Tag - buku music + art project

Flume & Glass Animals Coming to BUKU 2020

December 11, 2019

NEW ORLEANS, LA – The BUKU Music + Art Project today announced the artist lineup for the two-day festival taking place on March 20 and 21, 2020 in New Orleans. One year shy of its tenth anniversary, BUKU will return to the iconic Mardi Gras World grounds after back-to-back sold-out events. The 2020 festival will also continue its support of the Upbeat Academy Foundation, a non-profit organization providing New Orleans youth with opportunities to study hip-hop and dance music production, as a portion of ticket proceeds benefit the local arts initiative.

Artists announced on the 2020 lineup are:

Tyler, The Creator, Flume, Illenium, Glass Animals, Run The Jewels, Alison Wonderland, Zeds Dead, Kaytranada, Megan Thee Stallion, Charli XCX, Roddy Rich, Flatbush Zombies, Taking Back Sunday, Chris Lake, Kayzo: Unleashed, Ari Lennox, Gramatik, Dominic Fike, Space Jesus, TroyBoi, Subtronics, CloZee, Dance Gavin Dance, GoldLink, SVDDEN DEATH: VOYD, Cashmere Cat, JPEGMAFIA, Lucky Daye, Channel Tres, Young M.A, 100 gecs, I_O, Kota the Friend, Mr. Carmack, LSDREAM, Mija: Live, Kaash Paige, Pussy Riot, Turnstile, Eli & Fur, Blanke B2B LICK, J. Worra, Pluko, The Trifinity: Yheti x Toadface x Mt. Analogue, Daily Bread B2B Artifakts, Video Age, TVBOO, Trigem B2B MeSo, and TSHA.

The festival, known for its strong support of local talent, will showcase the following New Orleans artists: Bouffant Bouffant; Treety; Mhadi G; Malik Ninety Five; Raise the Death Toll; Lady Lavender B2B Edgar Allan Po’ Boy; DJ Heelturn; and a showcase from Upbeat Academy student-artists.

Inspired by the artistic subculture of New Orleans, BUKU is the creative intersection of an underground warehouse party and major urban music festival fusing a progressive and diverse musical lineup with: a real-time Live Graffiti Gallery featuring local painters, one-of-a-kind industrial art installations, celebrated local cuisine, and “pop-up” street-style performances. The event features five stages, each with its own unique vibe ranging from a projection-mapped dilapidated “Power Plant” to the “Float Den” housing the city’s signature Mardi Gras parade floats, and sits on a unique festival site along the Mississippi River just a short distance from New Orleans’ famed French Quarter.

In addition to showcasing the vibrant culture of New Orleans, BUKU is an inclusive celebration of acceptance, compassion and encouragement. The organizers and the BUKREWE community practice a zero-tolerance policy for: “sexual harassment, acts of aggression, racism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, religious bigotry… or any other form of hatred or discrimination. BUKU is intended to be a safe space to enjoy music, art, expression and community in complete freedom from any harassment or discrimination. BUKU has stated the following ethos on its website: “We Believe in Those Who Strive to be Dope. Originality, Creativity, Freedom and Community is Our Anthem.”

Tickets go on sale Friday, December 13, 2019 at 10 AM CT and include a variety of options for general and VIP admission as well as travel packages. VIP ticketing provides a host of special amenities that include premium viewing areas, access to the BUKU Rooftop, a quicker entrance lane, VIP restroom stations, as well as an open bar for guests 21+. The festival will again offer payment plans for all ticket types, allowing fans to pay for their tickets in four installments with a 10% down payment. The 2019 event sold out well in advance of the festival; event organizers are expecting the 2020 iteration to do the same and urge its diehard fans to buy early. When purchasing tickets, patrons should be mindful that BUKU is a 17+ event. More information on tickets offerings and pricing can be found at thebukuproject.com.

Fans have the opportunity to purchase presale tickets via American Express or Tunespeak. The AMEX presale starts Thursday, December 12 at 8AM CT and is open to all American Express Card Holders. The Tunespeak presale starts Thursday, December 12 at 10AM CT and customers can sign up for access at thebukuproject.com. Both presales end Friday, December 13 at 9:30 AM CT prior to the general on-sale beginning at 10 AM CT.

