Boston Calling 2024, a three-day festival held over Memorial Day Weekend, offered an unforgettable experience for music enthusiasts. The festival showcased a dynamic lineup, featuring rising stars like Chappell Roan and Royel Otis, alongside well-established acts such as The Killers and Ed Sheeran. This diverse array of talent ensured there was something for everyone to enjoy.

Nestled within the Harvard Athletic Complex along the Charles River, the festival grounds buzzed with excitement. Festival-goers streamed in from the train and surrounding neighborhoods, and their anticipation could be felt throughout. One of the standout features of Boston Calling was its convenient layout. The red and green stages, conveniently placed next to each other, allowed attendees to flow easily between performances without missing a minute of music.

Early Friday afternoon on the first day, the festival grounds were alive with the buzz of anticipation. At the start of the day, there was ample room, which avoided overcrowding while maintaining an electric atmosphere. Madi Diaz opened the green stage with her enchanting folk-pop tunes, setting the tone for the day. Beach Weather, led by Boston native Nick Santino, energized the red stage with their infectious rock rhythms. Highlights of the day included Renee Rapp, whose crowd rivaled that of the headliners. She praised the Boston crowd's energy before delivering a surprise performance of "I Hate Boston," a rarity in her setlist. Young the Giant captivated on the tertiary blue stage with a set full of familiar bangers. Ed Sheeran closed the night solo, his acoustic guitar and loop pedal weaving an intimate tapestry of sound. While I heard murmurs about not being familiar with some of Ed Sheeran’s song choices, I appreciated his nod to his earlier music, which provided a mellow end to an exhilarating day. His infectious melodies and relatable lyrics had festival-goers swaying along, a perfect start to the Boston Calling weekend.

Day two saw a country takeover, with concert-goers donning cowboy hats and boots, ready for a day of twang and storytelling. d4vd stood out as an outlier, blending R&B, alternative, and rock into a melodic performance. Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls electrified the crowd, transforming the space into a backyard party. Turner's set ended with a lively mosh pit, leaving a lasting impression. Tyler Childers ended the night, captivating the audience with his narrative lyrics and twangy voice, creating an intimate atmosphere despite the massive crowd.

On Sunday, the festival grounds were brimming with excitement and anticipation. The sold-out final day featured a lineup so compelling that navigating through the dense crowd became a challenge. Royel Otis kicked off the day with an energetic set, their punk-infused beginnings transitioning smoothly into indie rock anthems. Chappell Roan, a clear crowd favorite, drew an audience adorned in pink and sparkles, who sang along to her campy and catchy tunes. Megan Thee Stallion delivered a show-stopping performance, captivating the audience with her dynamic dance routines and infectious hits. The grand finale came with The Killers, whose meticulously crafted performance brought the festival to a thrilling close. The highlight was their encore, where they transformed "Mr. Brightside" into a theatrical spectacle before launching into the classic version, much to the crowd’s delight. As the final notes faded, Boston Calling 2024 left a memorable lasting imprint on all who attended.

Boston Calling 2024 offered an outstanding artist lineup that catered to all musical tastes, making it an incredibly fun experience for attendees. The seamless transition between stages and the variety of acts kept the excitement alive from start to finish.

Review & Photos by: Laurel Ayuyao

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