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BOSTON (WBZNewsRadio) - The Boston Pops and Conductor Keith Lockhart are returning to the Esplanade for the first fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular since 2019.
This year, musical icon Chaka Khan headlines the show on Monday, July 4, between 8 and 11 p.m. Also performing Javier Colon, Heather Hadley, Honor Guard of the Massachusetts 54th Volunteer Regiment, Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes & Drums, and Tanglewood Festival Chorus.
A portion of the 2022 performance will be dedicated to the people of Ukraine which will include a performance of the Ukrainian National Anthem, "Shche ne vmerla Ukrainy i slava, i volia" ("The Glory and Freedom of Ukraine Has Not Yet Perished")
The 2022 performance will include a special moment in memory of David Mugar. Mugar began supporting Boston's Independence Day celebration starting in 1974, and transformed the event into the iconic occasion it is today.
There will be several other remembrances included in this year's performance. A Stephen Sondheim tribute will mark the legendary composer's passing earlier this year. Other tributes include James Orent, a frequent and well-loved guest conductor with the orchestra died suddenly on August 25, 2021. And Jim Gwin, an orchestral drummer for the Pops, who passed away earlier this year.
This year, the July 3rd rehearsal will be closed to the public to focus on the return of the Fourth of July holiday celebration
WBZ's Drew Moholland (@DrewWBZ) reports
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