The official 2020 BUKU Music + Art project trailer can be viewed below.

For additional info, visit BUKU Music + Art Project online or on the following platforms: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @thebukuproject.

The 2020 BUKU Music + Art Project is presented by Winter Circle Productions, an AEG Presents company.

About Winter Circle Productions:
Winter Circle Productions began in 2009 as an independent promotion and production house to attract music that its founders felt was missing from a post-Katrina New Orleans. Creator of BUKU Music + Art Project and five-time recipient of the Offbeat Best Promoter Award, WCP is now celebrating its 10th year anniversary as one of the most trusted tastemakers on the Gulf Coast, having produced thousands of shows across many musical genres in dozens of venues. WCP joined AEG Presents in 2015 to run its new Gulf Coast regional office, in 2017 it took over a lease at the 1,200 capacity Joy Theater in New Orleans and beginning in 2020 WCP will be the lead operator of Hangout Music Festival. In addition to concert production, the members of WCP founded the Upbeat Academy Foundation, a non-profit organization providing New Orleans youth with opportunities to study hip-hop and dance music production. www.wintercircleproductions.com.

“Pass a Good Time” at BUKU

April 17, 2019

Jordan Miller

Events, Feature, News

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A short drive from the bustle of Bourbon Street, past the smell of Café Du Monde beignets and over south Canal Street, you can find a festival for music, art and traditional Louisiana cuisine known as BUKU Music + Art Project. The festival brings in major musical talents from various genres like hip-hop, indie, and electronic, but the most impressive aspect of BUKU is the amount and variety of art. BUKU encompasses the art-rich history of the Big Easy by showcasing multiple artists and art forms like roving musical troupes, acrobats, and dancers, while also creating fun backdrops like graffitied walls, revolving projection mapped spectacles, and Mardi Gras floats. Whether walking to another set or exploring the venue, you are always surrounded by art.

BUKU 2019 Shipping Crate Art — The BUKU shipping crate art installation was a popular backdrop

A crowd favorite was New Thousand with Adrian Jusdanis, who would wow passersby with an animated performance on his electric violin accompanied by Nick Haven, performing on five gallon buckets, used as drums. You couldn’t help but be drawn into the crowd that encircled Adrian and watch with eager eyes as he fervently plucked notes with his teeth while dancing around. The roving musical troupes added an essence of surprise to the BUKU experience by turning up unannounced with a group of dancing festival goers in tow as they moved to various stages as if the troupe was the Festival Pied Pipers.

Aside from the pop-up musical acts, BUKU hosted some major musical talent that undoubtedly helped them expand the venue and boast record numbers for their eighth year. Established artists like Lana Del Ray, RL Grime, A$AP Rocky, and Griz headlined the festival; all the musical acts big and small delivered. The Slander B2B NGHTMRE performance Friday night really set the bar for the weekend as the trio played a bass heavy set that got the whole crowd head-banging and sporting dirty bass faces. Yaeji performed her signature sound, hip hop house with mellow Korean and English lyrics, to a packed Float Den stage Saturday evening. Oliver Tree also graced the Float Den and despite starting 45 minutes later than scheduled, was greeted by cheering fans as he rode in on his Razor scooter while emulating the 80’s by sporting a brightly colored puffy track suit.

BUKU 2019 Oliver Tree — Oliver Tree Performing at BUKU 2019

Oliver Tree wasn’t the only BUKU attendee dressed to impress. The entire festival was flooded with outlandish and expressive fashions that one could only find in New Orleans. Everything from rhinestone cowboy hats to Carnival style bras and feather headdresses were seen cutting through the crowd or standing in line for water. You could also visit one of the many “style booths” and get glittered, colorful hair extensions, or body painted.

