Truly illuminating the incredible talent that the Greater Boston area has to offer, Get To The Gig Boston’s aptly titled ‘Nice, a fest’ returned to Somerville’s Davis Square. In its second year at The Rockwell and Crystal Ballroom, the festival also saw an expansion by way of an outdoor main stage at the Grove St parking lot. Running from Thursday, July 25 through Sunday, July 28, Nice, a fest saw more than 70 bands grace the three stages across the weekend.
The fourth edition of the festival so far, it’s become a welcome tradition to see what the area has to offer. A wide variety of talent that stretches beyond the stage, with two local vendor markets (dubbed thee “Small-Mart”) popping up throughout the weekend, just steps away from the music.
The festivities began on Thursday at the Crystal Ballroom with a lineup that included local faves Pink Navel, Haasan Barclay and Dutch Tulips. Digital Awareness got to debut their live visuals that evening, which moved to the Rockwell for the rest of the weekend. A welcome addition, the group created backdrops that effectively amplified the performers, without distracting or taking away from the music.
Continuing on Friday, the Rockwell opened for business and hosted an incredible evening of music, rivaled only by the lineup boasted by the Crystal Ballroom of course. Artists like Coco Smith, Chris Walton, Alright Thanks, Tiffy and Pet Fox were only a few of the names attendees were eager to catch in the charming basement venue. As the energy grew, so did the temps – with Pet Fox capping off the sweatertainment with another rousing set.
Over at the Crystal Ballroom, Bus Crush, Tiberius, Hannah Mohan, Mallcops (feat Allston Pudding’s own Joey Del Ponte), Ian Sweet and more captivated listeners with their luscious lamentations while those in the back of the room slung merch and took free rides on the Mechanical Pickle – courtesy of Grillo’s Pickles’ of course.
Saturday brought the heat – and an additional stage – to carry us into the weekend. Artists Layzi, Hush Club, Divine Sweater, Pile and Palehound kept ticket holders from succumbing to the sun’s rays with cool tunes (and free Smart Water!). Boston heroes Vundabar closed out the outdoor MainStage to a packed crowd of fans, obviously undeterred from the prior hours of standing.
Saturday at the Rockwell hosted The Calendars, Nurse Joy, Ohio State Fair, Supermarket Parking Lot and many more while The Crystal Ballroom welcomed Happy Just to See You, JVK, Gymshorts, Burp. and OVLOV – filling in for Grass is Green at the last minute. The outdoor markets shopped along all weekend with vendors like Goldenhour Goods, Gracie Makes Things, Hungry Ghost Press, Speakeasy Print Shop and Wanna Hear It Records keeping eyes hungry and tote bags full. DJ sets continued all weekend by the Statue Park Vendor Market courtesy of Mercet and Allston Pudding’s own DJ Denim Dill.
Sunday closed out the festival with more comfortable weather, and more impressive outings from many of Boston’s local acts. Vivid Bloom, The Collect Pond (feat. Allston Pudding’s own Dan Moffat), Mercy Ruin, Corporeal, Gift and House of Harm rounded out the lineup with more diverse and delicious jams, while beloved rock band Model/Actriz closed out the Crystal Ballroom as the weekend’s final act.
Using one of Greater Boston’s busiest and charming neighborhoods as its backdrop, Nice, a fest showcases the area and its talent and then some. The lovely folks at Get To The Gig Boston continue to provide an annual excuse for friends & family to come together, crack open a Topo Chico, throw back a few pies at Dragon Pizza – or some delectable Thai food from Dakzen – and listen to some very nice music.
