TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"A Capital Fourth," 8 p.m., PBS; "Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular," 8 p.m., NBC; "Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular," 9 p.m., CBS. At a time when live music is rare on TV, Independence Day gives us a triple choice. Here are big orchestras: PBS has Erich Kunzel and the National Symphony, on the Capitol lawn; CBS has Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops, on the waterfront; NBC has the New York Pops, in Manhattan. NBC packs the most vocal power, with Martina McBride as its headliner, plus, tentatively, Joss Stone. It also plans one song that links this year's top three "American Idol" finalists — Jordin Sparks, Blake Lewis and Melinda Doolittle. PBS can give its people more time. Tony Danza introduces gospel powerhouse Yolanda Adams, Broadway's Bebe Neuwirth and Elliot Yamin, who finished third in the 2006 "Idol." Then there's CBS, which has all that Boston Pops tradition plus John Mellencamp. And all three expect mega-fireworks.

OF NOTE

"From Hawaii with Aloha," 2 p.m., OC16. Repeats at 9 p.m. This live show will be Webcast to U.S. troops abroad, with performances by Cecilio & Kapono, B.E.T. and Koa'uka, and original comedy sketches by Da Braddahs.

"House of Payne," 2 p.m., TBS. This situation comedy gets a mini-marathon here. Tyler Perry crafted it in the style of the classic, 1970s comedies. To some viewers, that makes it redeeming and retro; for others — we lean this way — it lacks the subtlety and sophistication of modern shows.

"Matilda" (1996), 7 and 9 p.m., ABC Family. Danny DeVito has directed a terrific film, a children's story for grown-ups. Roald Dahl's tale has a sweet little girl (Mara Wilson) surrounded by nasty grown-ups (including DeVito and his wife, Rhea Perlman). The dark wit is beautifully molded.

"Taste of Chicago Fireworks Spectacular," 7 p.m., MyNetwork (KFVE). This concert was taped Tuesday, with the Grant Park Orchestra.

"Drive," 7 and 8 p.m., Fox. This once-promising series is tossed away on a night when few people will be watching. These are the final episodes, as Alex (Nathan Fillion) makes a desperate attempt to get his wife and Wendy (Melanie Lynskey) tries to rescue her baby.

"CSI: NY," 7 p.m., CBS. This rerun has a guy killed in the luxury car he was giving his daughter for her 16th birthday.

"Traveler," 9 p.m., ABC. At least, this show won't be wasting new episodes on a holiday. In this rerun, Jay's girlfriend is interrogated by police; Tyler's father offers a refuge that turns out to be iffy.