BUKU 2019 Outfits and Art
BUKU 2019 Outfits and Art
BUKU 2019 Outfits and Art
BUKU 2019 Outfits
BuKing and BuKween of BUKU
One of many colorful outfits at BUKU 2019

BUKU also incorporated the Big Easy’s foodie scene into the festival by allowing attendees the option to try traditional Louisiana food like shrimp po’boys, boudin Cajun sausage, and spicy gumbo. Those with VIP wristbands were invited to the Crawfish Boil Saturday afternoon where they could enjoy fresh crawfish paired with all the fixins like corn on the cob, potatoes, and Cajun spiced onions. Having access to these traditional Louisiana foods really brought the whole BUKU experience together.

The eclectic blend of music, art, fashion and food should put BUKU on your list as a must see festival. The culture of New Orleans flows through the venue and brings an exciting edge to the music and arts festival. As the locals would say, “Pass a good time” and come check out BUKU!

For full Dancebreak photo coverage, checkout our Day 1 and Day 2 albums on Facebook.

BUKU 2019 Reveals Daily Lineup & Talent Additions

January 16, 2019

Phil

Events, Feature, News

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New Orleans, LA – The BUKU Music + Art Project today announced a handful of surprise additions to the lineup as well as the daily performance schedule for the festival taking place on March 22-23, 2019 at Mardi Gras World in New Orleans. Two-day passes for the event are available now with single-day admission sales beginning on Friday, January 18th. A portion of ticket proceeds support the Upbeat Academy Foundation, a non-profit organization providing New Orleans youth with opportunities to study hip-hop and dance music production.

The latest additions to the lineup of performers include: lyrical alt-rapper and Odd Future co-founder Earl Sweatshirt; Swedish DJ and producer Kasbo; experimental dance pop band Kero Kero Bonito; experimental low-fi soul and ambient artist Yves Tumor; jam-funk trio SunSquabi; UK house DJ Mason Maynard; and New Orleans swamp funk band The Iceman Special. These artists join a previously announced roster featuring: Lana Del Rey, A$AP Rocky, Dog Blood (Skrillex x Boys Noize), Excision, Kevin Gates, GRiZ, RL Grime, Louis The Child, Ella Mai, $UICIDEBOY$, Playboi Carti, Dashboard Confessional, Fisher, Toro Y Moi, The Black Madonna, TOKiMONSTA and many more. Artists will perform across six unique stages at the venue set along the Mississippi River. The daily schedule is as follows and is also available here:

Friday, March 22
Lana Del Rey
Excision
Kevin Gates
RL Grime
NGHTMRE B2B Slander
Playboi Carti
Claude VonStroke
Fisher
Mayday Parade
Toro Y Moi
Death Grips
Denzel Curry
Ekali
TOKiMONSTA
Kero Kero Bonito
1788-L
Rico Nasty
From First To Last DJ Set (Matt + Travis)
Yves Tumor
Kidswaste
SunSquabi
Whipped Cream
Dounia
Mason Maynard
sfam

VIP-Only Lineup:
CharlesTheFirst
Dabin
Noizu
AF THE NAYSAYER

New Orleans Artist + Showcase Lineup:
bàwldy B2B Boarcrok
Freewater
The Iceman Special
Klutch
Lleauna
TRAX ONLY
Trombone Shorty Academy

Saturday, March 23
A$AP Rocky
Dog Blood (Skrillex x Boys Noize)
GRiZ
Louis The Child
Ella Mai
$UICIDEBOY$
Dashboard Confessional
Gunna
The Black Madonna
Earl Sweatshirt
J.I.D
Getter (Presents: Visceral)
Yaeji
G Jones
Liquid Stranger
Oliver Tree
Kasbo
Peekaboo
Papadosio
EARTHGANG
Roy Blair
Doja Cat
We Came As Romans
Mersiv

VIP-Only Lineup:
Duskus
Jantsen
Kittens
Xie

New Orleans Artist + Showcase Lineup:
Dohm Collective
Freewater
James Seville
Lil Jodeci
Malik Ninety Five
Thou
Tristan Dufrene
Unicorn Fukr
Upbeat Academy

Information on tickets offerings, travel packages and pricing can be found at http://bit.ly/BUKU2019Tickets. The first official BUKU 2019 after-parties will be announced in the coming weeks. The official 2019 BUKU Music + Art project trailer can be viewed here.

