'The atmosphere is electric,' Boston Pops ready to celebrate 4th of July with Fireworks Spectacular
BOSTON - There's nothing like seeing the Boston Pops perform on the Fourth of July.
This will be conductor Keith Lockhart's 28th year leading the Independence Day performance. He knows the importance of the show, telling WBZ-TV, "It is really one of the signature events not only in the Boston Pops, but in this entire community."
The tradition of the Esplanade concert dates back to 1929, when the orchestra's famed conductor Arthur Fieldler wanted to make the Pops more accessible to the public. He succeeded, with hundreds of thousands packing the Esplanade, every year.
Susan Hagen, the principal double bass player with the Pops Esplanade Orchestra, has been playing on the Fourth for more than two decades.
"The atmosphere is electric. We have people from all over the world come here to Boston. And I think part of it is because we really feel strongly, this is where it all began," she told WBZ.
This year, the United States Army Field Band will play with the Pops.
Oboist Sergeant First Class Erika Grimm said it's a dream come true to be in Boston for Independence Day.
"We see so many historical sites representing America's fight for independence. You can just feel the vibe in the city," she said.
At the end of the night Tuesday, Lockhart said he hopes the audience leaves with a smile on their face.
"I hope they're touched by it. I hope they're inspired by it," he told WBZ.
The music portion of the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular starts at 8 p.m. on July 4th. The fireworks start around 10:30 p.m.