Last year was a tough year for the holiday season. That’s understandable, considering no practice for everyone, the unfortunate wave of bad weather, and the plethora of band cancellations. Things look set to improve in 2023, with Coachella off to a strong start (despite a controversial headlining show) and now Boston Calling off to one of its best weekends in its 10-year history.
There’s no better show than this, and as the Foo Fighters return from personal tragedy, their long-promised performance will be at the gala. (Check out our full recap and photo gallery of the scene.) You couldn’t ask for better weather, and the hottest day (Sunday) was barely oppressive. You couldn’t even ask for better food, with local favorites like gourmet burgers and grilled cheese at Roxy’s serving crowds, and celebrity chefs serving up steaks and grilled clams for the Platinum Package.
Much about the festival has remained the same since coming to the Harvard Sports Center — a testament to the organizers getting things right from the start. The grounds are easy and quick to navigate, in fact they’ve gotten easier; where the VIP section entrances and exits on the main stage created traffic problems in previous years, these clusters have largely been resolved this year with some relocations.
Earlier this month, I wrote about how Boston Calling fits perfectly with its New England home. In fact, the city has changed a lot in recent years, with shiny new developments springing up alongside the Georgian and brutalist architecture the colonial city is known for. Maybe that’s reflected in some of the premium upgrades the festival now offers, but no makeover is going to stop Boston from being Boston. Its people are strong and strong, proud of who they really are and know they can stand up to any challenger.
That’s Boston’s calling. Sure, it will have a smaller footprint and a narrower market than other big festivals, but it will deliver an experience as valuable as any of its competitors — if not more so. Like a city, the festival landscape changes; like the city, Boston Calling dares you to go beyond it.
calling all locals
Dropkick Murphys, photo: Ben Kaye
Speaking of Boston Pride, the festival once again welcomed some local talent. While the Q-Tip Bandits gained strong word on the blue stage with their jam-soul hit, rapper Brandie Blaze and her band covered Rage Against the Machine’s “Bulls on Parade” on the smaller orange stage . Between post-hardcore smashes on their own Orange Stage set, Actor Observer reminds fans why it’s so important to cherish your local scene.