Posted on 10/27/2017 2:32:01 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
To cleanse the palate, I feel about this the way I do about Smalt. I can’t believe someone had the idea, let alone that they pulled together a critical mass of people willing to make it a reality. Imagine the confluence of circumstances in which an airlines’ executives greenlight a live concert for a captive audience in the cattle-car environs of an airplane and then actually find artists willing to play it. And not struggling artists either. You’ll know some of the names. You sell a million albums and then one day you wake up and ask your manager where your next gig and he says, “Flight 132 from Tampa to Philly.”
This is a whole thing, called “Live at 35,” that’s been going on for six years. I only first heard of it today. And judging from the reaction on social media, I’m not the only one. As Hillary Clinton might say, what happened?
Warner Music Nashville (WMN) announced today that they have teamed up with Southwest Airlines to produce a variety of promotions that will bring music into the skies. With this new partnership, Southwest will continue their history of pop-up shows on board flights featuring WMN artists, with the label also agreeing to continue their tradition of traveling with the airline.
Perhaps the most popular aspect of the agreement is the continuation of the Live at 35 in-air concert series, as well as the Opry at the Southwest Porch at Bryant Park series of summer concerts. Launched as a curiosity in 2011, the Live at 35 series has only grown in popularity over the past six years, as Southwest passengers hope that their flight will be one of the lucky ones to feature a sure-to-go-viral performance.
I grew up in New York City and I assure you, if a dude wandered into your crowded rush-hour car rattling a coffee cup and crooning — which happened a lot — you didn’t consider yourself “one of the lucky ones.” Granted, the acts in the Warner Music stable will be more talented on average than the acts at the 34th Street stop, but you’re in a fouler mood on the plane than are on the subway. The trip is longer, you have four inches of legroom, and odds are you want to either sleep or watch a movie. Maybe you need to get some work done. Suddenly you look up and there’s Coldplay crammed behind the beverage cart, all set to rock coach. Do they give out free drinks on these “concert” flights, at least? This “amenity” should come with extra amenities to compensate.
Has anyone been on one of these flights? Was the vibe just pure embarrassment and discomfort for all concerned? And what does Warner Music get out of participating? An annoyed audience of a few hundred people is a blip in sales even if every passenger goes out and buys your album. And as far as I know, none of these concerts has broken out online and turned into truly viral marketing. Mystifying.
(VIDEOS-AT-LINK)
Only need to upgrade one person on Southwest. They can save the seats for the rest of you.
Flying Southwest last summer I bought 4 tickets and checked in early but still ended up in boarding group C. For a small upcharge though I could get early boarding. In the past I’ve done this and ended up around the A 30 area for loading, this time though my $100 upgrade only gets me to group B in the 50’s. There’s no guarantee on the upgrade. It’s merely a “cough up $100 and we’ll bump you up in line a ways”. What if everyone on the flight paid the upgrade? Would I still end up in the same spot?
I am confused...You paid for early-bird checkin and say you got Group C yet you later state it is GroupB? Was the $100 for an additional upgrade?
I am rather surprised...Never had that happen with early-bird check in...
Did you buy seats early or wait? Also, I have just saved a seat for passenger I am flying with.
I still think they are the best around unless you upgrade to business or first class on other airlines.
Their seats are too close together but that's all the airlines now.
They can shove the live music. Last thing I’m interested in is live music on those flying sardine tins.
After arriving at the airport 3 hours early with a pre-attitude you wait in the TSA line another 3 hours. This experience amounts to jail intake processing. By then you have a little Afib and blood pressure that would break the instrument. Next after you get your clothes back on the herd files into the hermetically sealed gas chamber. Lube yourself up to wedge into a space smaller then chickens are allowed. If you are taller than 5’ you will be in the crash position... Knees to chest.. for the duration.Next to you is a woman you just know is going to complain about you for whatever. Across the aisle is a kid who will stare at you for the whole flight.Finally, the plane pushes back and you immediately taxi to the bull pen for another 3 hour hold. Then mercifully you take off. At this point they could bring out the Boston Pops and I would immediately bite into the cyanide capsule I secreted in my mouth. No,I don’t fly anymore.
T
Maybe this will ultimately lead to “Quiet Planes”—similar to the “Quiet Cars” on Commuter trains.
What happens when the music wakes up the sleeping babies and they all start crying? Pass the aspirin, please (with a large whiskey to wash it down).
Oh yeah.... because the acoustics in an airplane are just wonderful..... sheesh
yes yes yes.
Muslim musician musical chairs played on every flight now?
"Welcome aboard Southwest. Who's celebrating an anniversary today?"
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Southwest has several Stews that get on the PA and sing.
Most passengers clap and cheer.
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>> “I’ve had nothing but good experiences on Southwest.” <<
Ditto!
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How about a program of Richie Valens, Buddy Holly & the Big Bopper?
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Next time check-in from home long before you leave.
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;)
Can you imagine the horror? People trying to jump off the plane....
Hell, the last flight I got two rum and cokes and the stewardess waved off my attempt to pay her with my credit card!
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Southwest has great people.
One of my clients is a SW Captain, who has lots of BBQs and parties with his co-workers, and I have partied with them often. Love’m!
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