The America250, a bipartisan commission, hosted a star-studded benefit concert at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to support Feeding America, which calls itself the largest domestic hunger-relief organization in the United States. The bipartisan commission, established by Congress in 2016, organized the event to plan celebrations for the country’s 250th birthday. While the event featured a diverse lineup of artists, including Chris Stapleton, Smashing Pumpkins, and Queen Latifah, it stood in contrast to other high-profile, politically charged celebrations held elsewhere in the country.
The Mission Behind America250
Congress established the America250 commission in 2016 to plan celebrations for the nation’s 250th birthday. According to America250 Chair Rosie Rios, the goal of the Los Angeles concert was to provide a space of "no politics—just purpose." The commission selected Feeding America as the beneficiary to address domestic food insecurity, distinguishing its mission from other independent organizations planning separate events. By pricing tickets at $17.76, organizers aimed to keep the event accessible while generating proceeds for charity.
Concert Lineup and Performances
The event featured a genre-spanning roster of performers, including:
- Chris Stapleton: The headlining country artist performed a set that included "Tennessee Whiskey."
- Smashing Pumpkins: The alternative rock band performed hits from their catalog.
- Chaka Khan: The funk artist performed classics such as "Ain’t Nobody" and "I’m Every Woman."
- Maren Morris: The singer transitioned between her pop-influenced hits and more traditional country songs.
- Queen Latifah: Serving as the host, the performer also delivered a rendition of her song "U.N.I.T.Y."
The concert brought together artists with distinct musical backgrounds to support the commission’s broader goal of national unity.
Contrasting Approaches to National Celebrations
The America250 event occurred alongside other, more politically focused gatherings. While the Los Angeles concert remained centered on musical performances and charitable fundraising, other events across the U.S. featured speeches from political figures. The distinction in tone between the bipartisan commission’s event and independent, politically aligned initiatives highlights the varied approaches to marking the road to the 250th anniversary.
Looking Toward 2026
The America250 commission continues to work toward the official anniversary. The success of the Los Angeles event, which saw the Coliseum near capacity, serves as a test case for how the commission may engage the public through cultural programming in the lead-up to the celebration.
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