This Friday, Boston Calling will be kicking off its fourth year hosting musicians and performers from around the world at City Hall Plaza in downtown Boston.
That’s right, it’s been over three years since the festivities first began with headliners Vampire Weekend and Passion Pit. The three-day celebration of live music has breathed some life back into the Boston music scene, making popular artists rethink driving through Massachusetts simply to get to New York. Though the lineup has shifted a bit in style over the years, one thing is for sure: there truly is a little something for every type of music fan at Boston Calling. Make sure to get there early on the weekend dates to support your local acts Palehound and Michael Christmas! Here are some of the acts we’re most looking forward to this weekend…
Saturday, May 28th, 2016
Palehound – Selected by Noah
Allston-based Palehound will follow in the footsteps of Grey Season and Krill as the top-billed local act at Boston Calling this year. The creative project of Ellen Kempner, Palehound released Dry Food last year on Boston-spirited-if-not-based Exploding in Sound Records. Palehound’s vulnerable, mellow, indie rock may not get the crowd moving, but before Disclosure or Odesza, Kempner’s sadcore-tinged offerings may be more than welcome. Check out our local spotlight on Palehound.
Courtney Barnett – Selected by Matt M.
Courtney Barnett brought her tongue-in-cheek indie-punk to the Sinclair and Newport Folk Festival stages last year, and it seems like things are only getting bigger for this Australian who is set to perform smack dab in the middle of Boston Calling’s Saturday lineup. Barnett’s charming, cleverly written post-punk indie tunes should keep heads bobbing and smiles widening on a night that features quite a few mellow folk and indie acts.
Sunday, May 29th, 2016
The Front Bottoms – Selected by Josh
Last summer, The Front Bottoms played a sold out show at Cuisine en Locale in Somerville. The band didn’t even finish their first song before venue staff had to ban crowd surfing and stage diving for the rest of the night. The rowdiness of the crowd that night is a good idea of what to expect if you are up close for their set at Boston Calling. This band has a very dedicated fan base and an energetic live show often accompanied by mosh pits, sing-a-longs, and onstage inflatables. The Front Bottoms will be bringing their brand of indie punk rock to Boston Calling on Sunday afternoon.
Christine and the Queens – Selected by Knar
Don’t let the early time slot fool you; Christine and the Queens are one of France’s biggest pop stars. Peep this fantastic profile by The New Yorker, and expect a bright, electric, and glittery (literally) performance.
Charles Bradley and his Extraordinaires – Selected by Will
Charles Bradley has been singing like James Brown since 1962, but nobody noticed for almost fifty years. After decades of odd jobs, which included two years living on the streets, Bradley is now the front man for Charles Bradley and his Extraordinaries. A singer with both the chops and mojo of his predecessor Brown, Bradley has released three albums in the last five years, all of which have been received rave reviews from nationally renowned critics. His new album Changes came out in April.