Tops in Blue entertains Team McGuire Published Nov. 27, 2006 By Senior Airman Danielle Johnson McGuire Public Affairs MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- Team McGuire members gathered Sunday in the Bay 3 Hanger to watch the Air Force's premier entertainment group, "Tops in Blue," perform. The show, themed "What's Love," featured hit songs by Tina Turner and the Temptations, country tunes by Trisha Yearwood and Alan Jackson and ballads by Celine Dion, Rod Stewart and Kelly Clarkson. "It was refreshing to see such a modern, non-stop, upbeat show," said Tech. Sgt. Stephanie Landing, 305th Medical Group pharmacy technician, audience member at the show and past Tops in Blue performer. The group, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, is an all-active duty Air Force special unit made up of performers selected for their entertainment abilities. Each year, base talent contests are held and the most talented move on to higher levels of competition. Each year's team begins with 45 days of intense training at the "Tops in Blue" headquarters, located at Lackland AFB, Texas. The team members learn the instrumental, vocal and choreographical elements of the show as well as the technical responsibilities. For each of the nearly 100 performances, the team must set up more than 36,000 pounds of staging, lighting, audio and special effects equipment. The team travels throughout the world to entertain Airmen and their families, with priority given to those stationed at remote and deployed locations. The group also promotes community relations, supports recruiting efforts and serves as ambassadors for the U.S. and the Air Force.