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CBS News
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Boston Pops and special guests hold final dress rehearsal before July 4 performance
It was a star-studded spectacular for a star-spangled celebration the night before Boston's iconic Independence Day celebrations, where the atmosphere was already electric. "I love the Pops, the rehearsal, the environment, the beautiful air, I'm just here for all of it," said spectator Pebble Williams. Leslie Odom Jr. and Bell Biv DeVoe The pipes got plenty of practice. The smooth Leslie Odom Jr. who portrayed Aaron Burr in the smash hit Tony-Award winning musical "Hamilton" joined the lineup again and Boston's own Bell Biv DeVoe's performance was still so infectious. The Pops' Fourth of July spectacular is now in its 51st year and Maestro Keith Lockhart said the music celebrates what unites us. This is his 30th anniversary with the Pops. "This concert is for all of us," said Lockhart. "It's for all Americans so we try not to go in any one particular direction, we go in all directions at once so that there's somebody on the program that everybody says, 'Wow, that they got them just for me.'" Some couldn't wait until the actual fourth to partake in the festivities, so they got cozy in the grass early. "I think just enjoying time with family and friends, I think a little pause in the summer to celebrate and just enjoy our country," said spectator Renee Buck. Boston is preparing to pull out all the stops out as thousands descend to the Hatch Shell for America's birthday. Celebrating America's birthday There will be red, white and extra men and women in blue keeping a close eye. "The impact is the city celebrating and I love that the city comes out together and it's just a big fun festival," said Williams. In the 250th year of the American Revolution, it will be a celebration for the record books with the stars and stripes forever. "It gives us a chance to think about what that revolution was about and what we can do to manifest those ideals today," said Lockhart. The gates open tomorrow at noon if you're looking to grab a seat. This year, the concert starts at 7 p.m. and the fireworks are at 9:40 p.m.
CBS News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
The Boston fireworks on July 4th are at a new time this year. Here's what to know about the Esplanade event.
The 4th of July fireworks and concert in Boston is recognized around the country as one of the biggest and best celebrations of America's independence. Here's what to know about the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular event Friday on the Charles River Esplanade. What time are the Boston fireworks? The timing of the July 4th fireworks and Boston Pops concert is a little different this year. The free concert on the Hatch Shell will start at 7 p.m., an hour earlier than last year. If you're hoping to snag a prime spot on the "Oval," the gates will open at noon. The fireworks will start at about 9:40 p.m. instead of 10:30 p.m. The fireworks show will run about 20 minutes and be accompanied by the "1812 Overture." Click here for information about other fireworks displays around Boston this holiday weekend. Boston Pops concert performers The Boston Pops, conducted by Keith Lockhart, are joined by some recognizable names this year. Headlining the show is Grammy award-winning singer LeAnn Rimes. She'll be joined by "Hamilton" actor Leslie Odom Jr., and Boston's own R&B group Bell Biv DeVoe. The U.S. Army Field Band Soldiers' Chorus and the Boston Children's Chorus will also be performing patriotic songs on Friday night. Where to watch the Boston fireworks The fireworks are launched from a barge in the Charles River. They will be viewable in Cambridge and Boston from both sides of the river. For those hoping to see the fireworks from the water, boats must stay 100 feet from shore and 1,000 feet away from the fireworks barges. Click here for a full list of guidelines for boaters. Boston fireworks rules and bag policy Here's what is not allowed on the Esplanade for the fireworks show: Coolers on wheels Backpacks Weapons Glass Cans Grills Alcohol The following items are permitted: Tents (maximum size 10' x 10') Blankets (maximum size 10' x 10' Folding or beach chairs Coolers (no wheels) Clear bags Small clutch bags and purses that will be inspected Boston fireworks parking and MBTA Organizers urge people to take public transportation to the fireworks show if possible. If you have to drive, there are parking garages within walking distance of the Esplanade. The MBTA subway will operate on a modified Saturday schedule on July 4th, with increased service after 3 p.m. Bus routes will be on a Sunday schedule, and Commuter Rail lines will operate on a weekend schedule. All public transportation options will be free on Friday after 8:30 p.m.
