There’s something entrancing about the pulsating beat and pounding bass that shakes the ground beneath your feet during a live concert. The bond between you, the artist and the crowd is a force to be reckoned with as you stomp and scream your favorite lyrics at the top of your lungs. However, music festivals, like our local one known as Boston Calling, can be a bit of a mystery to young people like myself. You don’t really know what to expect, with names of dozens of artists descending into tiny font and thousands more people bound to show up and support their favorites and newfound music. It can be intimidating, especially when your mom is grilling you about the details you don’t have. Last year, I went to Boston Calling and lived to tell the tale. I'm here to tell you (and your mom) all about it.
According to an article by WBUR, Boston Calling has changed a lot from a small event in City Hall Plaza in 2013 to a large scale festival taking place in the Harvard Athletic Complex in Allston with the likes of Foo Fighters, Rage Against The Machine, and Red Hot Chilli Peppers headlining in 2020, and Travis Scott, Tame Impala, Paramore, and more in years past. As well, there are performances from Boston Ballet and comedians. You can make a pitstop at the arena and laugh with the likes of Micheal Che and Melissa Villaseñor, and this year, local comedian Lamont Price. The festival is also known for the food and drink vendors that you can preview before using the official Boston Calling app. There is much variety to be found, and something for everyone interested.
Franz Criscione, a 17-year-old at Boston Arts Academy, has been twice, and plans on going for the third year in a row. “My overall experience was very fun. I thought that the multi stage platform really created a super cool atmosphere of music all the time. That specifically made me listen to so many artists I hadn’t heard of before that I ended up liking a lot.” Like many big events, it’s always better (and more fun) to bring a few friends, as Criscione recommends. “You want to have a crew around you at all times, there is a lot going on and being alone with so many people in one place can be disorienting. Having a group of people to be able to check in with and have fun with will improve your experience overall.” Even with conflicting tastes, having another person drag you to an artist that you’d never hear can help you discover artists you never would have without them.
The Boston Calling website provides a handy list of things to bring in their FAQ, including:
- Sunscreen (non aerosol)
- Hats
- Sunglasses
- Non-professional film and digital cameras
- (1) Factory-sealed bottle of water (non-glass container, up to 1 gallon in size)
- A small clear plastic bag (no backpacks are allowed inside the festival)
- Valid Driver’s License for will-call and/or to purchase alcohol
- Comfortable footwear (shoes or sandals must be worn to enter festival grounds)
They provide lockers that can be reserved, recommend comfy and lightweight clothes and lots of water. It’s a practical list and something your mom would recommend. Is everything absolutely necessary? No, but no one wants to be walking around in grass fields in heels or without your own water or some sunscreen to protect from the May sun.
I was lucky enough to have been a volunteer last year, meaning while I spent a decent amount of time serving food to those who spent money for the experience, I was able to go and escape to jive to Logic’s swift and lyrical flow and MARINA’s joyful pop beats. So if you see the ticket price of $399.99 plus a $46.99 fee, trying to volunteer and offering your services can get you places. We all know the feeling of wanting to attend an event and stressing out about how to save up. But in trying to volunteer, you can rack up some community service hours and just be a general help during this hectic time.
Going to a festival is an ideal experience for someone who wants to be able to chill, bounce around, and hang out with friends in a musically fueled space. And at the end of the day, the festival isn’t that overwhelming. The only overwhelming part is figuring out what to explore next.
Going to a festival is an ideal experience for someone who wants to be able to chill, bounce around, and hang out with friends in a musically fueled space. And at the end of the day, the festival isn’t that overwhelming. The only overwhelming part is figuring out what to explore next.