Boston is quickly growing as a center for culture and the arts, and the Boston Calling music festival has definitely sped along the process. People come from far and wide to attend the three-day concert. If the fall is tough for you as far as time for traveling, the concert has a spring show as well as a fall show with different headliners and performers for each – a step up above other music festivals, which are usually only once a year.
I am a huge concert junkie. Most years I attend at least five; my first real concert experience was a three day music festival that took place in Montreal, Canada. I have a wide variety of tastes – I’m huge on hip hop, but I have also always been an avid indie music lover. This was my first time attending Boston Calling, which is primarily indie, and I have to say, it did not disappoint!
The venue, though I initially thought seemed a bit small, turned out to be perfect. I attended the Sunday festival, and I got there when Daughter, an indie folk band that I have loved for years, was up next. Although I had to step out of the venue for a short while (and unfortunately missed Daughter!), what I did see was that the vibe for the concert was absolutely perfect.
Everybody was sprawled out basking in the sunlight and a decent crowd was waiting for Daughter by one of the two stages. The performers alternated stages and the crowds began forming early to get as close to the front as possible; if you wanted to see a specific artist up close you had to move there while the musician before was still playing at the other stage.
No matter where you sat or stood, though, you could get a good view of the stage, and the large TV screens certainly helped as well. There were plenty of delicious food stands like Tasty Burger, and beer stands selling delicious treats like Angry Orchid.
The big name features were saved for last, and the venue, which was originally pretty open and sprinkled with concert goers throughout, became more and more packed as the night went on.
Unexpectedly, one of my favorite performers ended up being Nate Ruess, previously lead singer of the band fun. I was never a big fun. fan, and he sang a lot of the classic fun. songs that everyone at the very least heard on the radio. But he was incredibly interactive and fun to watch, and truly made a show of his performance. He did not seem to be lip syncing either, and his voice live was spectacular.
However, despite really enjoying Ruess, I could not contain my excitement about finally seeing Ben Howard, one of the artists drawing a huge crowd. Howard, who writes as well as performs his songs, is an artist I have been dying to see since my high school years. I was surprised to see how many people knew his name, and that when his performance time came, the crowd around me was suddenly so condensed it was impossible to move.
I personally love the feeling of being in the midst of a huge crowd at a concert. It feels as though the entire world has come down to that one moment, that sensation of everyone there for the single purpose of just enjoying some good music. The sun was setting as he performed and I could not have been happier.
After his performance, I decided to escape the crowd for a little bit and head to the VIP section. Now, I know not everybody gets to experience it, and I was truly fortunate for being part of the media, but there were still some concert goers in VIP who were not working with the press. In case anyone is wondering if it is worth getting VIP tickets, I would say it’s a nice bonus but probably is not critical to a good time.
As a VIP, you have access to a platform that gives you a good view of the entire venue from above. I personally think it is more fun to be up close and in the midst of the craziness, but if you’re the type to want some space, VIP is a great way to go. On the platform, you can find a bar that is separate from the one for regular concert goers, and even a free meal that rotates for each day of the concert.
From my perch on the platform, I got to watch and listen to Hozier, a rising star in the music world. The crowd for Hozier was insane; it was packed before I even would have had a chance to join in the fun. He was one of the artists you certainly had to plan ahead for to get a good position in the crowd. His voice was beautiful, and though he was less theatrical than Ruess, he was still great to listen to.
The night closed with Alabama Shakes, a group that I have never heard of but was surprised to find that many people in the crowd were die-hard fans. Some kids I met told me that they traveled quite far to be able to see these bands, and I was grateful that, as a Boston resident, the concert was so accessible.
Seriously, if you’re looking to find some new music or just to enjoy the vibe, Boston Calling is a must. All concert fanatics will love the experience, and those who are new to concerts are guaranteed an amazing first time.