Day one of BUKU Music + Art Project overcame the doom and gloom weather and showed up in full force. Even though the long check-in experience was both muddy and humid, I only managed to ruin my shoes and not my attitude.
The crowd slowly filed in earlier in the day, but as the sun began to set, the crowd at each stage came alive. No matter where festival-goers went, they were sure to see a show. Even at BUKU’s smallest stage, Back Alley.
CHRISCROSS opened up Back Alley earlier in the day, and even through their crowd was small, those in attendance were having a good time because the Baton Rouge duo has talent. The stage may be small in comparison to the rest, but that doesn’t mean those artists aren’t worth seeing. Today’s biggest surprise for me was how much I enjoyed the Back Alley sets, including DJ’s, Suicideyear and Thomas Jack. They’re new, but they’re quickly proving themselves.
Don’t underestimate the small names because if today was any sign, tomorrow’s lineup is going to be worth checking out too. It’s also a more intimate setting tucked away from the main drag, and the crowd isn’t all bunched together.
The larger names on the lineup also came to impress. Run the Jewels had everybody excited with their 7 p.m. set, even some of the security staff couldn’t help but dance. Portugal. The Man, who I was especially excited to see, also put on an impressive show on the Ballroom stage. It was a little more mellow, but they had the entire crowd singing along to “So American,” about three songs in. Other band’s members even made an appearance to see them perform.
Day one’s most anticipated artists who drew the largest crowds were by far A$AP Rocky and Empire of the Sun. Those in attendance flocked to the Power Plant stage for A$AP’s 8 p.m. performance and began chanting his name until he appeared on stage, which the crowd then met with a deafening roar. He encouraged his fans to “go crazy or go home,” and they certainly chose the first option. He finished out his set on a high note.
Empire of the Sun also was a little bit of a surprise today. Before the festival, I heard mixed remarks about what Empire could bring to the stage, and if they still had a fan base. Judging by the size and enthusiasm of the crowd, their fan base is still in existence. They take the cake for most theatrical performance of the day, complete with elaborate costumes, a stunning light show and a confetti cannon. They may have been around longer than some of the other artists here, but as the saying goes, practice makes perfect.
Even after those artists finished their performances, the night still wasn’t over. Fans of Boosie Badazz filed back into the Ballroom for his set, where he had quite the entourage accompanying him on stage. Fans were thrilled to see him perform and packed the room, where he also featured some of his older material.
The night’s music ended with a show from Die Antwoord in the Float Den, and a show it was indeed. The show may have started at midnight, but the crowd showed little sign of thinning. The South African duo took the stage in orange jumpsuits as images from their music videos were plastered across the screen behind them. Between their unconventional sounds and constant movement, I couldn’t look away and neither could anyone else. To this day, it was one of the most infatuating performances I’ve ever seen.
Even if festival-goers weren’t constantly crowded near a stage, they had plenty of other ways to occupy their time. The graffiti wall hosted artists from the start and captivated the crowd all day. Each time I passed by the wall, there was more art completed, and it just kept getting better. BUKU is considered a music festival first and foremost, but the art deserves just as much appreciation. Watching each artist freehand a design onto a blank piece of plywood is an experience in itself.
The art and music weren’t the only aspects of BUKU that showed their talent today. Those in attendance clearly put lots of effort into their outfits, or lack of an outfit. Furry boots and body paint found their place at every stage, but so did bikinis and light-up masks. The crowd itself is worth paying attention to because it seems just about every aspect of this festival is an expression of art in one way or another.
Overall, Day one of BUKU was a success all around, and this may have been my first BUKU experience, but I can assure you it won’t be my last. Day two’s lineup is equally as packed and shows a lot of promise to be just as good, if not better.

Gallery • 32 Photos

Ronni Bourgeois