The Boston Calling Music Festival kicked off Memorial Day weekend on Friday with a bang. Headliner Ed Sheeran delivered a crowd-pleasing set filled with his signature pop anthems that included “The A Team,” “You Need Me, I Don’t Need You,” and “Thinking Out Loud.” Sheeran, who stepped out to his mark in one of his signature plaid shirts, swiftly picked up his acoustic guitar and quickly employed his loop station to deliver the first song of his 18-song set. Sheeran, the consummate performer, shared details about his musical process, stories behind his songs, and memories of being in Boston – making sure to connect with his fans from the front row all the way back to the ones who were stuck thousands of feet back.
Other highlights included rising star Renee Rapp, best known for her somewhat ironic hit “I Hate Boston”, which brought fresh energy to the stage. Renee Rapp’s audience rivaled that of Ed Sheeran’s. The anticipation for the “I Hate Boston” singer’s appearance on stage was palpable. Rapp exceeded expectations with an energetic, fun, and genuine performance that resonated with her audience. Her set showcased additional fan favorites such as, “In the Kitchen” and “Snow Angel”.
Young the Giant, who performed at the first Boston Calling event over a decade ago, kept the day’s momentum going with a dynamic set that featured “Wake Up”, “Cough Syrup” and “My Body”. Singer Sameer Gadhia sang with a renewed intensity, all while taking the time in between songs to engage with the band’s fans. His bandmates had plenty of time in their own spotlight throughout the set as Gadhia stepped back to enjoy the moment.
Leon Bridges brought smooth R&B vibes that had the crowd swaying. Bridges showcased his talents with hits like, “River”, “Coming Home” and “Sailing”. Dressed in a vintage jacket, pants, and fly-style sunglasses, Bridges didn’t waste a minute on stage as he segued from one song to the next during his set. His outfit may have beckoned for the seventies, but his voice and delivery were timeless.
Beach Weather, a Massachusetts-based rock and roll band, took the stage with a comparable amount of swagger as bands like the Arctic Monkies and U2. Dressed like a Vegas cowboy, singer Nick Santino clearly did not lack any confidence as he and his bandmates strutted out to rip through their set that included “Chit Chat”, “Rebel Sun,” and the certified platinum single “Sex, Drugs, Etc.”
On the festival’s local showcase stage, The Wolff Sisters stole that stage’s show with their stunning vocal harmonies and feverish performance. Their set provided a heartwarming reminder of the festival’s commitment to showcasing local talent. Naturally, they paid homage to their native city with “Boston Town” along with an inspired take on “Roll Me Mama”. The sisters and the band tore through their set with fervor and may have deserved to perform on one of the main stages. They will certainly be a band to watch.
As the night closed on a beautiful and exciting first day of the festival, it was Ed Sheeran who truly commanded the audience’s attention – all by himself in front of a sea of rabid fans who sang every word in unison with the hitmaker. His infectious melodies and relatable lyrics had the festivalgoers swooning and singing along, making for a perfect start to the Boston Calling weekend – raising the bar for days two and three.
