Stars, Stripes and ... Mellencamp!

Rock superstar John Mellencamp will join conductor Keith Lockhart and The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra on the BOSTON POPS FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR, a new entertainment special to be broadcast live from the Charles River Esplanade in Boston, Wednesday, July 4 (10:00-11:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network.

Craig Ferguson (CBS's "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson") will host the special.

Mellencamp will perform hits from his stellar list of recordings with The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra under the direction of conductor Keith Lockhart.

The concert will also feature its traditional piece, the Boston Pops rendition of the "1812 Overture." The final 23 minutes of the telecast, featuring the fireworks display, will be presented commercial free by the Liberty Mutual Group.