An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Article Display

Tops in Blue sing, dance their way through JB MDL

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dennis L. Sloan
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  The Air Force's premier entertainment unit, Tops in Blue, put a show on for the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst community Aug. 8 at the Timmermann Center.

The unit took the audience on a musical roller coaster starting with swing and jazz then working their way to today's current music.

They described how each generation put their own staple on music ultimately progressing to what is known as pop music today.

The show featured instrumental performances such as guitar, trumpet, keyboard, drums and saxophone. The performers must master the instrumental, vocal, choreography and staging requirements of the show. They also must become highly accomplished in the intricate technical skills needed to support the tour.

"I helped the Tops in Blue team set-up the stage for the evening show," said Reggie Jackson, 87 Comptroller Squadron, travel technician and cashier. "It was great getting to know all of these talented Airmen and getting an understanding of how much work they do while touring."

Singing and dancing was another feature of the 90 minute show. The performers used synchronized dancing with singing to bring the crowd to their feet. Singing performances ranged from solos, duets to chorus.

"The show was very well put together and it had something for everyone," said Jackson. "Whether retirees, senior or junior servicemembers attended the show, there was music for all of them. I was very impressed with the entire performance."

The overall theme of the show highlighted some of the most popular and influential music from the 19th century. The performers showcased such artists as Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis and Beyonce.

The crowd not only watched the performers, but participated by clapping to the beat of the songs and singing along. A few were brought on stage to participate in the show as well.

The show was topped off with the members getting into their service uniforms and singing a few patriotic songs honoring 9/11victims and rescue workers and the sacrifices servicemembers give to ensure freedom in the United States.

Tops in Blue serves as an expeditionary entertainment unit that provides quality entertainment from within Air Force resources for the Air Force family, with priority to Air Force personnel stationed worldwide at remote and deployed locations while simultaneously promoting community relations, supporting recruiting efforts and serving as ambassadors for the United
States of America and the United States Air Force.

According to the Tops in Blue website, the unit is one of the oldest and most widely traveled entertainment groups of its kind. Composed of 35 to 40 of the most talented vocalists, musicians, dancers, and technicians anywhere, their primary purpose is to perform for military personnel and their families throughout the world. However, the enormous popularity of the group has also made them America's goodwill ambassadors around the globe.

The unit was created more than 50 years ago by Maj. Al Reilly. He started the unit to recognize talented Airmen in various categories ranging from comedy, drama, vocals, gospel, country, instrumental groups and several others. The unit debuted in 1953 performing 230 shows in 235 days. This grueling pace is still a part of the Tops in Blues today and since the start of the unit they have performed more than 7,000 shows. The current unit performs for a 10-month-long period.

During the 10-month-touring period, the unit is primarily their own road crew. The unit ranges from 30 to 40 Airmen who are responsible for setting up more than 60,000 pounds of staging, lighting, audio, video and special effects equipment required for each performance.

Tops in Blue have performed at several prestigious and high-visible events such as: six world fairs, Super Bowl halftime shows, NBA finals and ambassadors.

Every member of Tops in Blue has gone through the same auditioning process. All Airmen are welcome to audition for the unit. Visit www.topsinblue.com/application.html or call 210-395-7237 for more information on how to audition.