Vacations Blog

Boston Pops and Fourth of JUly

If you find yourself in Boston for the Fourth of July weekend, it is incumbent upon you to take in the spectacular yearly celebration at The Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade. Founded in 1974 by Boston-area businessman and philanthropist, David Mugar, the event was designed to breathe new life into the dying Esplanade concert series. Mugar approached famed Boston Pops conductor, Arthur Fiedler, and suggested that the Pops perform Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” with “a few added extras.” Howitzer cannons, church bells and fireworks were added to the concert “so that, in Arthur Fiedler’s own words, “All hell could break loose.”"

Now in its 36th year, the performance and fireworks welcome over 500,000 visitors from around the world and another seven million+ who view an hour-long special on CBS. This year, Grammy-award winning singer, Neil Diamond will perform some of his hits with the Boston Pops and, for the third year in a row, the live broadcast will be hosted by late night television host, Craig Ferguson.

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Join fellow Clevelanders on July 4^th, 2008, to celebrate Independence Day on Public Square. Be a part of the Cleveland Orchestra’s 19^th annual free Public Square concert, “A Star Spangled Spectacular.” This year’s main festivities take place on Wednesday, July 2, at 9:00 pm EST.

Don’t wait until 9:00 to show up, though. Prior to the concert you and your family can enjoy musical entertainment on Cleveland’s historic Public Square. The pre-concert festival features a broad range of Northeast Ohio music groups. It begins at 4:00 pm and runs until 8:15pm.

“A Star Spangled Spectacular” will be led by guest conductor Giancarlo Guerrero and will also feature soprano Indra Thomas. The program, which will be hosted by WCPN’s Dee Perry, will include a tribute to Leroy Anderson in celebration of the composer’s 100th birthday. This year’s concert will also celebrate the 200th birthday of Cuyahoga County.

It wouldn’t be the Fourth of July if the evening didn’t conclude with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, followed by a fireworks display certain to bring out the patriot in everyone in attendance. Be sure that you and your family are on the scene to celebrate.