BOSTON (WHDH) - Crews and performers alike continued preparations Monday ahead of this year’s Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, setting the stage for musical acts and setting up security, all while keeping a close eye on the weather forecast for Tuesday night.
Even with fears of bad weather, though, both the Pops’ conductor and the event’s fireworks designer said they’re optimistic festivities will move forward
“If it is raining lightly and there is not a lot of wind, we can perform in almost anything,” said conductor Keith Lockhart.
“Everything is designed to be shot in rain, heat — no matter what it is, we’re able to do that,” said fireworks designer Matt Shay. “So, regardless of the weather situation, as far as we’re concerned, we’ll be able to shoot the fireworks display.”
Lockhart said the Pops have only had one rainout in 28 years. They have performed in the rain in the past. Now, he said the organization is focusing on putting on their best show.
Others who attend the Fireworks Spectacular each year, like Brett Nichols, also said being on the Esplanade is worth it regardless of the weather.
Nichols was in the area Monday helping his fiancée set up their lemonade stand, which is annually packed with Pops fans.
“They’re pretty hard to beat,” Nichols said. “They do a great job. Pretty cool when you can see the city line behind it.”
The Boston Pops are scheduled to take the stage at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade Monday night.
When they do so, the event will be closed to the public, marking a disappointment for many who have made it a tradition in the past to take in the magic of the Pops before July 4 and without the crowds.
“Sad to hear it,” one person said when told the event would be closed.
“You could come have a picnic and have a lovely picnic with beer and wine and watch the Boston Pops perform and practice for the three days prior to the 4th,” said Cindy Smithy. “So it was great and fun.”
After the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers said they are trying to keep the show open as one big public event, with gates opening to everyone on Tuesday at noon.
“It’s sort of a core part of being in Boston so, when you can take a step back and appreciate it, it’s a special thing,” said Jason Arican.
Officials last week outlined safety measures, which will range from State Police personnel on the water in the Charles River to barricades around the Hatch Shell.
Though COVID-19 concerns are not as pressing this year as in years past, Boston EMS Chief James Hooley said on Friday that the health of everyone planning to gather on the Esplanade is also always front and center.
“If you’re not feeling well that day, maybe that’s not the best day to come down and camp out in the sun all day for that,” Hooley said. “It would be better to take advantage of watching it on TV.”
“They do it so well,” said Liz Durant near the Esplanade after seeing preparations on Monday. “We were just noticing the water truck over here. They do everything with so much detail in mind.”
En Vogue members speak to 7NEWS ahead of Fireworks Spectacular performance
Special guests performing in this year’s Fireworks Spectacular will include music duo LoCash, Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez and 90s R&B group En Vogue.
Considered one of the best female vocal groups of all time, En Vogue members recently sat down with 7NEWS, discussing the Boston Pops, their planned show and more.
“We’ve heard how amazing they are and especially the conductor Keith Lockhart, so we are really excited to be working with the orchestra and Keith,” member Terry Ellis said.
“We’re just looking forward to just rocking out and having a great time with the crowd,” said member Cindy Herron. “It’s going to be such a festive mood and so celebratory.”
Herron continued, saying “We just really want to connect with the audience and just have a great celebration and also connect with the symphony, the infamous Boston Pops.”
En Vogue has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide during their three decades performing. They have also received seven Grammy nominations and won more than a dozen other industry awards.
As a result, the group has plenty of greatest hits to choose from for their big show on the Hatch Shell.
Ellis provided a sneak peak.
“Especially for an event like this, I think ‘Free your Mind’ is an anthem, I think everyone can relate to it, so I think that’s probably the one,” Ellis said.
While it’s not clear if the weather will stay dry, group members said the show must go on.
“As long as the venues and promoters are OK, we show up to do what we do,” Ellis said. “So, we’re always ready.”
Beyond the Fourth of July, En Vogue members said they’re also looking forward to other things.
Members have already tasted Boston’s famous seafood, sampling the menu at Legal Harborside and Atlantic Fish Company.
“I had some clam chowder yesterday, award winning clam chowder and I would love more of that again today,” Ellis said.
“I did Atlantic Fish?” member Rhona Bennett said. “Fantastic!”
Asked for the secret for their longevity, members credited prayer and their fans.
Parts of Storrow Drive will be shut down on Tuesday due to the Fireworks Spectacular.
The concert itself starts at 8:30 p.m. and the fireworks display is set to begin at 10:30 p.m.
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