Different musical acts were on and off the stage throughout the day, getting ready for Friday evening's dress rehearsal and the big show on the Fourth of July at Boston's Esplanade.
Huge crowds filed in as the gates opened at 5 p.m. Friday, with concertgoers looking for the best seat possible for the dress rehearsal show, a complete run-through of Saturday night's performance.
The leader of it all, Keith Lockhart, took some time out of his busy schedule to chat with necn about his 20 years with the Pops.
The Boston Crusaders practiced intently as every step needs to be just right. They’re just one of the opening acts for the Boston Pops.
"It was a great rehearsal today, things fall into place really easily sometimes," Lockhart said. "It went very smoothly. I am as excited as I was 20 years ago and maybe more so because I’m less terrified."
Lockhart has been conducting the Pops since 1995. Even after two decades, he still remembers his first July 4th at the Esplanade very well.
"I walked out on to that stage, saw that sea of humanity out there and went 'oh, oh,'" Lockhart said. "It's so great for us to be central for many people’s experience with this holiday."
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Lockhart says it’s a careful balance between maintaining tradition and trying to shake things up.
"It's a challenge to keep it fresh every year after five years," Lockhart said. "There are things that stay constant and there are things we can change every year."
Saturday's fireworks will light up the sky starting at 10:30.
