You know that feeling you get when you listen to a song that means something to you? That rush of emotions flooding your system, those chills racing down your spine. Now take that feeling, space it out over three days, and multiply it by 22,000 people and you have The Boston Calling Music Festival.
Held this past Memorial Day weekend; The Boston Calling Music Festival played host to a number of talented artists from all around the world including Beck, My Morning Jacket, Tenacious D, The Pixies, and TV On The Radio. Now, going into the weekend, I had no idea what to expect given how diverse the lineup was. I was trying to understand how bands like St. Vincent and Maria And The Diamonds fit with Run The Jewels and The Lone Bellow. By the end of the weekend, the pieces fit together like a giant musical jigsaw puzzle that left me a changed person. Each act complemented the last keeping the crowd entertained throughout. There was something for everyone which is why Boston Calling has become wildly successful and will continue to be successful for years to come.
Contributing to the festival nature of this event, co-sponsor Samuel Adams Brewing Company was providing the alcohol, serving it up through their very own beer garden. You read that right; beer garden. Just say the words “beer garden” out loud. Go ahead, I’ll wait. Impossible to say without a smile on your face right? Trust me on this, the beer garden was as magical as it sounds with tent after tent of cold delicious Sam Adams beer served right out of the tap.
In addition to great beer, great food was also being served. If you were at this festival and didn’t head to the Roxy’s Grilled Cheese tent to try their bacon and guacamole grilled cheese, then I truly feel bad for you. Tasty Burger was also on hand and I’m embarrassed to admit how many of their cheese burgers I ate.
Boston Calling comes back to City Hall Plaza September 25th,26th,27th boasting a powerhouse lineup rivaling some of the biggest music festivals in the country. Bands like The Alabama Shakes, Of Monsters and Men, Alt J, and Hozier converge on downtown Boston once again turning the city into a giant weekend party.
This is a festival that needs to be on any music lovers bucket list. The experiences I’ve had at Boston Calling are unlike any other. The people are friendly, the atmosphere is amazing, and it seems that every year, the lineups are getting better and better. Just when I think there are no more surprises, I continue to be impressed by how much Boston Calling is growing into its own. Boston is known for its strong musical roots and it’s incredible how much The Boston Calling Music Festival encompasses those rich musical traditions year after year.
Photos by Eric Gesualdo – Staff Photojournalist and Senior Entertainment Writer
