Boston Calling is a success, but how can it reach the next level?
Five next steps for Boston’s best music festival
Three years and six festivals later, Boston Calling has become such a tight operation that it’s hard to deny its success. In fact, the festivals run so smoothly, you can’t help but wonder how the biannual music event could grow from here.
By taking a look at how other popular American festivals have evolved — and keeping in mind the advantages and disadvantages of Boston as a setting and a resource — here are five ways that Boston Calling could continue to grow.
1. Comedy
Boston’s comedy scene is one of the most renowned in all of America. With a city so rich in humor, it would be an appropriate next step for Boston Calling to include a comedic presence as part of the lineup. A comedy tent would be a nice change of pace, and help to showcase homegrown talent. And from a production standpoint, little more than a mic and stand are needed to make the magic happen.
2. Children’s Tent
One of the best qualities of Boston Calling is the fact that it’s a family-friendly event, providing people of all ages the chance to see live music — something that continues to become rarer in Boston. As far as families go, though, the festival’s entertainment is geared more to moms and dads than it is to small children. Some kids don’t respond particularly well to large crowds and loud music, and let’s just say that not all toddlers are up to speed on the indie music scene. A tent or station that features performers and activities for young children would go a long way in helping the whole family get the most out of their experience.
3. More Beer
When Sam Adams is a top sponsor, it’s unlikely that other brews will make their way to the beer tents of Boston Calling. But Boston has a burgeoning local microbrewery scene so wider beer options would be a welcome addition. Much like how Boston Calling supports local music, highlighting smaller breweries would only help the festival shine.
4. New Ticketing Options
Boston Calling is well worth the cost, but in a city with such a large student population, the price can still be intimidating. Some sort of student discount at the door could help get more of the all-ages crowd in the door. And while the logistics could be quite the headache, some sort of half-half day pass would likely be a popular option, as well. It could help fill out the space during the first half of the day and please ticket-buyers who are especially interested in one act.
5. New Location
Part of the excitement of Boston Calling is how it makes the center of Boston come alive—and the urban setting is one of the things that makes the festival unique—but the location comes with some downsides, as well. Tripping over loose bricks is about as common as spotting flower crowns and tie-dye shirts, and the lack of grass can be unforgiving on the leg muscles after three days of standing. Plus, the Government Center T stop is still under construction and downtown parking doesn’t come cheap, so transportation can be tough. There’s something about a large, grassy field that makes live music that much more enticing.
Boston Calling fall 2015 gallery:
[bdc-gallery id=”637922″]
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