Why The Boston Pops Concert Almost Didn't Happen

As concertgoers streamed into Jetties Beach Saturday night for the annual Boston Pops on Nantucket concert event for an unforgettable night of entertainment, they had no idea how close they were to being significantly disappointed.

Unbeknownst to them, the concert almost didn't happen. And it wasn't due to the weather, which actually turned out perfect after days of worries about the passing Tropical Storm Debby.

No, it was rather an issue with the Hy-Line Cruises ferry that was booked to transport the members of the Boston Pops orchestra to Nantucket. Just a few hours before they were supposed to take the stage, Nantucket Cottage Hospital's senior development officer Molly Lentowski got the call: there was a problem in Hyannis.

One of the engines of the Hy-Line's Grey Lady IV had gone out in Hyannis Harbor, and it was initially unclear whether it would make the trip to Nantucket with the Pops. The call set off a brief period of panic as there would be no backup plan if the orchestra couldn't make it to the island.

The boat was eventually cleared to make the trip and arrived at Straight Wharf just a tad late, and the orchestra was quickly transported to Jetties where the beach was already filling up with attendees.