The Boston Calling Festival kicks off this Memorial Day Weekend at City Hall Plaza in downtown Boston. Crash Line Productions, Bowery Boston and Aaron Dessner (composer/guitarist/keyboards) of The National have put together an outstanding line-up. The festival also features two stages, with no overlapping sets, allowing music fans the ability to catch every minute of live music.
When he is not busy surfing, making award-winning films, or raising a family, Jack Johnson takes some time to make Grammy nominated music and tour the world with his band and he will be headlining Boston Callings opening night. Record Store Day is getting bigger every year, and this past April 19th, Saturday night’s headliner, Death Cab for Cutie put out an exclusive vinyl only double live album with Magik Magik Orchestra and although the band probably won’t be sporting a full orchestra, their set will certainly sonically soar.
The range of Sunday’s headliners Modest Mouse style seems limitless, and although the band has seen remarkable commercial success, they never abandoned their edgy sound. Making their only festival appearance and the only scheduled performance outside of their hometown of Portland, Oregon, late addition The Decemberists will be bringing their own special blend of artistic eclectic rock. The brooding melancholy of the atmospheric band Warpaint and the perpetual up-beat vibe of Bastille make an interesting contrast in the line-up. Folk rock and folk punk will both be on display at Boston Calling in the form of indie folk rock band The Head and the Heart and hardcore punk band Million Dead’s former front man Frank Turner and his backing band The Sleeping Souls. Other highlights of the weekend include veteran indie rock band Built to Spill, former War on Drugs member Kurt Vile and his band The Violators, and singer/songwriter Matthew Houck, who goes by the stage name Phosphorescent. Arrive early on Sunday to catch Sonic Bids winner The Box Tiger.
Tickets are on sale now for the September edition of Boston Calling, which also boasts an impressive line up. The headliners are The National, Lorde, and Nas x The Roots. Artists also scheduled to perform include The Replacements, Neutral Milk Hotel, Spoon, Volcano Choir, The War on Drugs, The Hold Steady and San Fermin.
In addition to the events at City Hall Plaza, Crash Line Productions, along with the Downtown Boston Business Improvement District and The Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy is re-launching The Boston Calling Block Party Series on Thursdays at Dewey Square Park, running all summer until September 25th. The Block Party Series will feature local musicians, and DJ’s, along with Anheuser Busch products and an already bustling Farmers Market. Entry to these events is free and attendees can also enjoy The Rose Kennedy Greenery
