Lana Del Rey – June 20
“Summertime Sadness” singer Lana Del Rey kicked off her first headlining U.S. stadium concert at Fenway Park despite rain delays. Del Rey was joined by guest musicians Mason Ramsey, Stephen Sanchez and Quavo. Fans were treated to the debut performance of “Tough,” a highly-anticipated collaboration with Quavo that was officially released on July 3.
A Boogie Wit da Hoodie – June 20
A Boogie Wit da Hoodie (Julius Dubose) performed in front of a sold out crowd at TD Garden while on his “Better Off Alone Tour.” Alongside the Hip-Hop sensation were other guest rap artists Luh Tyler and NLE Choppa, who performed as openers of the night. Throughout the night, A Boogie performed songs from his fifth and most recent album Better Off Alone, but he focused most of his time on older hits and albums including “Drowning.” His famous songs hyped up the crowd, and TD was buzzing with energy and excitement all night.
Jhene Aiko – June 27
Veteran R&B artist Jhene Aiko swept TD Garden with her ”Magic Hour Tour.” DJ Starzza kicked off the concert with a wide variety of mixed songs, keeping the crowd company as Aiko was preparing to come out. There were also guest appearances from Coi Leray, Umi, Tink and Kiana Lede, who all came to the table with visuals and choreography. Aiko’s portion of the concert included many outfit changes and screen visuals, with inspiring quotes that align with her brand of peace and solitude. Midway through the concert, she even graced audiences with a cleansing sound bowl, restoring tranquility in an otherwise hyped crowd. She played famous hits such as “Bed Peace” and “Sativa,” as well as “My Type,” to which fans sang the night away.
Noah Kahan – July 18-19
The back-to-back Boston legs of Noah Kahan’s “We’ll All Be Here Forever Tour” captivated audiences of sold-out Fenway Park for two days. Kahan’s setlist included a preview of his new song “Pain is Cold Water” and a special appearance from Gracie Abrams, The Lumineers, Mt. Joy and James Bay. Kahan finished off the second show with a touching performance of his hit song “Stick Season.” The song, written about Kahan’s home state Vermont, was a fitting close to the two nights in New England. Following the shows, Kahan announced his first-ever live album called Live From Fenway Park, describing the release on Instagram: “When I listen I am brought right back there, surrounded by green and red and white and what felt like the entirety of New England cheering me on.”
Tanglewood – Yo-Yo Ma and BSO – August 18
Every summer, the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) performs at the Tanglewood music venue, collaborating with the most notable musicians in the classical world of music. This year, cellist Yo-Yo Ma performed Robert Schumann’s Cello Concerto in A minor with conductor Earl Lee. This multi-movement composition interweaves the orchestra’s rich sound with a romantic cello melody. In addition, the BSO played Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 and “Fate Now Conquers” by Carlos Simon, the BSO’s newly appointed Composer Chair. Simon’s piece was influenced by one of Beethoven’s journal entries and the second movement of the seventh symphony.
Childish Gambino – August 23
A few months after announcing his pending retirement of the Childish Gambino stage name, Donald Glover performed the Boston leg of “The New World Tour” in TD Garden. Glover’s setlist contained songs from his latest and final album, Bando Stone and The New World, selected tracks from the previous album Atavista, as well as popular hits such as “Heartbeat,” “Redbone” and “3005.”
Wallows – August 26
Wallows, an alternative rock band, came to Fenway for their “Model Tour.” Members Dylan Minnette (vocals and guitar), Braeden Lemasters (vocals and guitar) and Cole Preston (drums) performed songs like “Bad Dream” from their album Model and “I Don’t Want to Talk” from Tell Me That It’s Over.
Usher – August 27-28
Grammy award-winning R&B-pop artist Usher arrived to TD Garden as part of his “Usher: Past Present Future Tour.” His two-hour performances included hit songs from his 30-year career as well as his most recent album Coming Home. Highlights include “U Make Me Wanna,” “U Remind Me” and “U Don’t Have to Call.” Throughout the show, he made several costume changes fueling the excitment of the crowd. He ended the concert with his most popular song, “Yeah.”
