NY/NJ Super Bowl Host Committee to Commence Super Bowl Week with Public Concert Event and Fireworks Display on Monday, January 27
"Super Bowl Kickoff Spectacular" Featuring Performances by Daughtry and the Goo Goo Dolls and Starring Macy's Fireworks along the Hudson River at Liberty State Park
Portions of Live Event to Air Nationwide on Fox Sports 1
Free event tickets available now at SBKickoffSpectacular.com
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--January 16, 2014--
Area football fans and visitors to New York and New Jersey will have a unique opportunity to welcome Super Bowl XLVIII to the region, as the NY/NJ Super Bowl Host Committee in partnership with Macy's will produce the "Super Bowl Kickoff Spectacular," a free, ticketed event featuring performances by Daughtry and Goo Goo Dolls, with additional acts to be announced, and a first-class Macy's Fireworks show. The kickoff event, the first to ever be associated with a Super Bowl, will take place on Monday, Jan. 27, along the Hudson River at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey, and serve as the official launch to the weeklong events.
Hosted by Fox Sports' Joe Buck and Erin Andrews, with special correspondent Platinum Recording Artist and Actress Jordin Sparks, portions of the "Super Bowl Kickoff Spectacular Starring Macy's Fireworks" will air nationally on Monday, Jan. 27 from 8--9 p.m. ET, on FOX Sports 1 (check local listings). The show will repeat at 2- 3 a.m. ET on FS1. During the show, Sparks will report from Macy's Herald Square and contribute with Super Bowl food and fashion segments. The live concert event at Liberty State Park will begin at 7:30 p.m.
"Super Bowl XLVIII is no stranger to historic 'firsts' and the 'Super Bowl Kickoff Spectacular' will be a special part of the groundbreaking theme so closely associated with this game," said Robert Wood "Woody" Johnson, Co-Chairman of the NY/NJ Super Bowl Host Committee. "The Super Bowl experience in New Jersey and New York promises to be unlike any other, and this event will serve as an exciting, welcoming start to the week."
"As momentum builds for Super Bowl XLVIII, and all eyes turn to New York and New Jersey, the 'Super Bowl Kickoff Spectacular' will serve as a rally for the incredible residents of and visitors to the region," said Jonathan Tisch, Co-Chairman of the NY/NJ Super Bowl Host Committee. "We are excited to hold this event for our region's fans, allowing them to be a part of the celebratory fanfare that will drive momentum for the continuation of the week as we welcome the world to New Jersey and New York.
"We are thrilled to partner with the NY/NJ Super Bowl Host Committee to produce this incredible spectacle that will officially launch Super Bowl week for the very first time in our own backyard," said Martine Reardon, Macy's Chief Marketing Officer. "Macy's own signature fireworks display will cap off an exciting show featuring fantastic musical performances. The Kickoff Spectacular promises to be an extraordinary start to the weeklong party, culminating with Super Bowl XLVIII."
Lights over Sacramento for the 2014 New Year’s Eve Holiday
Sacramento’s best New Year’s Eve tradition lights up the skies above Old Sacramento with bright colors and flashes during the New Year’s Eve Sky Spectacular. This free celebration is open to all residents and features activities for the whole family to enjoy. Including children’s programming, live music, dinner specials, hot food and drink vendors and a variety of colorful street entertainment.
Check out some awesome shots and a video of the Sacramento New Year's Eve Sky Spectacular.
Video courtsey of John Cloward and the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau (http://discovergold.org/)
Remembering Bob Souza, who painted the sky
Written by: Bob PratteThe Press Enterprise | http://goo.gl/o55EDV I spotted two clever personal license plates outside a Nov. 15 reception at the […]
CNET Article – May the fireworks be with you
For the Pyro Spectacular team that put on a recent "Star Wars" themed fireworks show at the Oakland Coliseum, it's a dangerous all-day job to put together a 15-minute show. CNET got the inside scoop.
OAKLAND, Calif.-- Peering into the long black tubes, I'm startled when a stern voice behind me warns, "You want to treat them like a loaded gun. There might still be something unexploded inside."
In other words, get my head the hell out of the way. This is good advice. I've come to the Oakland Coliseum, home of baseball's Oakland A's, to see a world-class pyrotechnics crew put together a major fireworks show, and the last thing I want is to ruin the experience by getting my head blown off.
Early 1900s to today: Rialto-based fireworks company helps US celebrate heritage
Compiled by Michel Nolan, staff writer
http://goo.gl/PLUXJ
Jim Souza, great-grandson of Manuel de Sousa and president and CEO of Pyro Spectaculars by Souza based in Rialto, is a pioneer of the new era of fireworks productions. He was the first to put the shows to music, creating Pyro Musicals with patriotic music and American history. In 1976, he created the Sky Concert, using the art of fireworks with music broadcast over radio airwaves. These types of shows are now industry standards. Fireworks have been an American tradition since the beginning of our country's history, he said. The first Independence Day show took place on July 4, 1777, in Philadelphia at the request of the founding fathers, Souza said. He went on to quote a newspaper report of the time, "At night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks, which began and concluded with 13 rockets on the commons." More than 300 years later, we're still celebrating. No longer the Inland Empire's secret, Pyro Spectaculars is staging about 400 fireworks extravaganzas across the country to celebrate America's heritage. Souza says he loves patriotism and celebrating America's independence,
Early 1900s: Manuel de Sousa and his family arrive in San Francisco from Portugal
Early 1900s: Sousa and his family begin creating fireworks for the Portuguese community's celebrations; he becomes known as Papagayo (meaning Parrot) for his colorful showmanship
Pre-World War II: Sons of Manuel de Sousa continue to carry on the tradition
1950s and '60s: Grandson Bob rekindles the flame after interruption by the war and begins creating shows for county fairs and Fourth of July shows, eventually joining forces with a large consumer fireworks company
1970: Pyro Spectaculars opens its doors in Southern California
1989: Bob's son, Jim, who took part in shows since he was 12, takes over Pyro Spectaculars
Since 1990: Under the leadership of Bob and Jim Souza, the company has developed into a powerhouse in the fireworks display industry and is now widely known as the "Fireworks Ambassadors to the World."
