Boston Calling is shaking it up this year: local artists and students will now play alongside headliners Luke Combs, Fall Out Boy and Dave Matthews Band, “furthering the festival’s continued tradition of showcasing area music tale,” according to a press release. The festival will be held from May 23 to 25 at the Harvard Athletic Complex
In a brand-new partnership with Berklee College of Music, Boston Calling will feature student jazz musicians in the on-site indoor arena of the festival. The arena itself is a comfortable retreat from the chaos of the rest of the festival, providing a perfect opportunity to enjoy the students’ art.
“The festival’s dedication to highlighting local talent makes it a perfect stage for Berklee’s exceptional musicians, offering students a unique opportunity to share their artistry with new audiences. Berklee has long been at the forefront of shaping the next generation of musicians, and I’m excited to see these stars take the stage this May,” Mayor Michelle Wu said.
Other local acts include Battlemode, Bebe Stockwell, Latrell James and more — but the big names at Boston Calling are nothing to shy away from, either.
Friday is headlined by four-time Grammy-nominated country superstar Luke Combs. Combs is commonly known for his 2023 cover of Fast Car by Tracy Chapman. Other acts on this day include nine-time Grammy award-winning country artist Sheryl Crow, rapper T-Pain, and country singer-songwriter Megan Moroney. The Berklee jazz acts taking Orange Stage on this day are Tiril Jackson, Devon Gates & Friends, and Su Yavuz.
Saturday brings out Chicago alt-rock legends Fall Out Boy, with multiple albums ranked for greatest pop-punk albums of all time by Rolling Stone and Rock Sound. They’ll be joined by Avril Lavigne, Cage the Elephant and All Time Low, giving the day an overall alt-rock vibe. Berklee jazz artists Srisley, Soraya + The Effect, and Su Yavuz are taking the stage this day.
Sunday introduces 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, Dave Matthews Band. The band has been nominated for 14 Grammys, winning one in 1997 for their song, “So Much to Say.” The day also brings Sublime, rebooted with Jakob Nowell, son of late singer Bradley Nowell, on vocals. Berklee brings Manuela Sánchez Goubert, Aniyé and Su Yavuz to the stage. With Vampire Weekend and Remi Wolf also part of the lineup, Sunday promises a fun indie vibe to end out the festival.
The full lineup can be found on bostoncalling.com as well as across the festival’s social media accounts.
The festival is best accessed by MBTA via the Red Line to Harvard Square Station or by bus. The station is a short walk from the station to the festival entrance. In addition to local parking garages and on-site bike racks, Boston Calling will be working with taxi and rideshare programs to ensure safe and easy pickup and drop off. The grounds are ADA accessible and ASL interpreters are available upon request.
Some vendors from the food lineup last year include Flour Bakery + Cafe, El Jefe’s Taqueria and Tasty Burger. While this year’s vendors have yet to be announced, the festival is partnered with beer companies such as Samuel Adams, Miller Lite and Heineken. They are also partnered with Dunkin’, Doordash and Red Bull, so there will be no shortage of food and drinks for all ages.
Passes can still be purchased for one or three days online at the Boston Calling website.
