Jazz musicians from around the world are auditioning for a seat, and the opportunity to perform in front of a global media audience, on British Airways’ exclusive, sold-out charter flight during Mardi Gras, Feb. 24-27, in advance of the airline’s new direct service between New Orleans and London that will start on March 27.
The promotion is called #BuskForYourSeat, and undiscovered high-flying Jazz birds, 21 years and older, are encouraged to submit an up to five minute long video recording of themselves to British Airways by Jan. 25, at 5:00 p.m.
Musicians can be a vocalist, play any instrument and perform any genre of Jazz. On the single take, no edit demo, entrants may perform with a band or solo as long as individual performances are showcased and the judges are able to assess it.
Those who’ll vie for this sky high gig will be judged by Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and pianist Jon Cleary and two-time MOBO award-winning saxophonist YolanDa Brown.
“As someone who was born in London and grew up in New Orleans, this new bridge between these two wonderful cities is very exciting, and it’s a privilege to be involved,” Cleary said. “I look forward to hearing the talent that’s to be part of the celebration. Here in New Orleans, celebration and music are something we’re famous for!”
Three winners will be selected to perform 30,000 feet in the air for 150 passengers and media reps. Each winner is allowed one guest and will get a pair of seats on the flight, a three night stay at Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Ave., in a double or twin room with breakfast included, Mardi Gras grandstand parade tickets and a chance to perform with Cleary in New Orleans during Mardi Gras weekend.
Entries will be judged by Cleary and Brown on Jan. 27, at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London. Winners will be contacted by Feb. 3.
Aboard the VIP party flight all guests will be offered a New Orleans inspired Creole menu and signature cocktails.
“New Orleans is known across the globe as the home of Jazz – even the airport is named after Louis Armstrong,” saxophonist Brown said. “We are really excited to take three of the best new and emerging Jazz musicians to the festival and help us get the party started onboard.”
The charter flight will depart Heathrow at 10:00 a.m. on Feb. 24, arriving into Louis Armstrong International Airport at 2:00 p.m., with the return flight departing New Orleans at 11:25 p.m. on Feb. 27, and arriving at Heathrow at 2:10 p.m. the following day.
According to British Airway reps, New Orleans winners will have to fly themselves to London to catch the flight to the Crescent City, but are not contractually obligated to take that return flight back to London.
All entrants must have travel insurance, a valid passport and an ESTA or visa allowing entrance into the U.S.
Those up and comers chosen to showcase their chops will share the aisle/stage with singer Nicole Scherzinger, who will also be performing onboard the special flight.
Tickets for the Mardi Gras charter flight were sold exclusively on eBay with 10 percent of all auction bookings going towards Flying Start, British Airways’ charity partnership with Comic Relief.
Musicians need to submit their videos via email to busking@ba.com with a Vimeo or YouTube download or viewing link, and state their name, age and instrument at the start of the video. The email should also be accompanied by the entrant’s name, instrument, telephone number, hometown and the piece or pieces played in the video in order of performance.
From March 27, British Airways will launch service from Heathrow to New Orleans four times a week, and in under 10 hours, and will be the only airline flying direct between Europe and New Orleans.
Travel classes include Business, Premium Economy and Economy aboard the Boeing 787 aircraft.
