First-Ever Fly-In Musicfest

Sept. 15, 2009
Flying Musicians from around the country will showcase live music on two stages, Nov. 7 in Fort Worth.

The Flying Musicians Association's first major event, the Fort Worth Spinks Fly-In Musicfest on November 7, 2009, is shaping up to be a fun and spirited economic stimulus for the Fort Worth/Burleson area.

Flying Musicians from around the country will showcase live music on two stages. National names as well as local talent (from pros to talented schoolkids) will provide nonstop entertainment. The Fort Worth Songwriters Association will be running two jamming tents where impromptu jams will take place throughout the day, so bring your instrument or your voice! And plan on watching -- or even participating in -- a Native American Flute and Drum Circle.

It’s an aviation theme – how could it be otherwise? – so there will also be excitement in the skies, as well: Aircraft flying, aircraft to look at, photograph, and sometimes climb into, and aircraft rides will be available. The John L. Terry Heritage Foundation will have their WWII-era B-25 Mitchell bomber, Pacific Prowler, and the C47 Dakota (known to civilians as a DC-3) Southern Cross, on the ramp for tours and flights all weekend.

The local Experimental Aviation Association Chapters will be giving free rides to kids (ages 8 through 17) on a first-come basis as part of their Young Eagles program, which has already introduced well over a million kids to flight. There will be vendors, food, aviation seminars, and music for the whole family.

A special guest, Ravi the Aviator (who is also a flying musician) will give his presentation “Making General Aviation Sexy” which he presented at the big Sun ‘n Fun and AirVenture airshows (and which he will be presenting in Florida at the AOPA Summit convention in October). Ravi might even play a few tunes for us as well! Spellbinding Florida-based author Denis Murphy, who wrote the true thriller, PAN, PAN, PAN: A Survival Story, will be talking with us and signing copies of this book. If you’re already hooked on aviation, Judy Tarver with FltOps will tell how to land an airline job.

And don't leave early! Fireworks will erupt as the final act performs.

Fort Worth is a destination all in herself: Fly or drive in on Friday and visit the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, the Texas Motor Speedway, the Bass Performance Hall, the Fort Worth Zoo, the Botanical Gardens, the fabulous museums, and resplendent downtown area. Visit www.fortworth.com for more information. Stay at one of the three hotels within walking distance of the airport and dine at the numerous restaurants. Enjoy the event on Saturday, relax with music and fireworks on Saturday night, then have a relaxing trip home on Sunday.

The Flying Musicians Association, Inc. was formed in 2009 by blending two passions, flying and music. Founded by two pilot/musicians, John Zapp and Aileen Hummel who have made it their quest to encourage, promote, educate and support these two passions, and especially to encourage adventure, awe, and experience through flying and music, generating and fostering the yearning for both amongst young people.

To join please visit FlyingMusicians.org.