The star-spangled light shows are an awesome summer tradition that provides a dramatic backdrop for music of all stripes. Thank Eric S. Elias for the subtle yet spectacular displays. By way of star-spangled patriotism and unabashed Americana, you’d have been hard-pressed over the weekend to find a more rousing celebration than the “July 4th Fireworks Spectacular” at the Hollywood Bowl. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, backed by the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West, ran through a program of music designed to swell national pride — “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “God Bless America” — with a guest set by country superstar Vince Gill.
Then came the finale: More than 10 minutes of eye-popping pyrotechnics perfectly synchronized to a brassy medley of military marches by John Philip Sousa.
The sky above Hollywood bloomed with colorful explosions, with rockets leaving trails of brilliant illumination as they shot upward. It culminated each evening with the words “Liberty” and “Freedom” spelled out in golden sparklers above the band shell.
