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Tops in Blue to ‘Fly By’ at McGuire

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rebekah Phy
  • 305th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  Tops In Blue is scheduled to perform at McGuire Aug. 14, 7 p.m. at 3-Bay Hangar. All personnel and family members are invited to attend the free event. 

This year's theme, "The Fly By", commemorates 60 years of Air Force history through a high-tech multimedia extravaganza. The show visually and musically winds its way through six decades of history with historical footage laced with songs from each era. 

"It's a high-energy musical show that is also educational," said Tom Edwards, chief of Air Force Entertainment. "It's a story told through the music our Airmen and their families grew up playing and singing, punctuated with our proud Air Force history." 

Songs like, "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree" and "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" by the Andrews Sisters and hits from Glenn Miller's Band become the musical backdrop for the emerging branch of service. 

As the 50s move to the 60s, Dick Clark brings everyone's favorite music to life with songs like "Where the Boys Are" by Connie Francis, Chubby Checker's "The Twist" and smooth Motown sounds from groups like The Temptations and The Supremes. 

Then off to pop culture of the '60s and '70s as Tops In Blue belts out songs from country music legends like Johnny Cash and Loretta Lynn. The '70s will bring the retro sounds of "Disco Inferno," "Car Wash" and "If My Friends Could See Me Now". 

Mirroring the sign of the times, the late 1980s songs like "Fantasy" and the "Star Wars Theme Song" highlight the new technological age of the Air Force. 

Tops In Blue has been to McGuire several times and seems to get an excellent review from personnel here. 

"Tops In Blue is awesome entertainment," said Chris Velilla, 305th Services Squadron community support flight chief. "It's a great chance to see the talent the Air Force has to offer. You'd be surprised to see the amount of talent that's out there wearing Air Force blue. 

"I definitely recommend everyone to come out to the Tops In Blue show Aug. 14," she added. "It's a wonderful family show, and this year should be great since they are celebrating 60 years of Air Force history." 

Tops In Blue is an all-active duty U.S. Air Force special unit made up of talented amateur performers selected for their entertainment abilities. Each year, thousands compete in base talent contests and the most talented move on to higher levels of competition. The result is an elite group composed of 35 of the most talented vocalists, musicians, and dancers anywhere. 

Known as the Air Forces' Expeditionary Entertainers; the group's main mission is to perform for military personnel and their families throughout the world. 

For more information on the Tops In Blue performance here, call the McGuire community center at (609) 754-1485.