Posts in the category "Music":

Thanks to ThisDayin History.com for the reminder that on this day, February 7, back in 1964, Pan Am Yankee Clipper flight 101 from London Heathrow landed at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport with its special cargo of Beatles.

According to History.com:

It was the first visit to the United States by the Beatles, a British rock-and-roll quartet that had just scored its first No. 1 U.S. hit six days before with “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” At Kennedy, the “Fab Four”–dressed in mod suits and sporting their trademark pudding bowl haircuts–were greeted by 3,000 screaming fans who caused a near riot when the boys stepped off their plane and onto American soil.

Here’s a great video using clips from that day:

Two days after their arrival at JFK, the Beatles made their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show.

Categories: Air Travel, Airlines, Aviation history, Fun Stuff, History, Music
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Flying to or through Germany’s Munich Airport anytime soon? If so, be sure to download the free new stopover guide, which includes detailed information about all the airport amenities – from the “erotic boutique” and the Airbräu (the world’s first airport brewery) to the outdoor observation deck, the art exhibits, and the spas.

In addition to coupons for on-airport shops and restaurants, including free beer, wine, ice cream, and coffee (with very reasonable minimum purchases), the stopover guides offers discounts and information for tours in town.

Right now the airport is having its huge outdoor Christmas Market, complete with 300 fir trees, more than two dozen market stands, an ice-skating rink, live entertainment and visits from Santa.

Categories: Air Travel, Airport guides, Airport shops, Entertainment, Events, Food, Free Stuff, Holidays, Music, Observation Decks
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Christmas week is always a big deal for airports and air travel.

This year, as usual, lines are long, people are cranky, and there’s a storm wreaking havoc with schedules and everyone’s best laid plans.

So, it’s a good bet that if you’re traveling by air this week, you’re going to spend some time being stuck at an airport. Remember to bring supplies such as books, snacks, a charged cell phone, and some extra cash to buy a few last minute gifts.

And remember to look around: some airports are hosting complimentary gift wrapping stations and many airports have scheduled holiday events and entertainment.

Here are just a few examples:

The Chicago Airport System’s schedule of “Holiday Delights” continues at both O’Hare Airport and Midway through Wednesday, December 23^rd with performances by local blues, jazz, international, R&B performers, barbershop quartets and carolers. There will also be children’s workshops and a visit from Santa Claus.

Both airports are also offering free gift wrapping, past security, on December 21 and 23 with wrapping paper and gift bags created by students from the After School Matters program.

On Monday December 21^st, Southwest Airlines and The Container Store join forces to offer free gift wrapping at Dallas Love Field, Phoenix Sky Harbor, Denver International, Saint Louis Lambert International, and Baltimore-Washington International airports. Here are some details about locations and times.

Free gift wrapping continues in various spots around Phoenix Sky Harbor airport through December 24th and through Wednesday at San Diego International Airport. Check your airport’s Web site to see if free gift wrapping is being offer there as well. Keep in mind that many airport shops also offer fee gift wrapping and many will have piles of pre-wrapped items ready to grab-n’- go.

If you find yourself hanging around Detroit Metroplitan Airport (DTW) Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday (Dec 21 – 23rd), head on over to the stage next the water feature in the center of Concourse A (near Gate A40). The airport is partnering with local Delta Air Lines folks to host a holiday karaoke event called “Sing Because you Care” between 11 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day.

Anyone, or any group, that sings is being asked to donate $5 to support the local Salvation Army.

And here’s a great gift for anyone flying to or from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): the airport light rail station opened, as promised, on Saturday, December 19^th. Just in time to save a lot of holiday travelers a lot of hassle and money.

It’s now possible to ride between the airport and downtown Seattle for $2.50.

Thanks, Santa!

Categories: Air Travel, Airport shops, Contests, Deals, Entertainment, Free Stuff, Fun Stuff, Getting around, Holidays, Kids, Music, Transportation
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The number of people buying plane tickets may be down, but that’s not stopping the nation’s airports from getting all gussied up in their holiday best. And while everyone’s budget is tighter than usual, travelers will still find plenty of airports hosting contests, carolers, karaoke and opportunities for a last-minute heart-to-heart with Kris Kringle.  In my most recent “At the Airport” column on USATODAY.com, I offered a round-up of what’s in store.

Petting zoos, popcorn, and performances

This Saturday, December 12th, 2009, the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) will host Pups, Popcorn & Perfect Pitch in the pre-security Civic Plaza. There will be free treats from Just Pop In! and two “petting” zoos: one with instruments from the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO) and another with adoptable animals from the Humane Society of Indianapolis.  On December 14^th at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), listen for the US Airways Chorus. And on December 16h, look for JJ Jones, the Human Snow Globe, at Nashville International Airport (BNA): he’ll be the one inside a giant inflatable bubble singing wacky Christmas songs.

On December 21^st, the Judy Lee Dancers (dancers are all 60 years old and up) will perform at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), And on December 23^rd, a choir made up of local Austin-based TSA employees will present a medley of traditional Christmas carols.

Contests and Coupon Books

Like many other airports, there’s a full schedule of holiday entertainment at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), where you can also pick up a coupon book filled with 80 coupons that can be used at MSP’s stores and restaurants.  The booklets are available at information booths throughout the airport and on-line at ShopsatMSP.com.

Throughout December, you’ll also be able to find coupon booklets at Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and in the Central Terminal Building at New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA), where The Food & Shops at LGA will also be raffling off one pair of diamond earrings from Taxco Sterling (value $2,000.)

As in past years, many retail shops and volunteer organizations will be offering free, post-security gift wrapping stations at various airports. Look closely at the paper being used at the San Diego International Airport (SAN) December 18^th through December 23^rd: the artwork is by students in The New Children’s Museum’s After School Program.

Concourse Karaoke

Karaoke was big at George Bush International Airport (IAH) last year and it’s back again this year on Saturday, December 19^th.  Karaoke is also on the schedule at Detroit Metro Airport (DTW).  Their karaoke fundraiser takes place in the McNamara/Delta Terminal from Sunday Dec. 20^th through Wednesday, Dec. 23^rd.  Anyone (or any group) stepping up to the microphone will be asked to make a $5 donation to a fund that will be split between two local charities. Participants will have their names entered in a drawing for a gift basket filled with items from Delta Airlines and airport vendors.

Categories: Air Travel, Airport shops, Contests, Entertainment, Events, Free Stuff, Fun Stuff, Holidays, Music, Shopping
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Yesterday I wrote about the Memphis Symphony Orchestra ensembles scheduled to play at Memphis International Airport.

Keeping the beat, today I want to draw your attention to the music line-up at Nashville International Airport (BNA).  Free live music performances are offered year-round on stages near the A/B meeter-greeter area, in the Concourse C food court (beyond security), and on the Baggage Claim Level.

Carrissia & Company peforms today at noon.  Here’s a link to the the two dozen other live performances scheduled during November, ranging from solo singer/songwriters to groups performing jazz, Big Band, country, and Rhythm & Blues.

Categories: Music, Uncategorized
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