Day on The Esplanade

Each July 3rd, it has become a tradition that my parents come to Boston, and together we wait on the Esplanade at the Hatch Shell. You see, while there is a Fourth of July Concert at the Hatch Shell each year, the special secret is the same concert is performed the night before. It's a dress rehearsal.

Getting to the Hatch Shell early means you get a nice spot close to the act. This year, the special guest performer was Neil Diamond. He actually came down near the crowd while he sang "Sweet Caroline."

Neil Diamond at the Hatch Shell
Boston
July 3, 2009

One of the interesting aspects about the yearly tradition with my parents is seeing the avid fans (groupies, if you prefer) of the special guest. Since the special guest changes each year, the dynamic of the fans changes as well. It's safe to assume that the avid fans who follow Neil Diamond (Or "Neil" as they call him) are very different than the fans who follow Rascal Flats (last year's special act).

This year we waited to get into the oval in front of the Hatch Shell with a Diamond fan that has seen "Neil" perform seven times in the last year. I have now seen Neil Diamond once in my entire life.

At one point in the evening, we were warned about a threat of rain. Suddenly, the blue tarp we had been using to mark our territory on the Esplanade lawn was transformed into a tent. The three of us not-so-quite fit under the canopy.

Ready for Rain
The Oval at the Hatch Shell
Boston
July 3, 2009

Fortunately, the rains never came.