For additional info, visit BUKU Music + Art Project online or on the following platforms: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @thebukuproject.

BUKU Announces 2019 Lineup

December 7, 2018

Phil

Events, Feature, Music, News

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – The BUKU Music + Art Project today announced the first round of performers for the festival taking place on March 22 and 23, 2019. Now in its eighth year, the two-day event will return to Mardi Gras World in New Orleans after a sold out 2018 event. A portion of ticket proceeds support the Upbeat Academy Foundation, a non-profit organization providing New Orleans youth with opportunities to study hip-hop and dance music production.

Artists announced on the 2019 lineup are: Lana Del Rey in what is her only currently-announced U.S. performance; hip-hop and fashion icon A$AP Rocky; the return and 2019 debut of Skrillex and Boys Noize’s collaboration Dog Blood; bass music torchbearer Excision; Baton Rouge rapper Kevin Gates in his first New Orleans play since 2016; a live performance by GRiZ who just released the first two tracks off of his upcoming 2019 album; RL Grime; Louis The Child; breakout R&B star Ella Mai; hometown horrorcore rap heroes $UICIDEBOY$; a rare back-to-back set from NGHTMRE B2B Slander; the first New Orleans play for Playboi Carti; emo mainstays Dashboard Confessional and Mayday Parade; Toro Y Moi who will release a new album in January; Claude VonStroke; Gunna; Fisher; the first New Orleans play for The Black Madonna; Death Grips; a unique set from Getter performing his critically-acclaimed new album Visceral; Ekali; Yaeji; Denzel Curry; a rare joint set from J.I.D and EARTHGANG; G Jones; Liquid Stranger; TOKiMONSTA; internet sensations Oliver Tree and Doja Cat; 1788-L; jam band Papadosio; Peekaboo; Roy Blair; a special set from We Came As Romans in memory of Kyle Pavone; a DJ set from Matt + Travis of From First To Last; Rico Nasty; Dounia; Kidswaste; Whipped Cream; Mersiv; sfam. VIP patrons will be treated to VIP-Only performances from: CharlesTheFirst; Dabin; Duskus; Jantsen; Kittens; Noizu; Xie; and AF THE NAYSAYER who is one of Upbeat Academy’s lead artist instructors.

The 2019 event will also feature a strong showing of local flavor with over a dozen New Orleans’ artists and showcases: bàwldy B2B Boarcrok; Dohm Collective; Freewater; James Seville; Klutch; Lil Jodeci; Lleauna; Malik Ninety Five; Thou; TRAX ONLY; Tristan Dufrene; Trombone Shorty Academy; Unicorn Fukr; and Upbeat Academy. Complementing the music acts will be the following graffiti artists and live painters participating in a Live Art Gallery: Art by Jay; Ceaux; Dvote; Fat Kids; Hugo Gyrl; Ink; J Hand Paints; Jedi; Knowla; Lipkis; Monica Kelly; Murky; Painter; PAWS; READ MF BOOKS; and Swan.

Inspired by the creative subculture of New Orleans, BUKU sits at the crosshairs of underground warehouse party and major urban music festival by fusing a progressive and diverse musical lineup with live street art, one-of-a-kind industrial art installations, local food vendors, and dozens of surprise “pop-up” performances. The 2018 BUKU Music + Art Project featured an expanded festival site that sold out with a daily attendance of over 17,500 guests, making it the highest attended BUKU to date. New additions included the Wharf Stage adjacent to the Mississippi River, a relocated main stage across the train tracks with the Market Street Power Plant serving as its backdrop, several new art installations, and an all new BUKU VIP Rooftop overlooking the main stage.

Tickets for the 2019 event will go on-sale Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at 10AM CT and include a variety of options for general and VIP admission as well as travel packages. VIP ticketing provides a host of special amenities that include exclusive VIP-only performances, premium viewing areas, as well as an open bar for guests 21+. When purchasing tickets, patrons should be mindful that BUKU is a 17+ event. More information on tickets offerings and pricing can be found at http://bit.ly/BUKU2019Tickets.

