Buku Music and Arts Festival
When I first visited Tulane in 2012, I was disappointed to learn I had missed New Orleans newest music festival, Buku, by just one weekend. As soon as I enrolled, I bought tickets for the next year with no hesitation. Now I’ve gone three years in a row, and every time I've grown to love the festival a little bit more.
The first year, I was just an excited festival-goer, marveling over the intricate stages, creative art installations, and good tunes. In 2013, I had a hand in the festival’s preparation as a volunteer (and I got to attend for free). Now, I’m headed to Buku as a journalist, watching the shows from the pit and interviewing my favorite artists. From all these different positions and perspectives, I have learned a lot about the festival, and myself. Most notably, Buku helped me discover my passion for the music industry, particularly in areas such as marketing and sponsorship. For that, I am forever grateful.
When discussing Buku, you have to consider its incredible history. Founded in 2012 by Winter Cold Productions and Huka Entertainment, the festival was designed to attract a younger crowd interested in electronic, hip-hop, and indie music. In its first year, organizers managed to draw artists ranging from Skrillex and Avicii to Wiz Khalifa. Since then, the lineups have maintained their integrity as attendance grows at unprecedented rate. This year, A$AP Rocky, Bassnectar, Passion Pit, and Empire of the Sun are the headliners for the rapidly expanding festival.
Portugal. The Man at the Float Den
Another notable thing about Buku is its very New Orleanian appreciation for art. At the beginning of the festival, street artists go to work on blank canvases mounted on scaffolding that overlooks the central area. The art in motion adds a creative buzz to the area. Also, the environment itself is extremely significant. The festival takes place at the iconic Mardi Gras World complex on the Mississippi River. On the outskirts of the indoor areas, massive floats and props from the parades look on merrily. Some of my best memories are from the Float Den and Ballroom Stages, which are characterized by Mardi Gras memorabilia.
Since much of my Tulane career has been characterized and shaped by music, it’s no surprise that Buku has been a big part of my college experience. Freshman year, it was where I bonded with the people who would become my best friends (“The Bukrewe”), and every time I go back I marvel at Buku’s magical ability to create memories and bring people together against a one-of-a-kind backdrop in a one-of-a-kind city. Buku is more than just a place in time, it is a lifestyle.
Odesza in the Ballroom
By: Justin Picard
Photos By: Patrick Ainsworth x Buku Media
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