• May 9, 2013

Not content to let musical stars curate its fashion collections, Macy’s says Usher will orchestrate the “concept, music and design” of its annual Macy’s 4^th of July Fireworks. Called “It Begins with A Spark,” this year’s show marks Macy’s 37^th year lighting up the city skyline, and it promises a “giant party in the sky.” So far, musical choices include hits from the likes of Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson, and Swedish House Mafia, as well as classics from Jimi Hendrix, Frank Sinatra and Sam Cooke, as well as Americana favorites. Macy’s says the event is scheduled to include 40,000 pyrotechnic shells during a 26-minute display, for an average of 1,800 shells per minute. Sponsors this year include KitchenAid, Kool-Aid, and Planters.