From Boston Calling 2024: Friday Sound Bites

The Boston Calling Music Festival kicked off with a bang on Friday as fans thronged into Harvard's Athletic Complex to get a glimpse of their favorite artists.

Ric Wilson

On the Allianz Blue Stage, Ric Wilson — the self-proclaimed artist, performer, and prison abolitionist — delivered an unforgettable funk-filled performance.

“Bostonians — it’s ugly but it’s nice. Chicagoans. I’m from Chicago, so, eh,” said Wilson with a shrug. The Chicago-based musician’s return to Boston supplied fans with a taste of Wilson’s unbeatable energy and groove. A gorgeous choral tone from the trumpet supported Wilson’s vocals in his track “Love Away,” which he introduced by saying, “It’s a breakup and makeup song.” Despite his lyrics about heartbreak, there was nothing complicated about the marvel and energy that he brought to the stage.

By Courtesy of Gwendolyn M. Ibarra

Reneé Rapp

“Raise your hand if you’re from Colorado,” said Reneé Rapp to the crowd of screaming fans before beginning her aptly named song, “Colorado.”

Rapp continued, “This is like one of the places in America that sucks less!”It is no surprise that the 24-year-old singer-songwriter’s lyrical critique for the United States extends beyond the Rocky Mountains into the Northeast, as shown by her song, “I Hate Boston.” The song’s title — much to the chagrin of the crowd at Boston Calling — was inspired by her own experiences in the city.

“I’ve professed that I hate Boston,” began Rapp, “But goddamn, I’m having a good time today.” Rapp delivered a truly remarkable act filled with unequivocal energy. During her song, “Pretty Girls,” Rapp’s voice rang out over the heavy roar of her guitarist. The periodic rise and fall of her performance brought moments of stillness, but Rapp maintained her animated movements and expressivity throughout.

By Courtesy of Gwendolyn M. Ibarra

Leon Bridges

Leon Bridges makes music for sunsets, wine, and dancing — the type to spin lovers to. As night fell on the first day of Boston Calling, that’s exactly what the crowd did. Bridges is bluesy but never saccharine — songs like “River” and “Texas Sun” felt warm and full with strong supporting vocals and slide guitar. His neo-soul quality and mesmerizing vocals emerged in “Coming Home,” a hit from his debut album, “Coming Home.” Over the span of his career, Bridges has mastered his sound — each hum, tap, and shake of the tambourine was intentional. The performance was also a visual masterpiece. A screen displaying soft rainbow hues backlit Bridges and his swaying band. As nightmare neared, Bridges’ lush set provided a vital moment of serenity before the headliner’s powerful finish.

—Staff writer Gwendolyn M. Ibarra can be reached at gwendolyn.ibarra@thecrimson.com.