“It Begins with A Spark”: Global Superstar Usher Joins Macy’s in Curating the Concept, Music and Design of the 37th Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks®
The nation’s largest display of Independence Day firepower will
feature 40,000 fireworks igniting the sky over the Hudson River in New
York City
This 4th of July, the nation’s largest patriotic pyrotechnic
display will illuminate the night sky over New York City as the 37th
annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® rumble to
life. A spectacle like no other, this year’s show will feature a
first-ever, one-of-a-kind collaboration with global superstar Usher, who
has sold over 50 million records worldwide throughout his illustrious
career and will join Macy’s in igniting sparks over the Hudson River.
Global superstar and eight-time Grammy Award- winning artist, Usher is set to curate the concept, score and design of the 37th annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks. Usher is seen here during a creative meeting with the Macy's Fireworks team on Feb. 17, 2013. Photo credit: Kent Miller/Macy's, Inc.
“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,” Amy Kule, executive
producer of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks. “Since 1976, Macy’s
Fireworks have grown in scale and artistry. With this first-ever
collaboration with Usher, we are taking the show to the next level of
entertainment spectacle, combining the very best of Macy’s Fireworks
with Usher’s unparalleled artistic vision.”
“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,” commented Usher. “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.”
For the first time in the history of the show, a superstar artist is
collaborating with Macy’s creative and pyrotechnic teams. Lending his
artistic inspiration and talent, eight-time Grammy®
Award-winning artist Usher is curating the overall design of the show,
entitled “It Begins with A Spark.” From the rousing musical selections
to the spectacular Fireworks in the sky, Usher is putting his visionary
stamp on the nation’s biggest Independence Day party.
Beginning with the score, Usher’s musical tastes are evident and reflect
a melting pot of influences that span several decades of music. From
current smash hits by artists like Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson, Avicii and
Swedish House Mafia to classic artists like Jimi Hendrix, Frank Sinatra
and Sam Cooke, the explosive evening will feature a taste of musical
styles ranging from pop and soul to country and electronic dance music.
With a selection of Usher’s top hits in the mix and Americana favorites
such as “America the Beautiful,” “God Bless America” and “The
Star-Spangled Banner” rounding out the presentation, the Fireworks will
have a spectacular back beat as they paint the night sky.
Usher’s artistry also extends to the canvas in the sky. In collaboration
with Macy’s Fireworks designers Gary and Jim Souza, Usher is providing
visual design cues, inspiration and direction for the pyrotechnics that
are choreographed to the score. Featuring never-before-seen effects,
shapes and colors, the partnership is yielding a dazzling spectacle that
will spark a wave of awe in audiences from coast-to-coast.
The 37th annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks will
fire more than 40,000 pyrotechnic shells during a 26-minute synchronized
display. SOUSA Fireworks is once again at the helm of the pyrotechnics
which will be positioned on the Hudson River approximately between 24th
and 40th Streets. With an average of 1,800 shells launched
per minute, Macy’s Fireworks show provides the biggest booms in the
nation.
Macy’s explosive spectacle is made possible in part by KitchenAid®,
Kool-Aid®, Planters® and is presented in
partnership with the City of New York. Revelers lining the Macy’s
Fireworks viewing locations are encouraged to enjoy the full experience
by tuning in to radio stations 1010 WINS-AM to hear the musical score to
which the show is choreographed. Spectators from coast-to-coast will
also have a front row view of the pyro in the sky by tuning to NBC’s
national broadcast of “Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
Spectacular” beginning at 9 p.m. ET/PT, 8 p.m. CT/MT (check local
listings). In addition to the pyrotechnics, the 4th of July’s
most popular entertainment special will feature performances from the
nation’s hottest musical acts.
For more information on the 37th annual Macy’s 4th
of July Fireworks, please visit www.macys.com/fireworks
or call the Macy’s Fireworks Hotline at (212) 494-4495. Information will
be available as of June 4, 2013.
About Macy's 4th of July Fireworks (NYSE:M)
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks are the nation’s largest 4th
of July pyrotechnic display. Produced by Macy’s and designed in
conjunction with SOUSA Fireworks of Rialto, CA, Macy’s Fireworks are a
digitally-synchronized display of firepower that is choreographed to a
rousing popular music and patriotic score. Annually fired from various
locations across New York City, Macy’s Fireworks features shells from
all over the world. Seen by more than 3 million spectators and millions
of viewers nationwide, Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks have
become the nation’s premiere 4th of July celebration event.
For Macy’s media materials, please visit our online pressroom at www.macys.com/pressroom.
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