A great idea today from Seth Godin: live music at the airport.
Now I’ve seen the odd Dixieland band at the JAR to welcome planeloads of convention attendees, but why not set up one or two “busk stops” in the terminal and audition performers in the same way The Forks does? Adding some live music, magic, or juggling could bring a little energy to a fairly dull airport, and provide another venue for emerging street artists.
Taking the idea a step further, how about staging short displays by some of our arts organizations? A surprise 30-minute concert by the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, a dance recital by the RWB, or a pop-up art exhibit from the Plug In Gallery. What a great way to showcase our local cultural scene and dazzle visitors as they arrive in town.
Filed under: winnipeg blog | Tagged: waa, winnipeg airports authority
Gawd, no live music please! Artwork, mime acts, anything quiet sure, but let’s keep the noise down. I just want a place I can sit and read a book or newspaper to pass the time as quickly as possible. It’s bad enough just trying to get away from everyone yammering to themselves on their cell phones!
That’s what I’d really love to see at the new terminal — a cell-phone-free area!
Besides, for $600 million (all totaled) , our new terminal better not be “fairly dull”!
not sure of the merits of this: first, it depends on how, & how well the actts are screened for their actual talent vs. annoyance factor. (Had a quick lunch at the Forks Market last week & didn’t enjoy the child prodigy violinist at all: passable enuff for a family gathering that would have to grin & bear it, but shouldn’t have been subjected to others til he hits at least his teens & improves somewhat). Second, airport comings & goings aren’t nearly always joyous or at least neutral occasions: often, they’re under very trying circumstances (for grave illnesses or deaths in the family; for gut-wrenching prolonged absences when loved ones are torn apart for work or school or military service reasons, e.g.,), when the last thing you want is some chirpy minstrel getting in your face.
I understand where you guys are coming from. I’m not suggesting there should be entertainers at every check-in counter. But the occasional performer (who has been screened in advance) positioned in a specific location could work. Those who want a little entertainment can stop and watch for a few moments, while others can go to a quieter part of the terminal to read a book or grab a nap.
Can’t we just get a shuttle instead?
I like the idea (and if we could get the guy from Swell Season to come, I’d definitely be there !).
I’ve been in a couple of airports that had live music. Austin and, I think, Houston. Nicely staged and in central locations, still allowing you to find a quiet corner. It was nice – certainly nicer than most options to spend your time if your plane is delayed….
Live entertainment at the airport? Perhaps.
But I wouldn’t target it at arriving passengers, many of whom judge an airport by how quickly they can get out of there. Give ‘em a baggage system and shuttle that can get them from the plane door to downtown in 30 minutes or less for less than $15 (45-60 mins. if clearing customs) and many of them will wish that their hometown airport was like ours.
Rather, put the entertainment (plus stores and restaurants) in the secure area. This is where people have time to kill. It’s also the area where artists are most likely to make money selling their CDs, paintings or crafts to visitors looking to buy a gift or souvenir on their way out of town.
Pan Flute and Mariachi band, YES PLEASE
Agree with the View from Seven…people arriving just want to get the heck out….. stick it in the departure area where people are waiting 2-3 hours sometimes to get their flight.
Airports should have a movie theater with new movies and maybe a strip joint.