Although it’s a recent addition to New Orleans Music Festival seasons, the popular music and art festival, the BUKU Project is coming back to New Orleans from Friday, March 21st, to Saturday, March 22nd, 2014. The festival is sure to be another, fun, LOUD hit. With top musical artists from around the world descending upon the Big Easy for a weekend of vibes and art, visitors and residents will be partying it up over at Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World on the East Bank. Due to the large crowds and nature of the event, security and law enforcement will be out enforcing the rules and regulations of the event in addition to the day to day laws in Orleans Parish.
Rule #1: If you are under the age of 21, then you cannot and should not be in possession of, carrying, or under the influence of alcohol. You can get booked for a Minor in Possession and carted off to Central Lockup.
As an experienced criminal defense lawyer in New Orleans, I know that getting caught up in a music festival in this city can be a lot of fun, especially when there are many people drinking around you, but getting arrested for underage drinking is never the right way to end your night.
What and Who Will be at BUKU 2014?
What is the BUKU Music + Art Project? It’s a music and art festival that flaunts a unique vibe to the city of New Orleans. You can expect a BUKU Graffiti Wall, traditional New Orleans food, and an atmosphere that speaks to the millennial generation. BUKU features five unique and isolated stages downtown on the Mississippi River at Mardi Gras World. You can expect beats and spins from varying views of New Orleans. There will even be a BUKU-inspired fashion show and a BUKookoff for the culinary fans in the crowd.
The musical line-up includes performances by The Flaming Lips, David Guetta, Kaskade, Ellie Goulding, NAS, Zedd, Zeds Dead, Chromeo, Explosions in the Sky, Tyler, the Creator, The Glitch Mob, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Chance the Rapper, and many more. Whether you are looking for a groove, beats or straight up hip-hop, you are sure to find a stage to cozy up to all weekend long.
Don’t Get Arrested at BUKU at Mardi Gras World
New Orleans is well-known for its abundance of music festivals from the internationally acclaimed Jazz & Heritage Festival to French Quarter Fest, the Blues & BBQ Festival, and VooDoo Music Experience. Due to the city’s experience with large crowds coming to party at music festivals, New Orleans makes sure that its law enforcement is up to speed on the rules and regulations of the festivals.
What Should You Know About Coming to BUKU in New Orleans?
For one thing, you do not want to get arrested in New Orleans if you are coming here to have a good time. You must be 18+ to attend BUKU and must present a valid photo ID at the time of your festival entrance. All IDs will be verified at the gate do not try to enter with a fake ID. There are a long list of items you can’t bring to the festival, including: illegal drugs and paraphernalia, weapons, coolers, fireworks, outside food or beverage (except for one beignet and a praline?) or lawn chairs. Additional rules to follow include no tailgating in the parking lots, no tents or flags, no large umbrellas, jewelry with spikes or studs, squirt or toy guns, gas masks, and no unauthorized vending. There will be bag checks and wand detectors at Festival entrances. It is wise to bring ear plugs to the event as no matter where you are on the festival grounds, the music is sure to be loud.
Getting in Trouble at BUKU
As there are many rules, regulations and laws that will be enforced during BUKU, it is important to be mindful of your general safety. If you plan to drink alcohol, eat plenty of food and hydrate with water or sports drinks. Stay with friends. Listen to both security and law enforcement. Look for medical tents if you or one of your friends is in need of medical attention. If you or someone you know is arrested at BUKU for underage drinking, drug possession, drug use, or any other violation of Louisiana Laws, it is wise to call an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately to help understand your case and make sure your rights are not violated as an adult. John Radziewicz of Crescent City Law Firm is available nights and weekends at (504) 264-9492 or toll-free at (866) 459-4478. You can also contact him by e-mail here. Enjoy the festival and stay safe!
