It’s pretty hard to believe that Boston Calling is now closing out its third year in the city. Since Spring 2013, the festival has shaped the landscape of live music in the city, catapulting it back into relevance. The past five editions brought the likes of Fun., Kendrick Lamar, Modest Mouse, Lorde, and The Pixies onstage at City Hall Plaza. The sixth installment of the festival begins this Friday night and continues throughout the weekend with performances from The Avett Brothers, Alt-J, Chvrches, Alabama Shakes, Hozier and more. Be sure to show up early on Saturday and Sunday for local bands Grey Season (our preview) and Dirty Bangs! Here are a few acts we’re looking forward to seeing this weekend…

Friday, September 25th, 2015

The festival kicks off Friday night with two brothers who have continued to keep folk music relevant with their own heartfelt, and sometimes somber, spin on traditional Americana. The bearded duo of Seth and Scott Avett never disappoint when it comes to live performances, incorporating a full band complete with cello and fiddle. These two should be the perfect low-key start to Boston Calling’s sixth visit to City Hall Plaza.

Saturday, September 26th, 2015

If you like weird (and even if you don’t), Father John Misty is one act not to be missed at Boston Calling. If you’re lucky, he’ll come out in his giant bunny suit, or perform a few songs through his life-sized cardboard I-phone cut-out. Oh, and his music isn’t bad, either.

Walk the Moon – Selected by Anna Ohio has produced a talented modicum of artists, including the groove-inspiring, surprisingly catchy electronic informed pop of Walk The Moon. While “Shut Up And Dance” may have inspired you to scream more of the former than engaging in the latter after hearing it on the radio one too many times, their music is admittedly catchy and warmhearted. Though it’s simple, feel-good pop music that will definitely have you dancing, dark metaphors and complex topics lurk in their songs. Plus, if you stick around long enough, they might pull out their killer cover of “All These Things That I’ve Done.” CHVRCHES – Selected by Jenna I don’t know about you, but I’d like to think that CHVRCHES dropped their new album on NPR First Listen (as of yesterday) JUST for all of us waiting to see them at Boston Calling. Perhaps a teaser for what’s to come on Saturday night? Either way, expect a set full of electro-pop just as sharp-edged as the “v” in their name.

Alt-J – Selected by TK Shivering harmonies, ethereal voices, poignant lyrics and unique compositions are what you can expect from English indie band Alt-j ∆ as they bless Boston Calling with their presence on Saturday. Prepare to close your eyes and sway as you become entranced by their almost metaphysical stage presence and music. It truly is beautiful.

Sunday, September 27th, 2015

FIDLAR – Selected by Jon

The first time I heard Fidlar I had stepped into an apartment of a friend whom I didn’t know that well from a pouring rain. My 12 pack’s cardboard was soaked and ripping. It was the perfect antidote.

Daughter – Selected by Knar

Festivals can be exhausting, so an airy, moody act like Daughter will be welcome on the last day. I would liken her sound to flying a kite on a gloomy, drizzly, grey day at the beach; sad and calming but at times, triumphant. Hopefully this time the brooding will stay onstage, and the skies don’t break out in a rage like they did last September.

