his mighty trumpetplaying and soulfully scratchy vocals merged to create timeless musical classics, including a fabulous duets album with the immortal Ella Fitzgerald and a rousing version of “Hello Dolly” that made the top of the charts. Some of the musicians who knew and worked with him – Dave Brubeck and Tony Bennett, among them – recall Armstrong’s genius in an “American Masters” special.
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SATCHMO: THE LIFE OF LOUIS ARMSTRONG
Wednesday, 9 p.m., PBS
DRAMA
Nuthouse
SEASON four of “Monk” starts with a bang as the fabulous and riotous actor-director John Turturro (“O Brother, Where Art Thou?) returns in the role of Ambrose Monk, the agoraphobic brother of the obsessive-compulsive detective (Tony Shalhoub). Ambrose is not the only family member who makes an appearance in the premiere; Monk’s wife, Trudi (Melora Hardin) will seem to return from the dead. Along the way, viewers will get insights into Monk’s formative years. The always available Jason Alexander also guests as a rival detective.
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MONK
Friday, 10 p.m., USA
MUSIC
Blues brother
Grammy-winning singer John Mayer, who can play blues, pop or rock, teams up with legend blues musician Buddy Guy on a special edition of “Soundstage.” Guy is a fan of Mayer’s and surprised the audience by joining him midway through a song called “Come Back to Bed.” Guy remains on stage for an extended jam of “Damn Right I Got the Blues.” Mayer, known for his raspy voice and such songs as “Why Georgia” and “Bigger Than My Body,” also sings his first hit, “Your Body Is a Wonderland.”
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SOUNDSTAGE
Tuesday, 10 p.m., PBS

