VAN NUYS, CA. (Van Nuys Airport Public and Community Relations) - Van Nuys Airport (VNY) invites the public to the free Rockin' AirFest 2005 on Sunday, May 15, 2005, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event, saluting the Bob Hope Hollywood USO at LAX, will feature displays of world-famous aircraft on national tour, plus live bands playing music from the '60s, '70s, '80s and beyond. There will also be a special preview show at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 14, 2005.
"Rockin' AirFest 2005 will celebrate the aircraft and music that have shaped our history, and we're very excited to offer the community an event that is both entertaining and educational," said Van Nuys Airport Manager Selena Birk. "Our show will feature dozens of vintage aircraft displays, top-notch live entertainment, airfield bus tours and more, so we encourage families to come out and enjoy the day."
Aircraft displays include the legendary B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator bombers on their national Wings of Freedom Tour, honoring the aircraft and flight crews of World War II, and "The Star of America," the classic Lockheed Super Constellation (the "Connie"), once the most luxurious airliner in the sky. The last of its kind still flying in the U.S., The Star of America was recently featured in the Academy Award-winning film "The Aviator." Soaring overhead will be an awe-inspiring U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight scheduled for 11:30 a.m., featuring a modern F-16 Falcon flying in close formation with a vintage P-51 Mustang.
Set against this backdrop, live bands at Rockin' AirFest 2005 will play from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Headlining the list will be Captain Cardiac and the Coronaries at noon, one of the premier 1950s-'60s rock and roll bands in the country for over three decades. Their high-voltage performances have been enjoyed at world-class venues throughout North America, Europe and Mexico, including three Super Bowls.
Another AirFest feature will be bus tours of the airport for a behind-the-scenes look at the rich history and inner-workings of the world's busiest general aviation airport. There will also be plenty of refreshments and exhibits, including a Career Resource Center providing the public with information on a variety of local aviation career and education opportunities.
Free event parking and shuttle bus service for Rockin' AirFest 2005 will be provided from two remote parking lots: California State University, Northridge, 18000 Lassen St. and the Van Nuys Airport East Lot, 16000 Saticoy St. Disabled parking only will be available on the event site at 8050 Balboa Blvd. The pedestrian entrance for the event will be located at 8030 Balboa Blvd. For additional information on event activities, parking and more call 866-869-3976 or visit www.lawa.org/vny.
Also paying tribute to USO programs serving local military and their families, will be a special Rockin' AirFest 2005 preview event on the evening of Saturday, May 14, that includes an authentic USO show, complete with celebrity appearances, musical numbers and aircraft arrivals.
Doors will open at 6 p.m. and festivities will begin at 7 p.m. with a U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight, followed by the spectacular arrivals of the B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator. The live stage show will begin at approximately 8 p.m. with Gary Bryan of radio station K-EARTH 101 as one of the evening's masters of ceremonies. Scheduled celebrity guests include impressionist Fred Travalena and celebrated actress and entertainer Connie Stevens, a veteran of the original Bob Hope USO shows. Also on hand for a sentimental journey will be the Liberty Belles USO Performance Troupe, singing classic 1940s songs reminiscent of the famous Andrews Sisters.
The show is free; however, due to limited parking space, those driving to the event are required to make reservations by filling out the event form at www.lawa.org/vny or by calling 818-909-3529.
Walk-in spectators do not need reservations, but seating is limited and an early arrival is recommended.
