Tuesday, July 10, 2012

A Boston 4th!

No one celebrates the 4th like Boston! If you think about it, everything started up here in Boston: Paul Revere, the Tea Party...right? So, I'm finally in town for the 4th and boy was it a good one! Everyone knows about the Pop's concert on the 4th followed by fireworks, but did you know they rehearse on the 3rd? Full concert, fewer people, just no fireworks! 
 A bunch of us went down for a picnic and the rehearsal. The line to get into the hatch shell oval was insane, so we found prime real estate on the inlet in front of a video monitor, score! Can't get much better than good friends, perfect weather (70s and breezy), and the Charles river!Then it was show time! They had a great set list this year. A John Williams tribute, the Dropkick Murphys, Jennifer Hudson, and the cast of Mamma Mia! Plus the traditional sing-alongs and Pops amazingness.  Keith Lockhart at the helm, as always! I love how decked out the hatch shell is!The Dropkick Murphys did Tessie and Shipping Up to Boston!Mamma Mia! The whole crowd dancing to Dancing Queen, including little kids, so fun.See, the Jennifer Hudson! She was AMAZING! My favorite moment, at the end of I Am Telling You, she began using her arms to conduct the Pops, including have them stop before her final note, amazing!And then! They surprised us by doing the 1812 Overture, which is usually only a 4th song! The crowd went wild! They even included the special part of the overture:
Then as they did Stars and Stipes Forever they launched fireworks from behind the hatch! The rest were going to have to wait until the next night!

And then, the actual 4th! I had a lazy day and despite my friends saying I was nuts, I went back downtown to the river to see the fireworks, I love fireworks, what can I say! Of course once I got there and found a perfect spot, lightning moved in and we were advised to take cover. I did (most didn't!) and then when we were clear I found an even better spot!
 Once the show started so did the rain, pouring rain! They kept the show going and wow it was amazing! One of the best I've ever seen! It was also great, because the rain made me put away the camera and just enjoy the show.
Enjoy I did. It was a spectacular show, I saw the famous Boston Pops and fireworks in a span of 24 hours. A perfect Independence Day!

18 thoughts on the matter:

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said... {Reply}

It must have been an amazing time, looks like so much fun.

Unknown said... {Reply}

How fun! Love the fireworks! Hopefully it wasn't TOO hot for you all.

Lori said... {Reply}

Looks like fun, and fantastic shots!

Secret Mom Thoughts said... {Reply}

Looks like a great concert and time. I want to see the fireworks in Boston one day.

Kmcblackburn said... {Reply}

I think there are three PERFECT places to celebrate the fourth: Washington, D.C., Philly, and Boston. Great shots.

Buckeroomama said... {Reply}

Z would have totally enjoyed watching Mamma Mia and would have been dancing and singing along!

You got some really wonderful shots of the fireworks there. =)

Susan said... {Reply}

Oh how cool to know about the dress rehearsal! Love your fireworks shots as well. Just gorgeous!

Tracy P. said... {Reply}

That's awesome! So glad you had a great time. :-)

Gina Kleinworth said... {Reply}

What a great experience & it looks like you had an awesome spot too!!!

Kim Cunningham said... {Reply}

I bet it was an awesome night! I guess Boston would be an amazing place for patriotism on the 4th. Great shots!

Sharon said... {Reply}

So fun to see Boston -- one of my favorite places! Your fireworks shots are amazing!

Jade @ Tasting Grace said... {Reply}

Looks like so much fun! I've always wanted to go to Boston, but just haven't had a chance yet. That statue (sculpture?) of the head in layers - looks crazy! Would love to see it in person.

A Life Un-Styled said... {Reply}

Oh wow, it deifnitely looks like a great day/night. I've been in DC for the 4th but never Boston. Your photos of the fireworks are gorgeous too!

Maude Lynn said... {Reply}

This looks like so much fun! Fabulous pictures!

Nancy said... {Reply}

It's events like this that really make you feel proud to be an American on the 4th. Wonderful shots and commentary, Tamar. :)

Lynn Wood said... {Reply}

Wow, the 4th in Boston really rocks! You are so lucky...and those firework photos are amazing.

Unknown said... {Reply}

Your fourth sounds absolutely fantastic! 77 and breezy! Heavenly. Ours was dripping hot.

Shoshanah said... {Reply}

The Boston Pops concert looks like so much fun! And I thinking going on the 3rd is a great idea since you get to see almost the exact same thing, but it's less crowded.