Once a year for the past six years, the BUKU Music + Art Project team has combined local New Orleans art, dance and musical talent with national and international headliners. The two-day festival’s 2017 artists, including deadmau5 and Grizmatik, attracted many a festival-goer, regardless of age.
These are the top 10 features of BUKU 2017.
1. Acceptance
To be able to walk into such a large place and feel safe and without judgment isn’t easy to find in today’s world. Everyone at BUKU was there to be #TOOBUKU and enjoy the music and the art. That feeling of acceptance is something everyone can take away from the experience.
2. deadmau5
Drawing the largest crowd of Saturday night, EDM superstar deadmau5’s sick beats spread like wildfire throughout the event. Breakdancers had their mats laid out to show off their moves, with several festival-goers joining in and making new friends in the process. There was an electric atmosphere to his performance — if you haven’t seen deadmau5 live, please do.
3. Lil Dicky
Lil Dicky has a stage presence like no other rapper. During each of his performances, he chooses one girl to come up on stage while he sings his hit song, “Lemme Freak.” What other artist grants his audience the possibility of coming on stage to get a lap dance? It captures his down-to-earth nature — something many artists lack. The energy Lil Dicky had during his set on Friday showcased his appreciation for what he does, making each performance truly remarkable.
4. Run the Jewels
Run the Jewels didn’t just appear on stage Saturday night: They stole the show. With an opening of Queen’s “We are the Champions,” Rappers Killer Mike and El-P continuously interacted with members of the crowd while performing. That graciousness and humility didn’t go unnoticed, and good vibes were surging through the audience.
5. REZZ
The 21-year-old Canadian DJ and producer performed like she wanted people to leave knowing who she is and what she’s about, and it’s safe to say she accomplished that goal.
6. BUKU Breakers
The breakdancers really added to the aesthetic of BUKU. They were authentic and fluid in their movements. Dancing is an artform, and they made it their own.
7. People-watching
People-watching calls for soaking up the lives and idiosyncrasies of those around you — enjoying the surrounding diversity. Each person at BUKU has a story, and some tried to tell theirs through the clothes they wore.
8. Pizza
Needless to say, it takes skill to make great pizza under a tent. Costing a whopping $7 per slice, the vendors made sure that one slice equated to two or three regular pieces of pizza.
9. “Caroline” by Aminé
Aminé knew the song his audience came to hear was “Caroline,” and he made it a memorable performance to close his set. Though the majority of his show was nothing special, that last song was worth the wait.
10. BUKulture
As a whole, the experience of BUKU left attendees speechless. For some people it’s a lifestyle and for others it’s a place to visit. But anyone looking for good food, great people and sick beats, BUKU Music + Art Project is your best bet.
