Boston Calling and Berklee Partner to Showcase Student Talent

Boston Calling and Berklee Partner to Showcase Student Talent When Boston Calling comes to Allston this May, student performers will light up the festival's indoor arena with captivating live sets.

By

Tori Donahue

March 6, 2025

Image courtesy of Boston Calling

Berklee College of Music has announced a new partnership with Boston Calling, the annual three-day music festival taking place this Memorial Day weekend, May 23-25, in Allston. During this May's festival weekend, student musicians from the college will perform in the festivals on-site indoor arena, adding to the space's welcoming atmosphere and offering a comfortable retreat for festival-goers. The collaboration builds upon the longstanding relationship between the college and Boston Calling, and furthers the festival's tradition of showcasing area music talent.

In previous years, Berklee students and alumni have been a part of Boston Calling's main lineup, performing on the festival's various stages. For example, recent Berklee graduate Kieran Rhodes played with other Berklee musicians at last year's festival, just one week after his graduation, as part of the Berklee Popular Music Institute. This year, Berklee alumni indie-pop band Lucius will return to perform at Boston Calling.

Berklee has long been at the forefront of shaping the next generation of musicians, and I'm excited to see these stars take the stage this May.- Boston Mayor Michelle Wu

Boston Calling is a cornerstone of our city's vibrant arts scene and now a treasured annual tradition, said City of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. The festival's dedication to highlighting local talent makes it a perfect stage for Berklee's exceptional musicians, offering students a unique opportunity to share their artistry with new audiences. Berklee has long been at the forefront of shaping the next generation of musicians, and I'm excited to see these stars take the stage this May.

Boston Calling is an iconic music festival that shares Berklee's desire to create more stages for musicians here in the city. I am proud to see the festival highlight Berklee artists this year, said Berklee President Jim Lucchese. In addition to alumni like Lucius taking the main stage, we're thrilled to showcase our incredible student talent for attendees in the arena. Boston Calling also provides a fantastic opportunity for these students to experience and learn about the workings of a large-scale festival from the inside.

For Boston Calling attendees seeking a break from the outdoor excitement, this May the onsite indoor arena at the festival will be open to provide a spacious, temperature-controlled space to regroup and to recharge. The space will offer free water stations as well as other beverages available for purchase. All Boston Calling pass holders are welcome to the arena and can enter and exit the space as frequently as they would like.

At the center of the arena, seven Berklee student jazz acts will take the stage in the afternoon and early evening to deliver captivating live performances throughout all three days of the festival. The indoor arena lineup of Berklee student musicians is as follows:

Friday, May 23

Tiril Jackson

Devon Gates & Friends

Su Yavuz

Saturday, May 24

Srisley

Solaya + The Effect

Su Yavuz

Sunday, May 25

Manuela S nchez Goubert

Aniy

Su Yavuz

In previous years, Boston Calling's onsite indoor arena has hosted everything from renowned comedy performances featuring Saturday Night Live's Michael Che and actress/author Jenny Slate, to entertainment events like a film festival hosted by Oscar-winning actress Natalie Portman. Thanks to this unique partnership between Boston Calling and Berklee, this vibrant addition in the arena is designed to enhance the festival experience offering guests with fresh new sounds from student performers.

Headlining this year's Boston Calling are country superstar Luke Combs, performing on Friday, May 23; alt-rock favorites Fall Out Boy, playing Saturday, May 24; and 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Dave Matthews Band will close out the weekend on Sunday, May 25.

These renowned acts will top a stellar roster of more than 50 performers, including over a dozen artists with area ties. Rounding out the incredible lineup are acts ranging from breakout stars to heavy hitters, including country hitmaker Megan Moroney, pop-punk megastar Avril Lavigne, nine-time Grammy winner Sheryl Crow, and beloved indie rockers Vampire Weekend. Joining these acts are Cage the Elephant, Sublime, T-Pain, the Black Crowes, Public Enemy, Remi Wolf, TLC, All Time Low, Goth Babe, mike., James Bay, Thee Sacred Souls, the Maine, Tom Morello, and more.

Boston Calling 2025 tickets, including three-day and single-day passes across all tiers, are now available. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit bostoncalling.com.

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