Betsy Shane Has Key Role In Boston Pops Concert

The Boston Pop Fireworks Spectacular is set and Winthrop Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Betsy Shane will be right in the middle of Boston’s annual holiday celebration on The Esplanade.

Actually Shane will be out in front of Boston’s salute to America’s birthday as one of the key contributors to the production team that stages the annual Fourth of July Celebration headed by Conductor Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops.

One of Shane’s roles is as the coordinator and producer of the afternoon program leading up to the Pops’ performance and fireworks show. There will be music, interaction with the large crowd that starts assembling in the early morning hours, public safety announcements, and other fun-fact and show update announcements.

Shane took over the role from her husband, the late Bob Carey, who helped start the afternoon program in 1974 along with Fireworks Spectacular producer David Mugar and the late Pops Conductor Arthur Fielder.

Mr. Carey served as the master of ceremonies until his death in 2000. Skane then took over the MC and coordinating responsibilities. Overall she has been involved in the show for more than 20 years.

Shane tries to minimize her prominent role but those who attend the show will see her at the front of the stage at the Hatch Shell supervising, making announcements, and handling any situations that call for her leadership.

“There is an incredible group of people who put this together, starting with B4 Productions, which is led by Executive Producer David Mugar,” said Shane. “But in addition to that it’s also all the Boston public safety people: Boston EMS, Boston Police, State Police, Federal agencies – everybody work to make sure that it is secure, safe event for everyone.”

Shane said one of her roles is to assist people during the show. Hundreds of thousands of Bostonians and tourists attend the Spectacular each year.

Often during the event she appears on WBZ-AM Radio with Jordan Rich and WGBH-Radio with Ron Della Chiesa on their live broadcasts.

Shane is looking forward to viewing the show if she’s not too busy.

“The Beach Boys are ready. Broadway star Megan Hilty is also going to perform. And cast members from “The Phantom of the Opera will sing. And this is Keith Lockhart’s 20th year.”

Shane is actually on duty for two days, the rehearsal on July 3 and the Spectacular on July 4.

“The show is exactly the same on July 3, except for the fireworks,” said Shane. “Anyone can attend either night. It’s a free event.”