About Winter Circle Productions:
Winter Circle Productions began in 2009 as an independent promotion and production house to attract music that its founders felt was missing from a post-Katrina New Orleans. Creator of BUKU Music + Art Project and four-time recipient of the OffBeat Best Promoter Award, WCP is now celebrating its 10th year anniversary as one of the most trusted tastemakers on the Gulf Coast, having produced thousands of shows across many musical genres in dozens of venues. In July 2015, WCP joined AEG Presents to form and run its new Gulf Coast regional office, and in August 2017, took over a lease at the 1,200 capacity Joy Theater in New Orleans. In addition to concert production, the members of WCP founded the Upbeat Academy Foundation, a non-profit organization providing New Orleans youth with opportunities to study hip-hop and dance music production. www.wintercircleproductions.com

About AEG Presents:
AEG Presents, the live-entertainment division of Los Angeles-based AEG, is dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performance. AEG Presents is comprised of touring, festival, broadcast, merchandise and special event divisions, seventeen regional offices, and owns, operates or exclusively books thirty-five state-of-the-art venues. The current and recent concert tour roster includes artists such as Alicia Keys, Bruno Mars, Bon Jovi, Carrie Underwood, Cher, Daughtry, Enrique Iglesias, J Cole, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Kenny Chesney, Leonard Cohen, Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift, The WHO, Trey Songz and Juanes. The company is also currently producing residency shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas including Celine Dion, Rod Stewart and Shania Twain and is the exclusive promoter at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. AEG Live is also the largest producer of music festivals in North America from the critically acclaimed Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival to the Stagecoach Country Music Festival and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. www.aegpresents.com

BUKU Expands its Footprint in 2018

March 2, 2018

Phil

Events, Music, News

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Just one weekend stands between us and BUKU Music + Art Project, which returns to Mardi Gras World this March 9-10, 2018 in New Orleans, LA. The festival continues on years of success as music and art exhibition on the banks of the Mississippi River, with a diverse hip-hop, dance, and funk lineup that features the likes of Bassnectar, Migos, MGMT, SZA, Porter Robinson’s side-project Virtual Self, and many more.

BUKU 2018 will feature some significant changes as the festival grows into its space. The Power Plant Stage, hosting the festival headliners, has been moved across the railroad tracks to accommodate a larger space. A new VIP Rooftop has been added, adjacent to the Power Plant Stage. A new Wharf Stage has been added along the Mississippi River, opposite of the VIP Back Alley Stage. The Wharf Stage will host all the artists that traditionally played on the Back Alley Stage in previous years. This year, the Back Alley Stage will be reserved for VIP only, as the VIP barge is no longer part of the festival. The Float Den will remain in the warehouse, generally featuring heavier bass artists, while the Ballroom will remain in its usual spot, hosting a mixture of funk and live music. On top of the main stages, there will be a Front Yard area, which will feature a local showcase of music and visual art, with an opportunity to bid on graffiti art. For more info, check out BUKU’s page detailing the stages.

A unique aspect of BUKU is the art curation and BUKULTURE. The festival features numerous art installations, art carts, and other eye candy around the festival. Take a step away from the stages and get immersed in BUKU’s world of art.

If you don’t get your fill at the festival itself, BUKU will be hosting a number of late night parties, starting Thursday and ending Sunday, featuring artists like Papa Roach, Boogie T & Russ Liquid, Borgore B2B 12th Planet, Ski Mask the Slump God, Truth, and many more.

Make sure to check out BUKU’s info page to stay updated with travel information, FAQs, and security information. Additionally, the full lineup and schedule are also available. A range of ticket options are still available, but selling quickly, so make sure to grab yours before it’s too late!

