BUKU Hogs

It’s amazing that we are not only talking about March but that the 2017 festival announcements have begun in earnest. This week we saw lineup announcements from two of the major spring events in New Orleans. Both BUKU Music + Arts Fest and Hogs For the Cause announced stellar lineups for the upcoming year.

 

BUKU Options

BUKU’s headliners have always skewed toward the electronic and this year is no exception with Travis Scott, Zeds Dead and deadmau5 leading the charge. I think most exciting for me is the strength of the rap performances with both Young Thug and Vince Staples on the lineup. Staples debut record Summertime ’06 was one of my favorite records last year. There is also a very solid group of indie rockers included in this years festival. Car Seat Headrest jumps out immediately as an act to follow. The prolific Seattle rockers latest record Teens of Denial has already been included near the top of a number of year’s best of lists. They are accompanied by the soothing ambient work of Tycho and the experimental noise of Sleigh Bells.

There are also a couple of fun outliers in this year’s schedule. The eclectic jazz funk of Stephen Bruner, better known as Thundercat, will be outstanding. Also check out the comedic rap of Lil Dicky who manages to do humorous rap without the cringe factor that is usually associated with that pairing of words.

As usual we’ll have coverage of BUKU as it unfolds. Look here for updates leading up to the festival and daily reports during the event. Once again BUKU has presented us with a fantastically curated weekend’s diversion. BUKU runs March 10-11 at Mardi Gras World.

 

Hogging the Spotlight

BUKU HogsHogs for the Cause has quietly become one of the premier spring events for music in New Orleans. I mean the food has always been great, but the quality of the musical acts just keeps getting better. This year the event is moving to the lots that surround the Lakefront Arena which should give the event more space to spread out over less swampy ground. I would assume that the arena also provides an alternative rain venue as well.

This year the festival will be headlines by the Chris Robinson Brotherhood. Robinson is the front man for The Black Crowes and this side project occupies his time when he is on hiatus with the Crowes. They will be accompanied by the bluegrass jams of Railroad Earth and the outstanding indie folk of Shovels and Rope. If you missed this duo opening for John Prine be sure to catch them this time around. The outstanding Americana act River Whyless was one of our favorite discoveries at Newport this year. I can’t wait to see them in this context with a bit more time to perform.

One of the things that I love about Hogs is the combination of the local with the traveling talent. This year George Porter Jr., Naughty Professor, Motel Radio and Elysian Feel all join the bill. This lineup feels more carefully curated than years past, and seems to indicate the rising recognition that the event is receiving in the music world. Certainly Hogs has the best food this side of Jazzfest. Hogs Runs March 31-April 1 at the UNO Arena.

 

Local Color

Tonight check out the Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet at Snug Harbor. Friday check out 007 at d.b.a. or Beth Patterson at the Irish Cultural Museum. Saturday Hustle with DJ Soul Sister at the Hi Ho or check Naughty Professor at the Maple Leaf. On Sunday you can see the Stanton Moore Trio at Snug Harbor. Monday check out Helen Gillet at Bacchanal or Alex McMurray at Chickie Wah Wah. Tuesday Johnny Vidacovich is at The Jazz Playhouse. Wednesday check out Wolfman Washington at d.b.a.

 

To Do This Week

This week, other than Animals as Leaders at Republic tonight, you’d do well to stick with the local shows. The December slump has begun in earnest and most touring bands have returned home for the holiday, which makes it a great time to get out and support local acts you may not have seen in a while.

 

To Listen This Week

 

 

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