Houmapalooza needs to be refocused

Many have become accustomed to the festival that heralds our fair city’s name, Houmapalooza. Those of you who are familiar with the fest know that it was recently cancelled. Is this the end of one of our premier events? I pray that it’s not. I‘ve come to love and appreciate the festival that brings locals together.

Houmapalooza has been well received, but that doesn’t mean it’s free of shortcomings. Lately, it seems, those in charge of the fest have lost sight of some of the more important goals set by Houmapalooza 1.

Given that four ‘paloozas have come and gone, I can’t help looking back and wondering about the unrealized potential. The event did get more ambitious with every go ‘round; however, I believe the expansion didn’t occur where it needed to.

Houma is a very diverse place, and the mark has been missed in representing the true culture and tone of the city. I in no way think that I have the magic wand to wave and make everything better. I only have suggestions and ideas that, if implemented, might turn things around for the better.

First of all, I would like to see Houmapalooza go from a bi-annual festival to an annual one. The aims of those who started the festival were obviously set high. With the success of HP1, it seemed that making the event biannual was the way to go. But, for one entity, putting on two festivals a year is no piece of cake. This fact was made evident by the complete lack of Houma talent that last performed.

Making the festival a once a year occurrence would give proper time to fill the bill with locals. No local bands, means no local fans. One or two NOLA bands wouldn’t be bad for business, but, to have bands come from Austin, Texas, seems ridiculous. One show a year would build up more anticipation, as well as combine two advertising budgets into one. This gives organizers the opportunity to reach a greater media market and a diverse age demographic.

Another lacking component of HP: There are no booths featuring local artists or their artwork. Houma isn’t only filled with talented musicians. This city is practically bursting at the seams with amazing artists and awe-inspiring artwork. More focus should be spent on setting up artists to sell their artwork. Let’s embrace all facets of life in Houma and give painters, sculptors and anyone else who fancies themselves an artist the opportunity to be exposed to a wider audience.

What about the attendees who hear an incredible band and think, “I really want to buy some of their merch?” Well, good luck finding a place to do that. I have always been surprised with the fact that, no matter how many HPs have passed, no one has ever thought to make the bands a merchandise area. This is my biggest pet peeve. A centrally located area should be set aside for this purpose. Fans would no longer have to seek and chase a band member. Any musician can tell you that merch is where the money is made. A merch tent would make an enormous difference to both the bands and the consumers.

In past years, Houmapalooza has had success gearing activities toward younger attendees. The Kasasa tent, which allowed children to make homemade musical instruments, was a wonderful addition. Further expansion of this idea is key. Give children finger paints, construction paper and pipe cleaners, and you might just inspire the next great artists of Houma. Teach a child to format a stanza, and you may be responsible for birthing a poet into the world. I see the potential for a great idea to become even better.

I have ideas that, simply, wouldn’t hinder the growth of Houmapalooza. In fact, these ideas could possibly lead to rapid growth. It took my attending the highly successful Rougarou Fest to have my eyes opened to the shortcomings that aren’t on the surface. Everything doesn’t need to be addressed at once. Some changes are more important than others.

Houmapalooza has in some ways become a staple of the Houma scene. That is why I’m pleading with those in charge not to cancel it for good. Take time off, and come back with vengeance. Put those in charge who deserve to be in charge – local artists and musicians. Putting the power into the hands of the people would be beneficial to say the least. Artists such as Re Howse, Rusty Bouvier (a Houmapalooza co-founder) and Stephanie Donaldson, are not only exceptional talents, they are business savvy. I would love to get their opinions and the opinions of others on the subject.

I hope that this article reaches the hands of someone at the arts council so they can understand how deeply I feel about this. For the most part, Houmapalooza has been a successful festival that has grown with each passing incarnation. Let it continue to grow and evolve for the betterment of those involved, those affiliated and those that just like to come out and laissez les bon temps rouler.

Reach Alex Martin at alex@gumboguide.com.