BUKU Music + Art Project Announces Final Additions to 2018 Lineup

January 17, 2018

Phil

Events, Feature, News

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NEW ORLEANS, LA (January 17, 2018) – BUKU Music + Art Project today announced the final additions to the lineup for the annual festival, taking place on March 9-10, 2018 at Mardi Gras World in downtown New Orleans. Set across five unique stages, including the backdrop of an abandoned early 20th Century power plant and a warehouse featuring the city’s iconic Mardi Gras floats, the two-day event fuses a progressive and diverse musical lineup with live street art, custom-made industrial art installations and dozens of surprise “pop-up” performances. The Buku Music + Art Project is an 18+ event.

To apply for media credentials, visit: http://thebukuproject.com/buku-2018-press-application/

Artists joining the roster include: chart-topping Philly rapper Lil Uzi Vert; electronic producer Illenium bringing his full “Awake” production for a special live show; Montreal DJ and “vomit-step” pioneer Snails; Florida rapper and mixtape master Ski Mask The Slump God; Chicago rapper and poet Noname; synth-pop / R&B project Homeshake; Dirtybird house duo Walker & Royce; a B2B set from New Orleans DJs Nice Rack and Rusty Lazer; and exclusive VIP performances, hosted by Brownies & Lemonade and Space Yacht, featuring DROELOE, Melvv, Suicideyear, and a B2B set from electronic artists Eprom and Mad Zach; as well as a showcase curated by acclaimed local artist collective Pink Room Project.

The talent will join a previously announced lineup including: Bassnectar, Migos, MGMT, SZA, the U.S. festival debut of Porter Robinson’s project Virtual Self, A Day To Remember, Isaiah Rashad, Alison Wonderland, Rezz, Borgore, Sylvan Esso, Flatbush Zombies, Bonobo (DJ), Mura Masa, Ganja White Night + Boogie T, Little Dragon, Green Velvet and Jay Electronica to name a few. The complete list of performers can be found at http://thebukuproject.com/2018-lineup/.

A variety of ticket offerings and travel packages are currently available at www.thebukuproject.com/tickets. When purchasing tickets patrons should be mindful that BUKU is an 18+ event.

For additional information and to sign up to be the first to receive updates, including lineup + after-party announcements, ticketing, special offers and more, visit BUKU Music + Art Project on the following platforms: Web, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat.

The 2018 BUKU Music + Art Project is presented by Winter Circle Productions, an AEG Presents company.

About Winter Circle Productions:
Winter Circle Productions began in 2009 as an independent promotion and production house to attract music that its founders felt was missing from a post-Katrina New Orleans. Creator of Buku Music + Art Project and three-time recipient of the Offbeat Best Promoter Award, WCP is now positioned as one of the most trusted tastemakers on the Gulf Coast, having produced hundreds of shows across many musical genres in dozens of venues. In July 2015, WCP joined AEG Presents to form and run AEG Presents’ new Gulf Coast regional office. Notable developments for WCP in 2017 include taking over a lease at the 1,200 capacity Joy Theater in New Orleans and contracting with Day For Night in Houston to associate produce the festival. In addition to concert production, the members of WCP founded the Upbeat Academy Foundation, a non-profit organization providing New Orleans youth with opportunities to study hip-hop and dance music production.

About AEG Presents:
AEG Presents, the live-entertainment division of Los Angeles-based AEG, is dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performance. AEG Presents is comprised of touring, festival, broadcast, merchandise and special event divisions, seventeen regional offices, and owns, operates or exclusively books thirty-five state-of-the-art venues. The current and recent concert tour roster includes artists such as Alicia Keys, Bruno Mars, Bon Jovi, Carrie Underwood, Cher, Daughtry, Enrique Iglesias, J Cole, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Kenny Chesney, Leonard Cohen, Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift, The WHO, Trey Songz and Juanes. The company is also currently producing residency shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas including Celine Dion, Rod Stewart and Shania Twain and is the exclusive promoter at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. AEG Live is also the largest producer of music festivals in North America from the critically acclaimed Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival to the Stagecoach Country Music Festival and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

BUKU Music + Art Project 2018 Announces Phase 2 Artists

December 5, 2017

Phil

Events, Feature, News

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BUKU Music + Art Project today announced the second round of artists for the annual festival, taking place on March 9-10, 2018 at Mardi Gras World in downtown New Orleans. The final phase of talent additions will be revealed after the New Year. Inspired by the creative subculture of New Orleans, BUKU sits at the intersection of an underground warehouse party and major urban music festival. The two-day event fuses a progressive and diverse musical lineup with live street art, custom-made industrial art installations, local food vendors, and dozens of surprise “pop-up” performances.

