Festivals
10 Artists We’re Most Excited to See at Boston Calling 2024
Boston Calling 2024 is just around the corner, and the lineup is stacked. From global superstars to rising talents, this year’s festival promises a diverse musical experience. Here are ten artists we’re particularly excited to see take the stage at the Harvard Athletic Complex over Memorial Day weekend.
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran is set to headline Friday night, bringing his signature loop pedal magic to Boston Calling. Known for his ability to captivate massive audiences with just a guitar and his voice, Sheeran’s performance is anticipated to be both intimate and powerful.
Having previously expressed his fondness for performing in the Boston area, fans can expect a heartfelt setlist that spans his extensive catalog. It’s a rare festival appearance for Sheeran, making this a must-see performance.
Megan Thee Stallion
Megan Thee Stallion is bringing her high-energy performance to Sunday’s lineup. Known for her dynamic stage presence and empowering lyrics, Megan’s set will be a festival highlight.
With hits like “Savage” and “Body,” she has a knack for getting the crowd moving. Her performance is anticipated to be both entertaining and empowering, making it a must-watch.
The Killers
Closing out the festival on Sunday, The Killers are set to deliver a high-energy performance filled with fan favorites. Known for their electrifying live shows, the band is expected to leave a lasting impression.
With a setlist likely to include hits like “Mr. Brightside,” their performance is anticipated to be both nostalgic and invigorating. It’s a fitting finale for a weekend of great music.
Chappell Roan
Chappell Roan is quickly gaining attention for her theatrical performances and catchy tunes on her Midwest Princess Tour. Her unique style and engaging stage presence make her a standout act in this year’s lineup.
Known for creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, Roan’s set is expected to be both entertaining and memorable. Fans can look forward to a performance that’s as visually captivating as it is musically engaging.
Leon Bridges
Leon Bridges brings a soulful touch to Friday’s lineup. His blend of classic soul with modern influences offers a refreshing change of pace amidst the festival’s high-energy acts.
Known for his smooth vocals and retro style, Bridges’ performance is anticipated to be both captivating and soothing. It’s a set that promises to transport listeners to another era.
Khruangbin
Khruangbin’s genre-blending sound makes them a unique addition to Saturday’s lineup. Their instrumental prowess and eclectic influences are expected to provide a sonic journey for festival-goers.
Known for their immersive live performances, Khruangbin’s set is anticipated to be both mesmerizing and thought-provoking. It’s an opportunity to experience music that defies traditional genre boundaries.
Tyler Childers
Making history as Boston Calling’s first country headliner, Tyler Childers brings his blend of folk, bluegrass, and neotraditional country to Saturday night. His storytelling and heartfelt lyrics are expected to resonate with a diverse audience.
Childers’ performance is anticipated to be both intimate and powerful, offering a unique experience amidst the festival’s varied lineup.
Hozier
Returning to Boston Calling, Hozier is set to deliver a soulful performance on Sunday. Known for his emotive vocals and poetic lyrics, his set is expected to be both moving and memorable.
With a repertoire that includes hits like “Take Me to Church,” Hozier’s performance is anticipated to captivate the audience and provide a poignant moment in the festival’s lineup.
Reneé Rapp
Reneé Rapp, known for her role in the 2024 “Mean Girls” musical, is bringing her vocal prowess to Friday’s lineup. Her transition from stage to music (check out her album Snow Angel) has been well-received, and her performance is expected to showcase her range and charisma.
With a growing fanbase and a unique blend of theatricality and musicality, Rapp’s set is anticipated to be both entertaining and impressive. It’s an opportunity to see a rising star in a live setting.
d4vd
d4vd brings a mix of bedroom pop, R&B, and moody pop punk to Saturday’s lineup. Known for his dynamic performances, including a notable backflip to start his set, d4vd’s energy is expected to be infectious.
His genre-blending style and engaging stage presence make him a standout act. Fans can look forward to a performance that’s both high-energy and emotionally resonant.
Boston Calling 2024 promises a weekend filled with diverse musical experiences. Whether you’re there for the headliners or to discover new talent, this year’s festival is set to deliver memorable performances across the board.
Festivals
FIFA Fan Festival Vancouver – Kaytranada
The FIFA Fan Festival™ at the PNE closed out another memorable week on Sunday with the biggest match in world football and a fitting musical finale. Fans packed the site well before kickoff, creating a sea of jerseys, flags, and face paint as they gathered to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina. Every big chance was met with gasps and cheers, and when Spain secured the victory, the celebrations spread across the festival grounds as supporters soaked in the final moments of a month-long tournament.
There was little time for the excitement to settle before the day’s entertainment shifted from football to live music. Montreal’s Kaytranada took over the Amphitheatre stage, giving fans one last reason to keep the energy going after the trophy presentation. Known for blending house, hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music into a sound that feels uniquely his own, Kaytranada delivered exactly the kind of set the festival needed to close the weekend.
With Spain crowned world champions and Kaytranada providing the soundtrack to the celebration, the FIFA Fan Festival wrapped up another successful day at the PNE. It was a reminder that throughout the tournament, football and music proved to be the perfect combination, bringing thousands of people together to celebrate on and off the pitch.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
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All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer
Festivals
FIFA Fan Festival Vancouver – The Dead South, Jesse Roper, Colin James
The FIFA Fan Festival™ at the PNE Grounds delivered another full day of football and live music on Saturday, July 18, as fans packed the site to watch the FIFA World Cup third-place match before spending the afternoon discovering Canadian talent across the festival stages.
The day opened with one last piece of World Cup drama before the tournament finale. England defeated France in the third-place match, giving English supporters plenty to celebrate before the music began. Groups wearing England shirts could be spotted throughout the grounds after the final whistle, adding to the lively atmosphere that has become a daily feature of the Fan Festival.
Once the football wrapped up, the focus shifted to the Amphitheatre and Park Stage. Vancouver’s own Jesse Roper was among the first artists we caught, bringing his signature blues-rock sound to an enthusiastic crowd. His guitar work and easy stage presence made for a strong start to the afternoon, with plenty of fans gathering in front of the stage despite a full day of entertainment still ahead.
Over on the Park Stage, Canadian blues-rock legend Colin James reminded everyone why he has remained one of the country’s most respected performers for decades. His set mixed polished musicianship with plenty of groove, drawing listeners of all ages who appreciated every guitar solo and familiar chorus.
The Dead South closed out the day. The Saskatchewan quartet’s blend of bluegrass, folk and country proved to be a perfect fit for the outdoor setting. Fans sang along, clapped in time and danced throughout the performance.
With the World Cup final less than 24 hours away, there was already a sense that the tournament was nearing its conclusion. Even so, July 18 showed that the FIFA Fan Festival remained much more than a place to watch football. It continued to bring together sport, live music and community in a way that has made it one of Vancouver’s standout events of the summer.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
THE DEAD SOUTH
JESSE ROPER
COLIN JAMES
FANS
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer