One of the titans of the entertainment community, AEG Live, has increased its foothold in New Orleans and will be opening a new Gulf Coast office soon, as it has recently acquired Winter Circle Productions, the company who has put up on the annual Buku Music + Art Project for the past four years. Goldenvoice, a subsidiary of AEG, who produces major festivals like Coachella and Firefly will aid Winter Circle on the production of Buku, as will mainstay Huka Entertainment, who puts on events like Hangout Music Festival and the Pemberton Music Festival.

Says Shawn Trell, COO of AEG Live, “We are excited to be expanding our business activities in the Gulf Coast region through this new association with Winter Circle Productions and Dante [DiPasquale] and Reeves [Price].” He continues: “With our growing presence in the region’s music scene through our touring business as well as our partnership with the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, and Hangout Music Festival, it made perfect sense to further expand our regional booking presence while adding a home base for us in New Orleans.”

With each passing year, Buku has upped the ante, bringing in some of the funkiest, top-flight talent to NOLA during the Jazz Fest season and exceeding fan’s expectations each time out. Winter Circle co-founder and promoter, Dante DiPasquale is looking forward to the opportunity of working with AEG, too. He says, “I’m super excited to have AEG Live’s resources to tap into, but what’s cool is that AEG Live recognizes what we built and trusts our vision to continue taking this festival in the right direction.  As to whether or not we will grow… there’s something to be said for the charming boutique vibe of Buku, but expansion is certainly an enticing option.” He adds, “No matter what we do, fan experience will be the driving factor.”

Can’t complain about that, can you?