Tops in Blue seeks musicians

  • Published
  • By Steve VanWert
  • Air Force Services Agency Public Affairs
SAN ANTONIO (AFPN) --  There are lots of words that spring to mind when you think of Tops in Blue, the Air Force’s premier entertainment group, said Jeri White, Tops in Blue production coordinator at Air Force Services Agency here.

“You think of ‘high energy,’ ‘world renown,’ even ‘expeditionary,’” she said. “You think of ‘singers,’ ‘dancers’ and ‘comedians.’”

But one phrase you never use to describe Tops in Blue is “a capella.”

“It’s all about the music,” Ms. White said. “The singers can’t sing without it, and the dancers can’t dance without it. It’s the beat that keeps Tops in Blue whirling around the stage and thrilling audiences worldwide.”

“We’re looking to fill a complete band,” Ms. White said. “We need keyboard players, drummers and guitarists. We also need to fill the horn and rhythm sections.”

Contestants do not need professional training to qualify, she said.

“They can be self-taught and don’t have to be able to read music,” Ms. White said. “All they need is talent and a strong desire to improve during the touring season."

Tops in Blue is an all-Air Force entertainment troupe that provides a free, high-energy, 90-minute musical extravaganza to military forces stationed worldwide. In its mission to boost morale, the team visits more than 120 locations worldwide in more than 30 countries, entertaining more than 350,000 military and family members from May to February each year.

During its 50-year history, Tops in Blue has performed at six world fairs and at more than 100 state fairs and festivals. The troupe has performed in six Bob Hope specials and in for more than 250,000 people at the 2002 Daytona 500 auto race. It appeared before a live and broadcast audience of 110 million people during the halftime show at Super Bowl XIX.

“Our goal is simple,” said Tom Edwards, director of Air Force Entertainment, “to reach as many people as possible and to thank them for their commitment to the Air Force.”

Now is the time for Air Force instrumentalists, as well as singers, dancers and comedians to compete for spots in this elite group. The Worldwide Talent Contest is March 6 to 14 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Besides competing for recognition as the best performers in five separate categories, participants also will vie for 30 positions in Tops in Blue 2005.

Although the application deadline has passed, people still interested in competing in the Air Force Talent Contest and auditioning for Tops in Blue 2005 should call the Air Force Entertainment Office at 210-652-6566 or DSN 487-6566. Airmen can obtain an application through the Air Force Services Web site at www.afsv.af.mil.

Videotapes will be reviewed at the agency officials, and those individuals who display talents that the judges feel can best support the team will be invited to compete in March. Funding for the contest is provided by Air Force Services, including permissive temporary duty, travel and lodging.