The first Fly-In Musicfest, held by the The Flying Musicians Association Nov. 7 at the Fort Worth Spinks Airport (FWS) in Texas was “a huge success,” according to organizers.
In spite of the low clouds early in the morning, there were several aircraft on display, including the B-25 “Pacific Prowler,” a C-47 Skytrain, a Russian Antonov AN 2 biplane, an Extra 300LP acrobatic plane, and many more, including a Duo Discus sailplane and its launch vehicle, a Piper Pawnee, courtesy the Texas Soaring Association.
Additionally, there were 130 musicians performing on two stages throughout the day. Among the flying musicians performing was Ravi the Raviator, fresh from a speaking engagement at the AOPA Aviation Summit in Tampa. Also performing were Bradley Leighton, jazz flutist, who flew a four-seat Cessna 172 from San Diego; Jay Carpenter (aka Slim Zimmerman) and his wife, who flew in from Austin; and from Oklahoma, Ramblin’ Ray Ricketts, who told stories and also played familiar hymns and tunes on the saw. Local talent, Paul Karmy and his Advent Brass, also performed.
In addition to the “flying” musicians, several area groups showcased their talent, including the Dorothy Shaw Bell Choir; Flutasia; James Michael Taylor; Blaming Grace; Daggett Montessori Middle School Orchestra; Zizzlebolt; Cheiron; Over the Hill Band; Cowtown Music Club; and Barefoot in Texas. A Native American Flute and Drum Circle brought another flavor to the festival, while the Fort Worth Songwriters Association maintained two jamming tents. The event culminated with a performance by Grammy Award winner Brave Combo.
Jerry Johnson (a board member of the Mooney Pilots Association) presented an FAA Wings Seminar on Communicating with ATC. Author Denis Murphy arrived from Florida and presented his book: Pan, Pan, Pan. (That’s the pilots’ version of “SOS.”) The FAA Runway Safety Program and the Vintage Flying Museum also had displays.
Said FMA co-founder Aileen Hummel: “We have a assembled a great committee that worked hard, relentlessly, for many months. These great folks are the pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and musicians who have embraced the mission of the Flying Musicians Association. Without their help and support, this event could not have been a success.”
Fellow co-founder John Zapp said, “What a wonderful blending of the two passions, aviation and music! With so much positive feedback this event is sure to takeoff.”
Next year’s Musicfest is slated for Nov. 13-14, 2010.
For more information: FlyingMusicians.org.
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