This is a picture of Usher "curating" fireworks. (Courtesy of Macy's)
Macy's has just announced their first-ever collaboration between "a superstar artist on the design of the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks." This year's concept, score and design will all be "curated by Usher," who first met with the company about the endeavor late last year to begin work on the patriotic pyrotechnic display.
This year the celebration enters its 34th year with the theme: "It Begins With A Spark," and Usher says, “I’m really excited to add my flavor to the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, the largest show in America. As an artist, it’s important that I expand creatively into new areas. Working on the score and fireworks design has been a great experience that’s allowed me to share my voice in a new way. The 4th of July is a collective celebration of freedom and I hope that through the music and visuals, I’ve helped express the energy and passion of our nation. I can’t wait for the countdown; we’re getting ready to surprise the audience with the ultimate Independence Day party.”
His 26-minute score reflects his musical tastes, which according to the press release we received includes everyone from Rihanna to Jimi Hendrix to Frank Sinatra.
But why not get a superstar that's also a real New Yorker for the collaboration? Like one whose first order of business would be moving the fireworks back to the East River where they belong? That's right... they'll be on the Hudson again this year. Amy Kule, the event's executive producer, dropped that little factoid into her own statement: “This year Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks will be transformed into a giant party in the sky captivating audiences along the Hudson River and on television screens across the country."
