U.S. Army Field Band Joining Boston Pops On Stage For 4th Of July
BOSTON (CBS) - No where is patriotism more on display than in Boston on the Fourth of July.
And this year, the Boston Pops will be joining forces with the U.S. Army to bring us all a thrilling night of performances.
An elite ensemble of 65 musicians and 29 singers represent the best of the best. The U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers' Chorus will be taking the Hatch Shell stage this Independence Day.
"It's a great group of young men and women. They truly are America's sons and daughters, and some of the most wonderful musicians and entertainment in the world," said Col. Thomas Palmatier, the U.S. Army Field Band Commander/Conductor.
WBZ-TV's Karen Anderson reports.
The band has performed in all 50 states and 30 countries, but recognizes there's something different about Boston.
"To be here with hundreds of thousands of fellow Americans and being able to be viewed by millions of Americans around the world on the birthday of our nation, well that's really, really special," said Col. Palmatier.
And for some members, this is a homecoming.
Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Garcia is from Acton and remembers watching the Pops as a kid. She said performing in front of the hometown crowd is an experience unlike any other.
The band last performed with the Boston pops in 2005. Special First Class Mario Garcia is as excited to see the Boston crowds as he is to see Fenway Park.
As an added bonus for all those Army Red Sox fans, before Monday night's concert, the field band will be at Fenway Park for the day game against the Blue Jays.
You can watch the celebration on WBZ-TV beginning at 8 p.m., or listen to the festivities on WBZ NewsRadio 1030, beginning at 7 p.m.
