In honor of World Music Day, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) held a musical celebration, “LAX Songs in the Key of Flight,” in Terminal 7. As part of the event, airport officials also debuted two new Kawai G-40EP manual and self-playing baby grand pianos located in the Terminal 4 connector and on the Upper Level of Terminal 7.
Using the Terminal 7 piano as the centerpiece of the event, employees from Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and United Airlines, as well as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Chorus, performed piano and vocal selections during the program.
“Music is a universal language, and our mission at LAWA is to serve the world – connecting people, places and cultures,” said Barbara Yamamoto, Chief Experience Officer, LAWA. “By adding pianos to Terminals 4 and 7, we are creating opportunities for our guests to be part of the airport experience, whether they are showcasing their own talent or listening to others share their musical gift. No matter your level of experience, we hope you’ll take a moment to stop and enjoy – or play – the music.”
At the LAX Songs in the Key of Flight event, one of the featured performers was Alan Peck, a procurement analyst at LAWA. Originally, from Washington, D.C., Peck has worked at LAWA for two decades, and he’s played piano for 50 years. He also plays the piano at his church and enjoys performing gospel, rhythm and blues and ballads. Peck played “Killing Me Softly with His Song” by Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel during today’s musical program.
“Music is an important part of my life,” Peck said. “I have always enjoyed playing the piano to entertain, uplift and inspire others, and I am pleased to have had the opportunity to perform at today’s celebration not only to commemorate World Music Day but also to celebrate the addition of beautiful musical spaces at LAX.”
United Airlines customer service representative Jennifer Brown also performed a piano medley featuring, “Prelude No. 4 in F Major” by Robert D. Vandall and the original composition “Your Love” during the event. She has worked for United at LAX for six years.
The grand finale featured the TSA Chorus, led by Jamelle Jones. The chorus performed three selections including “Change the World” by Gordon Kennedy, Tommy Sims and Wayne Kirkpatrick, “God Bless the U.S.A.” by Lee Greenwood and “What a Wonderful World” by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss.
To keep the celebration of the new pianos going, LAX has also launched a #LAXSongsintheKeyofFlight social media campaign on Instagram. Guests are encouraged to play the pianos in Terminal 7 and the Terminal 4 Connector and post their video clips on Instagram by tagging @flylaxairport with #LAXSongsintheKeyofFlight.
