The Return of The BUKU Project, Day 1

After a three-year drought, Mardi Gras world was blessed with the five stages of The BUKU Project. Whether festival-goers want the production of the Skyline Stage, the heavy bass of Wharf Stage, or the underground club vibe of the Ballroom Stage, the variety is endless. The day was filled with amazing weather, immaculate vibes, and incredible sets.

The attendance was impressive and revealed that New Orleans has been patiently waiting for the project, and BUKU didn’t miss a beat. The infrastructure and accessibility of the grounds are abundant and done properly, with plenty of water stations, food vendors, and bathrooms. Jumping from stage to stage was effortless, and the schedule had very minimal overlapping of major sets. As Gø Pink and A Hundred Drums started the day off, an endless stream of eager people entered into the grounds and joined the party, then spread across the grounds as other sets filled every stage.

Lady Lavender started the party at the Ballroom Stage, leading to an entire day of House with J. Worra, John Summit, Dom Dolla, and more. The Ballroom Stage is the perfect break from the sun and is like teleporting from New Orleans into an underground nightclub at an undisclosed location. A massive sound system, light rig, and screens mixed with seamless transition from DJ to DJ created a party all day and night. Tierra Whack capped off the night at the Ballroom Stage.

Rezz and $uicideboy$ brought the rowdiness to the Bridge Stage, creating wild mosh pits and echoing 808s. Meanwhile, Porter Robinson brought all of the feels and amazing production to the Skyline Stage. Tame Impala capped off the night by bringing The Slow Rush Tour to BUKU, and per usual, put on an amazing show. A silver lining to the hiatus in live music and festivals the past few years is that stage production and light show technology have only gotten crazier and more immersive. Kevin Parker and Tame Impala brought out every laser under the sun, walls of color, and a massive moving wheel of light. As the set and Day 1 ended, the crowd left the festival with a feeling of euphoria and anticipation for the after-parties and Day 2.

Day 1 of The BUKU Project was an amazing return for the event and went off without a hitch. The extremely calculated scheduling, artist selection, and stage placements created an unforgettable return to New Orleans, and set the bar incredibly high for Day 2 and honestly, any other festival moving forward! Day 2 is set up to be another day of vibes and partying, with Tyler, The Creator headlining.

Photo Credit: Elena Lin / @elenashoots