From May 24 to 26, at Harvard University’s Athletic Complex in Allston, various artists of different genres will take the stage at this year’s Boston Music Calling Festival. Roughly 40,000 attendees will have the chance to see a wide array of artists live, from established artists such as Reneé Rapp and Megan Thee Stallion to lesser known ones such as Cannons and Francis of Delirium. Tickets for the music festival, which can be found on their website, are still available.
The festival, which has been held annually since 2013 (with the exception of 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), originated as a biannual celebration in City Hall Plaza every May and September. Later, Boston Calling became a yearly celebration during Memorial Day weekend and was moved to Allston in 2016. Artists who previously performed at the festival include fun., MARINA, Kendrick Lamar, Lorde, The 1975, Bon Iver and Eminem.
This year’s headliners include Ed Sheeran and Leon Bridges (May 24), Tyler Childers, Trey Anastasio and Classic Tab (May 25) and The Killers and Hozier (May 26). Ed Sheeran is likely what people first notice when they glance at the lineup poster. Headlining day one of the festival, the English singer-songwriter is by far the most established artist at the event, having amassed over 70 million monthly listeners with hits such as “Shape of You,” “Perfect” and “Thinking Out Loud.”
Also performing on the first night is Renée Rapp. The American actress and musician is known for her role in the Mean Girls Broadway musical and 2024 film. She has gained many fans with teen and young adult audiences, with a Saturday Night Live performance and collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion, another artist performing at the festival. Ana Maravic (IV) comments, “I really like her confidence, especially in her interviews.”
On the second night, the most notable performer is Tyler Childers, an artist who performs country, bluegrass and folk. For the third night, Hozier is the artist to note; best known for his 2013 hit song “Take Me to Church,” he has managed to accumulate a large fan base since then. Also present on the third night is the aforementioned Megan Thee Stallion, who many know from songs such as “Savage” and “Hiss,” the latter being her newest single, which debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 following a feud between her and Nicki Minaj. Another exciting artist performing on the third night is Chappell Roan, who opened for the first leg of Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS World Tour.
With a packed lineup, classic location and long weekend secured by the Boston Calling Music Festival, the only remaining question is: have you bought your tickets yet?
