What to look forward to at Boston Calling 2024
By Kimmy Curry
New England’s biggest music festival returns this year on Memorial Day weekend for another 3-day 4-stage weekend of big name acts, local artists and vendors, games, and more. Get a taste of Boston’s local music and arts scene, and see your favorite bands on the big stage!
Boston Calling takes place from May 24-26th this year at the Harvard Athletic Complex, a picturesque city spot along the Charles River. The four performance stages are the red, blue, orange and green stages but the full schedule and more details can be found on Boston Calling’s website.
Friday
Headliners: Ed Sheeran, Leon Bridges
Boston Calling kicks off on Friday May 24th with Divine Sweater, a Boston-based rock band playing the red stage. Also from the local Boston scene is Kei, a hip-hop artist who won Best New Artist at the Boston Music Awards in 2022 and has a great stage presence.
Highlights of Friday’s lineup also include Renee Rapp, who has a huge festival run this summer fresh off her hit song “Not My Fault” from this year’s Mean Girls soundtrack with Megan Thee Stallion (playing Boston Calling on Sunday!). Last year, Renee put out her successful 2023 debut record, “Snow Angel” and went on her biggest tour yet. Her concerts are full of personality while showing off her impressive vocals, and she is a must-see at Boston Calling.
Another exciting artist on Friday is Luke Hemmings, the lead singer of pop-rock band 5 Seconds of Summer, who recently released his second solo album “Boy”. This summer he will be embarking on his first ever tour as a solo artist, making this Boston Calling slot one of his very first shows!
Saturday
Headliners: Tyler Childers, Trey Anastasio & Classic Tab
Saturday’s lineup begins with Massachusetts artist, Senseless Optimism from Lowell, and the local talent continues all day! Another local performer on Saturday is ToriTori, a Boston-based singer and producer who released her debut EP “Pocket Knife” last year, and will be taking the orange stage later in the evening. More performances from the local hip-hop scene on Saturday include Cakeswagg and Bad Rabbits.
Hailing from a different local scene is Boston’s indie-folk band Paper Lady. The five-piece band, led by vocalist Alli Raina, has risen to community fame from playing diy and underground venues and attracting a college following in the area. Paper Lady puts on a mesmerizing show that is sure to be unmissable on a big stage!
Another notable performer on Saturday's lineup is Khruangbin, a trio from Houston that creates a unique blend of genres from electronic to soul. The group has been around for nearly a decade and released their sixth album, “A LA SALA” this year to praise from critics.
Sunday
Headliners: Hozier, The Killers
For Gen-Z audiences, Sunday presents a fun day filled with rising female performers of all genres from hip-hop to pop to indie rock! The local Boston artists for Sunday include Tysk Tysk Task, Billy Dean Thomas, and Zola Simone.
Chappell Roan has been rapidly on the rise since the release of her debut record, “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” last year, and the quick success of her latest single “Good Luck Babe”. Videos of her glorious glittery Coachella performances have captivated fans online, and proven that she is one of the most creative and unique pop stars performing right now. She will be playing an afternoon slot on the green stage on Saturday that is sure to be one of her most exciting yet!
Following Chappell Roan on the green stage is the talented Megan Thee Stallion. While Boston Calling has a history of rap headliners (Travis Scott, Kendrik Lamar, Chance the Rapper), the headliners have leaned more towards rock/metal over the past few years. Megan Thee Stallion is one of the first big-name rappers to play Boston Calling since COVID shutdowns and will fit in with the hip-hop heavy undercard of this year’s lineup. Fresh off her hit single “Hiss”, Megan will be playing a run of many festivals across the US this summer, and her iconic dance moves are a must-see!
Another female-led set on Saturday is Canadian indie-rock band Alvvays. Headed by vocalist/songwriter Molly Rankin, the band’s delightfully wistful combination of synth and guitar is sure to captivate audiences at any festival.
Boston Calling has a killer 2024 lineup that will be a great start to the summer festival season in New England! Tickets are still available for the fest at BostonCalling.com .