Current: Jim Souza, his brother Gary Souza, and his daughter Nancy Souza Gilfillan along with her husband Ian Gilfillan carry on the fireworks tradition.
Future: Jim's sons Paul and Christopher are well-established in the fireworks business nationally and internationally. Paul is charged with doing Americafest at the Rose Bowl with a 30-man crew; Christopher does Macy's in New York with a 50-man crew; they have been joined by Nancy and Ian's sons Matt and Kevin.
Usher creating ‘different take’ on July 4 fireworks
From: http://www.today.com/video/today/52383150
The eight-time Grammy winner chats about his upcoming task “curating” the Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks spectacular, for which he singlehandedly selected all the music.
Check out the video below.
Global Superstar Usher, Macy’s, and Pyro Spectacular close the trading floor at the New York Stock Exchange to celebrate the 37th Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks®
On Wednesday, July 3 Macy's 4th of July Fireworks® Executive Producer Amy Kule, accompanied by global superstar Usher, will visit the New York Stock Exchange and ring The Closing Bell® to highlight the 37th Annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks.
For this first time in the history of the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks' show, a superstar artist has collaborated with Macy's creative and pyrotechnic teams on the 4th of July Fireworks. Eight-time Grammy® Award-winning artist Usher has curated the overall design of the show, entitled "It Begins with A Spark."
The Macy's 4th of July Fireworks will be broadcast live on NBC on Monday, July 4 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, 7 p.m. CT/MT nationwide and the fireworks soundtrack can be heard locally on radio stations 1010 WINS and Z-100.
Check out the video of the event below.
Inside the Pyrotechnics of Celebrate America
FOX40 cameras went inside the planning of the spectacular fireworks show planned for this year’s Celebrate America event. Pyro Spectaculars very own Kevin and Matt Gilfillan were featured in the segment. Check out the video below.
37th Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
Text, Photos and Videos from http://macys.com/fireworks.
CURATED BY USHER
"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 t hat 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."
-- Usher
This year, Macy's creative team joined forces with superstar Usher to develop and present the 2013 Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular. Together in Jimi Hendrix's historic Electric Lady recording studios in Greenwich Village, Usher and the Macy's team collaborated to create a musical score t hat includes hit songs by artists Jimi Hendrix, Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson, Sam Cooke, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Frank Sinatra and, of course, Usher himself. Using t his score as a guide, Usher provided inspiration for the visual design for the show, partnering with Macy's pyrotechnic designers the Souza brothers.
"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."
-- Usher
Check out http://macys.com/fireworks for more photos and videos.
Usher testing fireworks with Pyro Spectaculars by Souza for the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks
Click a photo above to see a larger version.
“It Begins with A Spark”: Global Superstar Usher Joins Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
From: MarketWatch | The Wall Street Journal
http://goo.gl/xoDPR
"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
NEW YORK, May 09, 2013 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- 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(R) 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
.
"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(R) 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(R), Kool-Aid(R), Planters(R) 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.
Fireworks coming to Safeco Field in 2013
By Mike Axisa | Blogger
January 23, 2013 8:48 pm ET
From: http://goo.gl/MOaBe
The Mariners have called Safeco Field home for 14 seasons now, but for the first time since the building opened, the club will have postgame fireworks displays in 2013.MLB.com's Greg Johns reports the M's are teaming up with Pyro Spectaculars -- the company that puts together the New Year's Eve display at the Space Needle -- to provide fireworks displays following games on June 28 (Cubs) and Aug. 9 (Brewers). Both games are on a Friday.
"Fireworks have a long tradition in Major League Baseball and we're excited to bring that to Safeco Field,” said Mariners marketing director Kevin Martinez. “Hopefully it becomes a new summer tradition here in Seattle."
The City of Seattle has limited the team's fireworks ability through the years because of concerns over traffic safety on nearby Interstate 5, so the Mariners and Pyro Spectaculars worked with the fire department to develop a safe and acceptable show. The two fireworks nights are part of a special events schedule that includes Ken Griffey Jr.'s induction into the Mariners Hall of Fame on Aug. 10. The full promotion schedule can be found on the team's official site.
For more baseball news, rumors and analysis, follow @EyeOnBaseball on Twitter, subscribe to the RSS feed and "like" us on Facebook. Also, individually interact with us on Twitter: @MattSnyder27, @daynperry and @mikeaxisa.