BOSTON – Hundreds of thousands of people gathered on the Esplanade on Thursday to enjoy the fireworks and the Boston Pops concert on July 4.
Celebrating 50th anniversary
On America’s birthday, there’s no place to be but the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular. For five decades, this moving musical tribute to freedom has gathered on the Hatch Shell stage, admiring a sea of red, white and blue. Four hundred thousand people came together for an epic night of celebration for our country.
“So excited, this has been on my bucket list for a long time,” said Kim Karavan, who was visiting from South Carolina. “I grew up here, live in South Carolina, and for the last 30 years I’ve been trying to get back here.”
The show was a dazzling experience with performances by a host of stars, from Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Darlene Love to Tony Award-winning actress Kelli O’Hara and the iconic Singing Sergeants of the United States Air Force Band.
“I’ve been telling everybody all day, Happy Birthday Americans! Happy Birthday!” Love said.
“There is no better way than to be there, with thousands and thousands of people who need a day like this right now, and to be part of the joy of this day,” said Kelli O’Hara.
“A Concert for All Americans”
Boston Pops maestro Keith Lockhart said this is the only place he’s wanted to play at fourth base in the past 29 years.
“It’s a concert for all Americans, at a time when we can talk about common ground instead of disagreements,” Lockhart said.
The sounds of the roaring cannon echoed across the Charles River as the beloved star-studded tradition kicked off. Not to miss a thing, some concertgoers arrived as early as 3 a.m. to secure the best seats in the house, their sails and chairs trailing in their wake.
For Doc Rutstein, it’s his 35th year at Hatch Shell, 19 of which he’s spent in the front row, thanks to his alarm clock.
“It’s all in the head,” Rutstein said. “I don’t set an alarm for work, but on vacation I set an alarm for 3:15 in the morning and jump out of bed because I have to get my spot in line.”
It is difficult to dampen the spirits as we celebrate Independence Day in unity, remembering the stars and stripes forever.
“It’s America, it’s her birthday, we love America and we’re so happy to be here,” said Penny Rosner of South Carolina.
Tammy Mutasa
