Keith Lockhart became the twentieth conductor of the Boston Pops in 1995, adding his artistic vision to the Pops tradition established by his predecessors John Williams and Arthur Fiedler. Now in his fourteenth season, together with the Boston Pops, he has conducted more than 1,000 concerts, made 66 television shows, presented 33 national tours, four overseas tours in Japan and Korea and recorded eight Grammy nominated albums.
Born in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Keith Lockhart began his musical studies with piano lessons at the age of seven. He holds degrees from Furman University in Greenville, S.C., and Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh, and served as associate conductor of both the Cincinnati Symphony and Cincinnati Pops orchestras. As music director of the Utah Symphony since 1998, Mr. Lockhart led that orchestra at the 2002 Olympic Games. Presently, Lockhart also holds the titles of artistic advisor and principal conductor of the Brevard Music Center in North Carolina.
During his tenure Lockhart has worked with a wide array of established artists from virtually every corner of the entertainment world from Hollywood to Broadway. He introduced the innovative JazzFest and EdgeFest series, which feature the Pops performing with some of today’s most prominent jazz and indie artists including Chick Corea and Natalie Merchant. He has also spearheaded collaborations with students from the Boston Conservatory and Berklee College of Music. Lockhart recently lead a concert for national broadcast on PBS in March 2009 featuring jazz trumpeter Chris Botti, and special guests Sting, John Mayer, and Steven Tyler. The annual “Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular” at the Hatch Shell is one of Keith’s favorite events! In a city rooted deeply in history, Lockhart has led effectively by not only cultivating tradition, but also encouraging continued creativity to expand the Pops genre into the 21st century.
Returning for this year’s flyover will be the 104th Fighter Wing, one of the oldest flying units within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and fourth oldest unit in the Air National Guard, and the 131st Fighter Squadron, one of the oldest continually serving Air Force squadrons.
The 104th Fighter Wing’s heritage extends back to August of 1942 when the 333 Fighter Squadron was activated under the U.S. Army Air Force. On April 10, 1946 the first meeting of the 131st Fighter Squadron was held and six months later Barnes Airport in Westfield, MA, now
known as Barnes Municipal Airport, was selected as the home of this unit.
Tasked to provide operationally ready combat units, combat support units and qualified personnel for active duty, the 104th Fighter Wing supports Air Force wartime contingency requirements and performs a variety of peacetime missions required by the Air Force and compatible mobilization readiness. Specifically, the Wing’s goal is to organize, train and equip assigned personnel to provide an operationally ready squadron to the Air Combat Command that flies and fights successfully.
The 131st Fighter Squadron is the operational combat arm of the 104th Fighter Wing. The 104th Fighter Wing and the 131st Fighter Squadron have converted from a highly decorated, combat-proven, A-I0 units to its new role of providing air superiority over the northeast United States with the F-15 Eagles. Its members will continue to strive for excellence while working to protect the American heartland and support the Commonwealth against any threats.
Flyover Pilots
- Lt. Col. Ken Lambrich
- Maj. Jeff Beckel
- Capt. Glen Milliken
- Capt. Neal Byrne
The USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. Named by President George Washington, she is known throughout history as “Old Ironsides”. Constitution’s homeport is in Charlestown, Massachusetts, where she was built and then launched in 1798. Currently, there are 70 sailors stationed at the Constitution and this evening, six of them are part of the honor guard that will present the American flag.
A powerful symbol of American liberty, she won each of her 33 engagements at sea.
Today, under the command of Cmdr. William A. Bullard III, USS Constitution’s 70th commanding officer, the principal mission of the ship is to promote “the United States Navy and America’s naval heritage through educational outreach, public access and historic demonstration.
The 101st Field Artillery Regiment currently consists of 7,700 men and women from the 1st Battalion 101st Field Artillery based in Brockton, MA, Bravo Battery 101st Field Artillery based in Danvers, MA and Echo Battery 101st Field Artillery, Target Acquisition Battery based in Rehoboth, MA.
Boston 4 Productions welcomes Rozzi Fireworks of Loveland, Ohio as this year’s pyrotechnicians. Founded in 1895, Rozzi has led the way in the choreography of fireworks and music and is seen as one of the forerunners within the industry.
“Our life as a company and a family is centered around the Fourth of July”, said Art Rozzi, choreographer for this year's fireworks. “Our culture as five generations of fireworks craftsman will be our special ingredient blended with the touch of precision and color.”
No city does fireworks quite like Boston; this year’s will be the largest and most complex Boston Fourth of July pyrotechnic show yet. More than 20,000 pounds of explosives will be used for the display, which will include the largest shells to date: 10-inch diameter shells that will climb to 1,500 feet – roughly three times the height of the historic Custom House Tower. Rozzi – known for making many of their shells – will create close to 30 percent of all the shells used within the Boston show.
“We are thrilled to be a part of the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular “, said John Rozzi, president of Rozzi Fireworks. “Blending the best in music with spectacular fireworks, this show and concert has been an inspiration to us and the entire American fireworks industry for many years.”
Check back for the musical score and additional details about the fireworks show.
