By: Ellie Salrin

BUKU Music + Art Project, New Orleans’ premier music festival, returns to take over the riverfront and transform it into a full-blown sensory experience. Join us March 11th and 12th for a gathering unlike any other with a setting and roster that is anything but ordinary.

The lineup of characters includes Pretty Lights (who will play with his Analog Future Band), Kid Cudi, CHVRCHES, Above & Beyond, Miike Snow, Nero, Fetty Wap, GRiZ, Cashmere Cat B2B Trippy Turtle, Crystal Castles, Baauer, Yellow Claw, What So Not, Feed Me, BØRNS, TOKiMONSTA, G Jones, and more.

Experience
Art being a key theme in the event’s concept, you’ll find art being displayed or created in every corner. Live painters, graffiti artists, and more will be vibing and putting their stamp on the co-creative environment.

Pop-up street performances will take place as attendees can peruse offerings of classic N’awlins food. Art exhibits, sculptures, murals, and large scale installations will adorn the festival grounds, located in the heart of the city’s blossoming Warehouse District.

All of these elements combine to create an epic yet underground atmosphere in which to enjoy some of your favorite acts in the Big Easy.

Stages
The riverfront venue adds to the magic, with the New Orleans skyline and Crescent City Connection bridge looming in the background. The differing stages are their own microcosms. The Float Den stage is in an expansive warehouse where Mardi Gras floats are created, while the main stage sits outside between a railroad and the river with a run-down power plant in the background.

The Ballroom stage will feature balconies and new lighting and art decor. The fan-favorite Back Alley stage presses right up against the Mississippi, serving as the hidden dance party of the festival. The Kulture tent provides a space for the very subculture that inspired BUKU’s creation to be displayed freely.

VIPs will have access to the S.S. BUKU, a riverboat with views of the Power Plant stage that will also host VIP festivities. Artists including Autograf, Louis the Child, D.R.A.M., The Funk Hunters, and Prince Fox are on the roster for the S.S. BUKU’s performances.

Late Night

The first late night event has been officially unveiled. Festival headliner Pretty Lights will perform an alternate PL set as part of his curated ANALOGY showcase at Joy Theater in New Orleans on March 12th.

Joining Derek Vincent Smith are PLM labelmates Break Science and SuperVision for the special analog set, as well as NOLA's own Preservation Hall Jazz Band horns.

Tickets
Two-Day General Admission passes are currently available for $189.50. There is also a unique VIP package that not only gets you access to the S.S. BUKU and premium viewing areas of every stage, it also includes open bar(!), VIP lounge, exclusive festival entrance, private bathrooms, local snacks and beverages, and of course some BUKU swag. These pases are currently available for $399.50.

Trying to get Too BUKU? This package for ballers includes a VIP pass, your own personal BUKU Butler service who hand-deliver food and drinks to wherever you are on the grounds. You’ll have access to the private Club Too BUKU on the S.S. BUKU with lounge seating and complimentary bottle service, as well as to artist/staff-only mansion with an exclusive bar, licensed massage therapists, more BUKU swag and art, and guest list spot to an after party of your choice. The Too BUKU package is $599.50.

Click here for more information on tickets.

This is not a camping festival, so be sure to plan your stay. There are Travel Packages available for groups of two and four here.
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Get ready for a party, NOLA-style, with some of the best electronic, hip hop, and indie acts and a counter-culture art experience. It's sneaking up on us!

Visit thebukuproject.com o grab your passes now!