Flying is a pain. Even when you remember the miracle of getting in a metal tube and being flung across vast oceans and continents faster than anyone could have possibly imagined even 100 years ago, there’s always something to complain about.
One of the main contributors to the pain of air travel is the part where you’re not even in the plane. Airports can be a process. Even if everything is going smoothly, you’re still spending 60-90 minutes “hurrying up and waiting.”
Stand in line to check in, rush to stand in line at security (resisting making TSA jokes…), rush to your gate, wait until you can stand in line, stand in line until you can get on the plane, wait for the plane to move, and then finally you’re flying (you and 300 of your closest strangers, with the chances of all of them holding their farts the entire trip slim to none).
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is trying to make being there slightly less miserable. They’re doing it through the power of music.
According to CBS Los Angeles, the airport has entered a $195,000, three-year contract with a company called Grand Performances to provide entertainment in a series called “LAX Presents.”
The series will highlight local musicians and performers to show off the what the city has to offer as people arrive or depart.
“Music instills memory into us of where we are at any given time, and I think that that’s what we’re really trying to do here and I think that’s what we’re trying to do is make your experience here at LAX memorable for the future,” said Gabriel Eshaghian, commissioner of Los Angeles World Airports, the owner and operator of LAX.
The program is being funded through arts fees the City of Los Angeles collects from new construction in the city. One percent of those fees are designated each year for art project such as this.
LAX Presents will start off with 18 performances through November, primarily in the international terminal.
I suppose it’s a nice idea, but hopefully they deliver an experience that is notable and enjoyable. Otherwise, it may end up being really expensive elevator music.
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