What to Check Out at the 2018 Boston Calling Festival
The 2018 edition of Boston Calling, one of the city's most iconic events and one of the world's largest metropolitan music festivals, features an incredible line up this year. The ninth edition will offer over 54 performances from musicians, artists, bands and comedians across three stages at Harvard Athletic Complex over Memorial Day Weekend (May 25 - 27). Like previous years, The National's Aaron Dessner curated the lineup, which includes a strikingly deep roster of talent from a number of genres. It spans international superstars as well as local talent - music fans will undoubtedly be thrilled by favorites and discover newcomers.
With so many acts to see, performances to catch, films to watch and standup sets to laugh through, there's a lot to explore at Boston Calling. Below is a highlight of all three days of the festival to help guide you through the exciting music event.
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Friday, May 25:
Perfume Genius. Photo credit: Courtesy of Boston Calling
Headlining Friday's Boston Calling is chart-topping rockers The Killers. After releasing their no. 1 album "Wonderful Wonderful" last year, the prolific band will offer fans performances from their new material as well as a number of their classic hits, like "Mr. Brightside." Music fans can also get their rock on with The National, which has become a Boston Calling staple. Additionally, the pop-punk band Paramore will be another must-see show Friday. Those looking to dance ought to catch pop singer-songwriter Maggie Rogers and queer singer Perfume Genius.
Saturday, May 26:
St. Vincent. Photo credit: Courtesy of Boston Calling
On Saturday, festival-goers will need to catch rapper Tyler, the Creator's set, who has blasted into the zeitgeist since appearing on the scene with the hip-hop collective Odd Future in the mid-2000s. Queer indie rocker St. Vincent is another Saturday highlight. Also known as Annie Clarke, music fans will have to witness the singer live where she wows fans with her face-melting guitar skills. There's also performances by rap collective Brockhampton to see as well as indie rockers Queens of the Stone Age. Of course, Saturday is capped off with headliner Jack White, who released his excellent third solo album "Boarding House Reach" in March.
Sunday, May 27:
Zola Jesus. Photo credit: Courtesy of Boston Calling
Boston Calling on Sunday features what could be the festival's most diverse lineup yet. There's a little something for everyone here, including the critically lauded folk band Fleet Foxes, indie rockers The Decembrists, singer-songwriter Julien Baker and art rockers Dirty Projectors, who are releasing a new album later this year. Goth electro artist Zola Jesus also takes the stage, as does the dazzling lo-fi rock band Alvvays. Capping off the event Sunday is Eminem - the Grammy Award-winning prolific rapper, who is one of the most exciting artists the festival has had.