7 things to see, hear, and sip at this weekend’s Boston Calling
If you're heading to the festival, be sure to check these things off your list.
Now in its seventh edition, Boston Calling returns on Friday bigger than ever. This spring’s event not only boasts its most diverse lineup yet, but has gone the extra mile to introduce some cool new features. If you need some guidance in the exciting whirlwind of music, food, and beer, here’s a handful of things that should definitely be included in your festival plans.
Stop by the Verizon music and comedy stage
A few successful years in, Boston Calling continues to look for ways to grow. This year, it’s the addition of a comedy and local music tent that provides another attraction for festival goers. Local funny people like Ken Reid, Kelly MacFarland, and the tent’s host, Lamont Price will bring some comic relief alongside sets from local bands like Black Beach and Lady Pills.
Take a taste of BC Dream
Boston Calling partnered with Danish brewer Mikkeller to bring it’s own festival-exclusive beer to this spring’s event. A hoppy pilsner brewed with California blood oranges, BC Dream will be available for $9 a pour this weekend because there’s nothing better to accompany some spring tunes than slurping down citrusy suds.
Catch big names on Friday night
The kickoff night tends to be more of a warmup for the rest of the weekend, with only three bands playing and many attendees coming right from work. This spring, however, arguably the biggest name on the festival bill will cap off the first night. One of today’s most interesting performers, Sia welcomed young dancer Maddie Ziegler and Kristen Wiig to the stage for her set at Coachella last month, so you never know what could happen in Boston. Sufjan Stevens attracts an enormous audience of a much different ilk, and Irish singer Lisa Hannigan will team up with Aaron Dessner of The National, who is also a co-curator of the festival.
Feel the soul of Charles Bradley
For those who have never seen Charles Bradley perform, prepare for a borderline-religious experience. The Daptone Records soulman is the oldest musician to ever appear on a Boston Calling bill, but expect just as much energy as any other act. Bradley has an amazing story, and despite the feelgood funk of his live band, a full spectrum of emotions is sure to be packed into his mid-afternoon set.
Soak in the swagger of Elle King
If you’ve turned on pop radio in the past year, chances are you’ve heard the swinging bluesy romp “Ex’s & Oh’s.” The voice behind it is Elle King, whose debut album Love Stuff not only boasted that single (which got two Grammy nominations), but has had continued success with the popularity of “Under the Influence” and “America’s Sweetheart.” Fun fact: her dad is actor Rob Schneider, but don’t expect to see Deuce Bigelow at this weekend’s event.
Don’t miss an early set by Courtney Barnett
The Australian songwriter got plenty of of steam out of her debut album Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit, most recently delivering an exemplary performance on Saturday Night Live. Just one week after that appearance, expect crowds to flock to the jetBlue stage for the Grammy-nominated artist’s late afternoon set on Saturday.
Catch Vince Staples on the way up
In the fall of 2013, Kendrick Lamar played a mid-afternoon set at Boston Calling in what will likely be the last time the rapper will play such a modest time-slot at a local festival. Expect the same from up-and-coming Long Beach lyricist Vince Staples, whose debut album, Summertime ‘06, produced multiple singles and got him nods from Pitchfork, Complex, NPR, and more. The Def Jam rapper will take the stage at 3 p.m. on Sunday.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com