Live Music Lands at Logan: Turning Baggage Claim Into a Stage
Travelers passing through Boston Logan International Airport this summer may have noticed something unexpected while waiting for their luggage: live music.
On July 1st, Logan officially kicked off its new “Live Music at Logan” program, transforming the baggage claim areas of Terminals B and C into impromptu stages. Instead of the usual hum of luggage belts and rolling suitcases, passengers have been greeted with performances from local musicians—everything from soulful guitar sets to upbeat student ensembles.
A New Kind of Welcome to Boston
The idea behind the program is simple but clever. Waiting for luggage is rarely the highlight of any trip, and Logan’s leadership wanted to change that. Massport CEO Rich Davey explained it this way: “If we can make the experience of waiting for your luggage a little better, that’s a win.”
The airport partnered with the Mass Cultural Council to make it happen, ensuring performers are not only spotlighted but also paid for their work. By mid-July, dozens of sets had already taken place, each drawing curious crowds of travelers who stopped to listen, record on their phones, and even applaud between baggage carousels.
Behind the Music
The program runs through the end of August, featuring both professional musicians and college students from across Massachusetts. Sets are scheduled in two-hour windows, with times that vary day to day—sometimes in the late morning, other times stretching into the evening.
The performances take place in arrivals-level baggage claim, which means they’re accessible to anyone, not just ticketed passengers. Friends waiting to greet loved ones, Uber drivers on standby, and even airport staff have all become part of the audience.
The inspiration came from a similar program in Seattle, but Boston has given it its own flavor by highlighting local talent and tying it to the state’s creative economy. The Mass Cultural Council called it a cross-sector partnership, designed both to improve the travel experience and provide artists with a new kind of high-visibility platform.
Why It Matters
This initiative is more than just background music. It’s a glimpse at how art and public life intersect, even in spaces where we least expect it. For travelers, it’s a stress reliever. For artists, it’s a stage with an audience that numbers in the thousands.
It also reinforces Boston’s reputation as a city that values culture, not only in its historic theaters and symphony halls but in everyday spaces—like the place where you grab your bags after a long flight.
Catch a Set
“Live Music at Logan” continues through August, with performances rotating between Terminal B and Terminal C baggage claim areas. Whether you’re flying in, picking someone up, or just curious to see how an airport can double as a music venue, it’s worth checking out.
If you find yourself traveling through Logan this summer, don’t be surprised if your first welcome to Boston comes not from the loudspeaker overhead, but from a guitar chord or a saxophone riff echoing across the carousel.
