Boston Pops and special guests entertain crowds at July 4th Esplanade show
It was a stunning birthday bash for America as Boston held its annual July 4th fireworks with the Boston Pops and other special guests.
People were treated to three hours of musical performances from LeAnn Rimes, Leslie Odom Jr., Boston natives Bell Biv DeVoe and of course, the Boston Pops.
Special guests join the Boston Pops
"I'm from the South End, I still live there, so I usually watch it from the other side of the fence but with BBD here today, we had to come over and watch it," said spectator Benita Brown.
The 90s icons, who grew up in Roxbury, got the crowd on its feet as they performed their big hit "Poison." They followed country star LeAnn Rimes, who opened with "How Do I Live?" and was later accompanied by the Pops as she sang "Blue" and "Can't Fight the Moonlight." Leslie Odom Jr., who starred in the original Broadway cast of "Hamilton," performed his song "Wait for It" from the show, along with a cover of Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come."
The Boston Pops performed their traditional patriotic singalong and their salute to the Armed Forces, along with the classic "1812 Overture" and "Stars and Stripes Forever" before the fireworks lit up the sky over the Charles River.
Celebrating July 4th
Earlier in the day, it was a mad dash to the Hatch Shell on July 4th as people rushed to claim their space.
"We got here at 7 a.m. yesterday," said a woman who came all the way from Wareham. Her group was first in line and got a spot up front for the show.
"Beautiful day to celebrate America," said Edward Fagan, who found a good spot for his family. "Because we are from the West Indies and come to America to have the American dream."
Brady and Mike Miller came from Shrewsbury but they typically spend July 4th out of state.
"In Ohio, our Uncle Gary would have a huge 4th of July party that lasted a week long and we would have about 135 people there throughout the week, it was such an awesome tradition," said Mike Miller. "He passed away recently, so this is a tribute to Gary. Fourth of July was his favorite holiday."
