It’s pretty hard to believe that Boston Calling 2016 is only a little over a month away! Outdoor festival season is fast approaching, so get into gear by checking out what concerts the city of Boston has to offer in the coming weeks. Our team has rounded up some can’t-miss spring shows they’ve already secured their tickets for. This edition features local favorites like Gretchen and the Pickpockets, as well as exciting touring acts such as Father John Misty and Colin Hay of Men At Work fame.
Friday, April 22nd, 2016
Colin Hay at the Academy of Music in Northampton – Selected by Will
Those from an older generation will remember him from the eighties and his days with Australian rock band Men At Work. The younger folk perhaps will recognize him as the guy playing the guitar in that Scrubs episode. He is Colin Hay, and he has been touring as a solo artist, playing primarily acoustic music of a folk/country vein, since Men At Work disbanded in 1985. Blessed with a set of golden pipes, Hay is still belting it out at sixty-two. His touching songs capture the rawest and purest of human emotions.
Father John Misty at House of Blues Boston – Selected by Araz
Listening to the velvet voice of Father John Misty always gives me goosebumps. It washes over you, part gospel, part Americana, all soul. Father John Misty’s lyrics are delightfully clever and wry. Couple that with the rich instrumentals, you’ve got a great show. He’s a Bon Iver with electricity and vigor. Not to miss.
Gretchen and the Pickpockets at PA’s Lounge – Selected by Knar
WEMF put together a bill with locals Dear June, Caged Heat, and Gretchen and the Pickpockets. Count on Gretchen and the Pickpockets to loosen you up before the weekend– they’ve got a groove reminiscent of Lake Street Dive.
Wednesday, April 27th, 2016
Wild Belle at Brighton Music Hall – Selected by Alex
You have probably heard Natalie Bergmann sing over Major Lazer’s electronic anthem “Be Together,” but with her group, Wild Belle, she has been crafting danceable electronic folk with just the right amount of saxophone since 2011. Catch them at Brighton Music Hall before they move up to the House of Blues when their highly anticipated album drops later this year.
Friday, April 29th, 2016
Baroness & Youth Code at The Royale – Selected by Courtney
Rock group Baroness bounce back from their 2012 accident with another colorful album, Purple. It’s bound to be loaded with freshly-released energy after four years of dormancy. The show’s counterpart, Youth Code, will inject an industrial pop into the night with a new release of their own. Prepare for a Friday night full of rock-fueled intensity.