If it’s even possible, the second day of BUKU may have been even better than the first. The sun was shining and the crowd appeared excited to be back at the festival.
The day started off strong again in Back Alley with Mississippi duo SFAM who got the crowd pumped up and moving, which was clearly the result of their energetic approach. New Orleans DJ and producer, Klutch, made a guest appearance at the end of SFAM’s set, and eventually began his own. It’s safe to say they drew some of the largest crowds Back Alley has seen over the past two days.
The Power Plant stage opened with Sweet Crude, followed by Raury, but the serious crowd really showed up when TV On The Radio hit the stage. It was no question the TVOTR members were going to put on a great show. Whether fans were nestled together in the thick of the crowd or spread out toward the back, everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. The set was the perfect addition to the afternoon. No insane light show or bass, but it didn’t need it.
The dynamic changed when it came time for Passion Pit to perform. The crowd, who had been relatively younger for most of the festival, suddenly began showing a little more variety. Older adults trickled in here and there, and everyone was singing along to each song. Michael Angelakos, the band’s lead singer, interacted well with the crowd and remarked that it had been too long since they last visited New Orleans. The interaction, while rare, but not entirely unheard of at EDM festivals, was much-appreciated by both the crowd and myself whenever it did occur.
These two Power Plant performances were unbelievably minor when compared to the atmosphere Bassnectar brought to BUKU. Prior to the festival, I didn’t know a whole lot about Bassnectar, but I knew he was important to the EDM world. After tonight, I found out just how big of a deal he really is. The crowd stretched from front to back and side to side of the entire area, and if fans weren’t on the ground, they were crowded on top of graffiti-covered cargo containers or watching from a near-by VIP location.
I was also surprised when Bassnectar DJ and producer, Lorin Ashton, spoke with the crowd. For such a mild voice, he sure knows how to command an audience. At the drop of a bass, the entire audience moved in sync, arms waving up and down. Those who weren’t a part of the mass formed their own dance parties and seemed to feed off of the beat. EDM really is it’s own culture, but it’s definitely worth checking out.
The Ballroom stage also had several decent performances. Lil’ B, while loved by many, wasn’t really one of them. He had a good, steady beginning to his set, but as it continued, the set became weaker. However, Hudson Mohawke came to impress. He didn’t say much, if anything at all, but he let his music do the talking. This is the guy whose song, Chimes, debuted on the Apple commercial, and while I was excited to hear that particular track, I was really pleased with everything he had to offer. The crowd seemed to feel the same way.
Rapper, G-Eazy, also performed on the Ballroom stage around midnight. The room hadn’t been too full for most of the day’s artists, but this crowd was spilling out of the door. Once his set began, many in attendance were into it, but others didn’t hesitate to exit the same way they’d come in, and they had an alternative location in mind.
Porter Robinson’s set also began at midnight, and for many, the choice was between whether to see G-Eazy or Robinson. His set was in the Float Den, and he clearly had the larger audience. I too made my way over to Robinson’s set, and I was glad I did. I’d been hearing good things about him from nearly everyone I met at the festival. The crowd here almost filled the large room.
Bassnectar may have drawn the largest crowd of the night, but Porter Robinson put on a spectacular show, and each track seemed full of emotion. If there was one set to see today, this was definitely it.
While Robinson was performing, street performers were also presenting light shows of their own. Anyone who wasn’t dancing along to his set, circled around to watch each intriguing light act.
As for the graffiti wall, I’m a little upset I can’t take it home with me. After two days of work, each artist created a magnificent piece, which someone will be lucky enough to own. I just wish it were me. The wall placed against the backdrop of the lit Crescent City Connection only made the venue even better.
If I could go back for a third day of BUKU, I would. Both days were filled with experiences and performances that could only happen at BUKU, and nothing about that should ever change. As the crowd was leaving, they looked a little sad about the end, but content with their time spent in New Orleans.

Gallery • 8 Photos

Ronni Bourgeois

Bassnectar performs on day two of BUKU Music + Art Festival at the Power Plant Stage.