Press release:

One of the most iconic musicians from the Seattle area is now a visible part of the Experience the City of Music Program at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport with the installation of a Jimi Hendrix exhibit presented by EMP Museum.

Located on the secure side of the terminal near gate A1, Jimi Hendrix: West Coast Seattle Boy, is the latest addition to the highly successful music program from the Port of Seattle, Seattle Music Commission and Play Network.

Organized by EMP Museum, Jimi Hendrix: West Coast Seattle Boy traces the early years of one of the most celebrated guitarists of all time. This unique display presents Hendrix’s story from the time he was growing up in Seattle to his early career as a musician, and his brief return home as an international superstar.

Reproductions of intimate family pictures, rare concert photos, posters, and illustrations hand-drawn by Hendrix capture key moments in the life of a remarkable artist whose legacy continues to this day.

EMP Museum will rotate various exhibits in the space to go along with the theme of local, northwest music culture as part of the Experience the City of Music program.

The exhibit is the latest element added to the program which began in January 2012. Earlier this year the program added live music performances in the terminal, a new web player and more big name artists, such as Quincy Jones, recording safety and informational messages.

To experience more of Jimi Hendrix’s transformation from Seattle boy to rock icon, visitors can check out EMP Museum’s new exhibition: Hear My Train A Comin’: Hendrix Hits London. Find more information here.

The Sea-Tac Airport Experience the City of Music program – a cooperative effort by the Port of Seattle, Seattle Music Commission and PlayNetwork – is a comprehensive effort to enhance the traveler experience with the music of Northwest artists including overhead music, safety and public information announcements by artists, curated videos on terminal and baggage claim monitors, and a multi-channel web radio player available through the free airport Wi-Fi network.


In just the first year of the program, the airport playlist has grown to 600 songs with 160 Northwest artists. Thirty-two local artists have volunteered their time to record overhead welcome, security and informational announcements including such diverse artists as Macklemore, Ben Gibbard, Ann Wilson, Sir Mix-A-Lot, Jerry Cantrell, Fly Moon Royalty, Quincy Jones, Ludovic Morlot, Brandi Carlile, John Popper, Allen Stone and many more.

For sample audio clips, including the recent addition of Quincy Jones’ airport announcement and more information on the program, visit the Sea-Tac Airport Music Initiative page. The page also has more information on how artists can submit music or video content.

When you are at Sea-Tac Airport, travelers can also submit feedback or let the airport know what they are hearing by following @SeaTacAirport on Twitter and using #SEACityofMusic.