HOUSTON – Houston City Council approved Houston Airports to use up to $3.75 million from its Houston Airport System Enterprise Fund to enter into contractual agreements with 26 music groups to play at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) as part of the award-winning program, Harmony in the Air. 

The performers will be scheduled weekly and around peak travel times as part of the 5-Star guest experience that has become the signature of Houston Airports. In fact, Harmony in the Air is among the top amenities consistently praised by passengers. 

New performers such as Ki’Ora Michelle, Alex Navarro, Marlo Simon, Trio Oriens and Chad Wesselkamper will perform a diverse music repertoire encompassing classical, jazz, pop, R&B and beloved All-American favorites.

“Today’s approval from City Council paves the way for the ongoing expansion and success of Harmony in the Air. The program is the fusion of various elements that enhance the passenger experience with carefully curated performances unique in beauty, content and presentation,” said Maricela Kruseman, Founder and Program Director of Harmony in the Air. ”Since its debut in 2015, the number of musicial performances and stages has triplicated, and more than 250 passengers have delighted in Harmony in the Air performances. The program stands as a beacon, providing job security for more than 75 musicians, bolstering the creative economy of Houston.” 

The original and visionary concepts behind both Harmony in the Air and the airport system’s visual arts program resulted in Houston Airports being honored as the first-ever recipient of the World’s Best Art in the Airport at the 2023 Skytrax World Airport Awards. 

In September, United Airlines, impressed by the program’s success, requested collaboration with Houston Airports to provide Harmony in the Air in its terminals at Bush Airport. 

LEARN MORE | Harmony in the Air at Bush Airport

LEARN MORE | Harmony in the Air at Hobby Airport 

Kruseman worked with Houston Airports to create and display eye-catching signs that feature a QR code that links to a webpage that provides details about the performing arts program. “We collaborate and work closely with our airline partners to ensure they include information about Harmony in the Air in their pre-flight communications which encourage passengers to enjoy the performances,” said Kruseman. “And we host occasional special events, like the first-ever wedding at Hobby Airport. Our musicians help to create buzz which invites even more passengers to arrive early.”

An expanding performing arts program means more passengers will be able to make meaningful connections. In 2024, Houston Airports will unveil an ultra-modern, sustainable and gorgeous new section of its international terminal at Bush Airport. The D-West Pier inside the existing Terminal D will create space for wide-body jets capable of reaching far-off destinations; it will create opportunities for 5-Star restaurants and world-class retail experiences, and the new Terminal D-West Pier will create momentum for the music program that’s captured hearts and broken through the noise. 

Harmony in the Air Musicians