Music brings people together.
This is exactly the reason JetStream Music Festival is going online and collaborating with a dozen airports across the country to showcase local music.
The upcoming event will be hosted by Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The Albuquerque International Sunport is also participating.
“The Austin airport put the ask out there,” said Stephanie Kitts, Sunport marketing coordinator, of how our airport got involved. “Our Sunport Serenades program was put on hold. It’s been missed by those that are still at the Sunport. We thought it would be a great way to show our support for the community.”
Airports also participating include Dallas Love Field, Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport, John Wayne Airport, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, Philadelphia International Airport, San Diego International Airport and more.
The free, multi-hour livestream will take place at 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, on participating airports’ Facebook Live. Each airport will feature a musician local to their city in support of the creative community during the COVID-19 crisis.
The Sunport will be represented by Albuquerque musician Leah Leyva.
In order to find a musician, the Sunport looked at the artists involved in the Serenades program, which would see various artists perform at the Sunport for the many visitors passing through. Officials looked at solo artists or duos that lived in the same household.
“From there, we wanted to look at the technology aspect and looked at the artists who were already streaming from home,” Kitts said.
The lineup features a diverse range of acts representing each city’s unique music culture. Each musician will perform a 15-minute set.
Austin’s Latin pop songstress Gina Chavez will perform and host the event.
“For so many airports across North America, live music entertainment in the terminal has become a fun way to delight and engage passengers,” said Airports Council International — North America President and CEO Kevin M. Burke. “Despite the sudden and significant drop in passenger traffic at North America’s airports because of the coronavirus health pandemic, this effort by Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and many other North American airports provides a unique opportunity to connect with their passengers. We look forward to hearing these musicians again in airport terminals soon.”