The latest additions to the lineup of performers include: Atlanta hip-hop trio Migos; the U.S. festival debut of Virtual Self, Porter Robinson’s new alter ego; Florida pop-punk-emo-metal heroes A Day to Remember; genre-bending electronic artist Rezz; Swedish electronic-indie group Little Dragon; a DJ set by British DJ/producer Bonobo; an extended collaborative set with Ganja White + Boogie T featuring a set by each artist and a B2B set together; a rare performance by legendary hip hop lyricist/producer Jay Electronica; electronic artists Snakehips; Gryffin; and Jai Wolf; house and techno pioneer Green Velvet; rappers Rich The Kid and Famous Dex; Vegas rockers Falling in Reverse; New York hip hop artist Princes Nokia; singer/songwriter Elohim; Dutch electronic artist Spag Heddy; rising West Coast rapper Lil Xan; Los Angeles emo revivalists Emo Nite LA; electro funk group The Russ Liquid Test; Chicago multi-instrumentalist/composer Nnamdi Ogbonnaya; local artists New Thousand; AF the Naysayer x Yung Vul; KTRL. B2B RedBarrington; and KiddLove; and the previously announced Soulection showcase will feature Sango B2B ESTA. B2B The Whooligan.

BUKU has also revealed the first VIP-only performances including EDM DJ/producers Graves and Medasin; experimental producer Ducky; industrial tech DJ/producer BlackGummy, electro DJ Squnto and local DJ TVBOO; as well as showcases from local trendsetters Freewater, Church* and BUKU’s non-profit partner Upbeat Academy.

These artists will join a previously announced roster including:

Bassnectar; MGMT; SZA; Alison Wonderland; Isaiah Rashad; Sylvan Esso; Flatbush Zombies; Borgore; Mura Masa; Bishop Briggs; Hippie Sabotage; Smino; Honey Dijon; CloZee; Jade Cicada; Zack Villere; and Bouffant Bouffant. The full lineup can be found here.

General Admission, GA Plus, VIP 21+, VIP, TOO BUKU VIP 2-Day Passes and Travel Packages for all ticket types are on sale now. When purchasing tickets patrons should be mindful that BUKU is an 18+ event. More information on tickets and ticket pricing can be found at www.thebukuproject.com/tickets.

BUKU Music + Art Project 2018 Phase 1 Lineup

November 7, 2017

Phil

Events, Feature, News

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BUKU Music + Art Project, which takes place March 9-10, 2018 at Mardi Gras World in New Orleans, has released its Phase 1 lineup, which includes the likes of Bassnectar, MGMT, SZA, Alison Wonderland, Isaiah, Borgore, Sylvan Esso, Flatbush Zombies, Mura Masa, Bishop Briggs, Hippie Sabotage, Smino, Honey Dijon, Soulection, CloZee, Jade Cicada, Zack Villere, and Bouffant Bouffant. A variety of ticket packages are currently available, with 2-day General Admission tickets going for $175 (not including taxes and fees). For more information, make sure to check out the official website and BUKU Facebook page.

BUKU 2017 Takes Over Mardi Gras World

March 22, 2017

Phil

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The forecast called for 75-degree weather, clouds, and rain, but it was BUKU weekend and the weather was not about to put a damper on a weekend of music and art. As I arrived on the first day, the sun peaked through the clouds—a positive sign of the weekend to come. The rain held off for most the weekend, save for a few light sprinkles, a far cry from the forecast of weekend showers.

