Twenty-five years ago, in the heart of the "Live Music Capital of the World," Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) started serenading passengers with local tunes. Fast forward to today, and AUS is cranking up the volume to celebrate a quarter-century of live shows. Much to the delight of airport-goers, the music is still going strong with over 1,700 performances echoing through the terminals last year alone, according to an official blog post from the City of Austin.
In a city where music is more than just background noise, AUS has managed to successfully integrate live performances into the travel experience. In a statement obtained by the City of Austin, AUS Music Coordinator Michael Pennock, who's been orchestrating these gigs for over a decade, revealed the airport will soon host its 17,500th show. Their current schedule boasts up to 30 performances a week, showcasing an array of Austin's homegrown talent amid the bustle of baggage claim and boarding announcements.
A closer look at AUS's music history reveals strong community ties and consistent support from local businesses. Partnerships with Delaware North Companies, HMS Host, and Paradies Lagardère have been key in sustaining the groove, contributing to a legacy that started with an idea sketched out by the New Terminal Task Force and approved by the Austin City Council back in the early '90s.
But it's not just about the numbers or the logistics behind the scenes. It's the jaw-dropping, wide-eyed reactions from passengers—those serendipitous moments of musical magic that turn an ordinary stopover into an unforgettable experience. "People’s jaws drop when they see that awesome band playing, and it happens every day," Pennock recounted in an interview with the City of Austin. And with continuous expansions on the horizon, AUS is keen to expand their repertoire, aiming to further embed music and art into the heart of the terminal.
The crescendo of this 25-year melody hits a high note with a lineup of celebrations starting on May 1st, culminating with a special performance by Austin's own Jackie Venson on May 23rd, the anniversary day. Travelers will be treated to pop-up performances throughout the terminal, ensuring that the echoes of Austin's vibrant music scene will continue to resonate through the halls of AUS for many more years to come.
