by MJ Peters
With Memorial Day Weekend came Boston Calling 2025, the city’s staple festival featuring over 50 acts performing across four venues. Gloomy clouds and downpours were no match for the crowds, as vibes were still high throughout the Harvard Athletic Complex. Each day seemed to bring a different vibe that brought fans of all genres and ages to Cambridge.
Friday embraced the vibe that comes with a country summer. Luke Combs and Megan Moroney brought the windows-down, sunshine energy that was a perfect way to kick off Memorial Day Weekend. Although less country and more hip-hop, T-Pain added to the youthful energy, playing hit after hit along with brilliant mashups that combined newer hip-hop hits with Nappy Boy Radio classics, such as a combination of FEIN! By Travis Scott & KSiss Kiss by Chris Brown (prod. By T-Pain). Two new artists that I left Friday thoroughly impressed by were Megan From Work and Latrell James. Manchester, NH indie rock/power pop band Megan From Work absolutely rocked the orange stage. Their energy was contagious, and joy was simply infectious. It’s always a pleasure watching a group of people doing what they love on stage, and they made that energy spread to the crowd seamlessly. Latrell James, a hip-hop artist from Boston, put on an incredible and memorable performance. He began his set by stating everything that he was grateful for before rapping his lead song “Grateful”. It was a beautiful and authentic way to begin a set, and it immediately caught the attention of concertgoers. In many ways, he reminded me of artists on J’Cole’s Dreamville label, with a cadence and flow similar to J. Cole and Bas.
Saturday, or what was dubbed “Emo Day” by many festival goers, did not disappoint. A day filled with electric guitars and nostalgia brought an excitement that could be felt throughout the grounds. Sofia Isella started the day with a jaw-dropping performance. Although the performance was accompanied by sporadic heavy rain, it seemed as if the rain was almost a paid actor, adding a layer of emotion to the gothic and ethereal performance. Cage The Elephant took the Green Stage later in the day and proved why they are considered one of the greatest live rock bands of our generation. The American rock band never fails to put on an absolutely electrifying performance. Avril Lavigne then took the stage to bring back waves of nostalgia for all viewers. Starting her set off with classics such as “Girlfriend” and “Complicated”, the crowd was immediately hooked. Fall Out Boy capped off Saturday night with more nostalgic hits and an entertainment factor that enthralled the audience. The band sang hit after hit, and bassist Pete Wentz brought the heat with his iconic flamethrower bass guitar.
Sunday marked the final day of Boston Calling 2025, delivering a diverse lineup that spanned rock, hip-hop, indie, and funk. Despite overcast skies and muddy grounds, the festival concluded on a high note, showcasing a blend of nostalgic acts and contemporary favorites. Vampire Weekend returned to their indie roots with a set that resonated with longtime fans. Their performance offered a mix of familiar hits and new material, providing a comforting and nostalgic experience for the audience. Remi Wolf’s anticipated performance was marred by technical difficulties, with microphone issues causing intermittent audio dropouts. Despite these challenges, her vibrant energy and eclectic blend of funk, soul, pop, and indie rock kept the audience engaged, and the Bay Area-born artist put on an incredible show nonetheless. Public Enemy, featuring Flava Flav, brought their signature political energy to the Blue Stage, engaging the crowd with powerful performances. Earlier, guitarist Tom Morello captivated audiences with his virtuosic playing, blending rock and activism in a compelling set. Headlining Sunday night, the Dave Matthews Band delivered a two-hour set filled with fan favorites like “Crash Into Me,” “Ants Marching,” and “Tripping Billies.” The performance peaked with a dynamic cover of Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower,” which seamlessly transitioned into Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven,” highlighting the band’s musical versatility and cohesion.
Overall, it was a remarkable weekend filled with incredible vendors and performers that created a joyful and fun environment for festivalgoers! Festival staff did an amazing job accommodating the site to the weather and the mud, adjusting the grounds when needed. Looking forward to next year and fingers crossed it’s more sunshine than rain!
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