As I made my way through security, my jitters gave way to excitement as the booming of the main stage, the Power Plant, intensified. BUKU Music + Art Project takes place at Mardi Gras World, overlooking the last stretch of the Mississippi River as it winds towards the Gulf of Mexico. Making my way towards the Float Den, I observed the adjacent Ballroom Stage, merchandise tent, and vendors, anxiously waiting for the sun to go down and the festival to light up. K?D was performing at the Float Den, essentially a large warehouse at the back of the festival, which would serve as the hub for bass music that weekend. After K?D wrapped things up, San Holo took the stage. At the same time, security guards drove through the crowd with two large industrial dehumidifiers towards the Float Den stage. The bass-heavy music of the Float Den got the crowd quite energetic. Combined with the large crowds that the Float Den attracted and the mediocre airflow of a mostly-enclosed space, the Float Den got hot and sweaty.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, the Float Den turned up the energy. TroyBoi threw down a performance as gnarly as the air in the room—heavy bass combined with smooth transitions and seamless mixing. Looking for a reprieve from the heat, I found Opiuo at the Ballroom Stage, an indoor stage with much-needed air conditioning. The Ballroom was dimly lit with minimalist lighting and an electroluminescent wire chandelier that set the tone of room. The environment proved suitable for hula-hoopers looking for room to dance, and people just looking to soak in the sounds of the music without being distracted by the lights or crowds.

After Opiuo, I made a quick stop to see Whethan at the Back Alley stage, literally a back alley, tucked away from the madness of the rest of the festival. The Back Alley served as the home for House and Techno, with an illuminated gazebo viewing area for those wanting to escape the crowds. Friday night, the Back Alley saw performances from artists like Clams Casino, and a Shiba San B2B Justin Jay set. Unfortunately, Nora En Pure would miss the festival due to issues with her flight.

Back Alley Stage at BUKU 2017

On the way back to the Power Plant, I stopped in to catch a bit of Slushii, who was throwing down some wonky beats at the Float Den. After a quick listen, I continued to one of the main attractions of the weekend—the funky and saxy Grizmatik, whose saxophone sounds complemented the local New Orleans music scene. After Grizmatik, I split my time between two of the closing performances: a packed Zeds Dead show at the Float Den and a more chill and groovy set by Shiba San & Justin Jay at the Back Alley.

Grizmatik performing at the Power Plant Stage

The second day saw light precipitation and a drop in temperature, a welcome treat to cool down the crowd. The Float Den continued its bass theme with early performances by Minnesota B2B Space Jesus, the alien-esque Rezz, and the mystery man, Malaa.

Back at the Power Plant, Tycho (Live) put on an incredible melodic sunset performance, accompanied by the design and photographic visuals of Tycho’s primary composer, Scott Hansen, also known by his design alias, ISO50. The strong hues of magenta and red complemented the sky as the sun dipped below the horizon.

Tycho (Live) performing at the Power Plant Stage

Jumping from stage to stage, I spent more time hanging out at the art carts. BUKU creatively utilizes art carts, which are smaller in size compared the larger art cars seen at bigger festivals. Pedicabs and shopping carts adorned with lights, speakers, and DJs made the rounds at the festival, giving attendants a chance to stop and take a quick dance break in between stages. Or, if the music caught your ear, a quick dance break would turn into quite a long one.

An art cart at BUKU 2017

I jumped between performances of Lane 8, Cashmere Cat, and deadmau5, all masters at building musical tension, and then releasing it in a dance extravaganza. deadmau5 performed in his signature style—long build-ups in the beginning making way towards more intense music towards the end, often accompanied by some trolling on the mic. He apologized for not having his signature Cube stage display, and then made a plug for his afterparty, exclaiming “I hope you like techno.”

Back at the Float Den, the mysterious Zhu closed out the night. Starting with minimal lighting effects, his performance turned the Float Den into a dance hall as his set progressed, and with it, the lighting intensity. He jumped on the mic several times to perform vocals for his songs, a signature characteristic of his producing and DJing style. Zhu’s performance was a flawless way to end the weekend—an intense dance music experience that is simultaneously low-key, a perfect embodiment of BUKU Music + Art Project.

BUKU Music + Art Project Photos Day 1
BUKU Music + Art Project Photos Day 2