Top 10 Acts To See At Boston Calling

It’s that time again. With two shows a year, Boston Calling has quickly become one of the East Coast’s best music festivals. A mix of established superstars, talented up-and-comers and a couple locals sprinkled in makes for an incredible experience. As New England slowly but surely creeps into fall, the 6th edition of the festival is happening from September 25 – 27. For the lowdown on who you should check out, here are my Top 10 Acts To See At Boston Calling.

10.) Dirty Bangs (Sunday 1:05 @ Red Stage)

One of the local openers representing what’s happening musically in Boston, Dirty Bangs had me hooked when I heard “Cheap Time” last year, badass rock & roll that’ll straight up intoxicate you before you grab your first drink. These guys aren’t afraid to explore, made evident by following Ryan Adams’ & Father John Misty’s lead and covering a song off of Taylor Swift’s much-celebrated album 1989 — “Bad Blood” in the vein of ‘70s synthpunks Suicide. Will they perform it live? Show up early on Sunday and find out.

9.) Bully (Sunday 1:40 @ Jet Blue Stage)

Following Dirty Bangs on the festival’s final day, Nashville garage punk act Bully will take things over and I’m excited to see what Alicia Bognanno and her band bring to the table. Their debut album, Feels Like, which came out a few months ago, is one of my favorites so far this year. A few friends of mine sang Bully’s praises when it comes to their live set. Let’s see if that can bring you out of your Sunday hangover and put you in a rockin’ and rollin’ mood.

8.) Chromeo (Saturday 7:05 @ Jet Blue Stage)

If you’re looking to dance, your best to get your groove on will be when Chromeo hits the stage when the sun starts to set on Saturday night. You’ll probably get crazy to some hot jams like “Bonafide Lovin’,” “Destination: Overdrive,” “Tenderoni,” “Night By Night” and “Hot Mess,” but regardless of what P-Thugg and Dave 1 bust out on stage, you know it’s going to be fun. Expect a mix of classics and some of their most recent material off of last year’s album White Women.

7.) Sturgill Simpson (Saturday 4:00 @ Red Stage)

He’s been referred to as one of the shining lights of new country music, despite the fact that he’s getting close to his 40s. Jackson, Kentucky’s Sturgill Simpson, intrigues me. I haven’t listened to him that much, but I’m looking to see what he brings to the stage on Saturday. I’m always interested when a musician is causing a stir, so let’s see what the fuss is all about when Simpson and his band perform.

6.) Father John Misty (Saturday 4:55 @ JetBlue Stage)

Causing a buzz lately with his take on Taylor Swift’s Blank Space in the vein of The Velvet Underground, Father John Misty promises to bring a memorable performance on Saturday. Like him or not (his confident, sometimes overly confident, demeanor can alienate some people), Joshua Tillman and his project always goes above all expectations when he plays live. He was great at the last year; expect much of the same at Boston Calling. 5.) Hozier (Sunday 8:15 @ Red Stage)

An Irish tall drink of water who has a soothing voice, Andrew Hozier-Byrne (better known as Hozier) has been flooded with fame since his hit “Take Me To Church” made it big in 2013. I got to see him perform at the Newport Folk Festival last year, and he was great (he’s also a really nice guy to meet). Maybe he’s changed his live performance since then, but you still shouldn’t miss Hozier when he performs on Sunday night.

4.) Alt-J (Saturday 9:35 @ JetBlue Stage)

The art-rock quartet from Leeds, England, has this cool essence about them with their laid-back style that a lot of people in the States really dig. You’ll see people grooving all over Boston City Hall when they start playing, and you’ll be joining in the fun with everyone else. Tesselate to the rhythms and beats as Alt-J will justify why they are so popular across the pond from home.

3.) Shakes (Sunday 9:30 @ JetBlue Stage)

I’ve been kicking myself for the past couple of years that I haven’t given this act from Athens, Alabama, a thorough listen yet. Something tells me after Sunday I’ll be trying to get my hands on ’ entire discography. Brittany Howard’s voice is as soulful as it gets — such a rootsy sound that anyone can enjoy. Before you head home, stick around and watch Alabama Shakes finish the festival off in immense fashion.

2.) Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks (Saturday 3:05 @ JetBlue Stage)

Maybe it’s because I’m a huge fan of the ‘90s alternative rock act Pavement, but I’m very much looking forward to what Stephen Malkmus and his band of Jicks have to show on stage on Saturday afternoon. You’ll probably hear a bunch of material off of their most recent release, Wig Out At Jagbags, that came out last year, but hopefully Stephen will play some Pavement classics like “Cut Your Hair” and “Summer Babe.” Regardless, it should be a special experience for all in attendance.

1.) The Avett Brothers (Friday 9:10 @ JetBlueStage)

There are bands who are the real deal live and The Avett Brothers are definitely one of those. Seth & Scott’s brand of folky roots rock is energetic and invigorating; it’ll definitely be a great way to conclude the first night of the festival on Friday. Let’s hope they play “Colorshow,” “Murder In The City” and “Slight Figure Of Speech.” Those are a few of my favorites.

Let’s all have a blast this weekend and enjoy each other’s company while listening to awesome live music. Tickets are still available. Log on to Boston Calling’s website and grab them while they last: bostoncalling.com