Tops In Blue performs for Abilene

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shannon Hall
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ABILENE CIVIC CENTER, Texas --  As the red curtain opened wide, the stage filled with bright dancing colors. The crowd applauded as the entertainers, know as Tops In Blue, took the stage in their colorful costumes to begin their performance.

The elite group of 25 entertainers performed a free concert for Dyess Airmen and their families, as well as Abilene residents, March 9 at the Abilene Civic Center.

The 2009 group of performers engaged in a live, non-stop performance dancing and singing various songs that comply with their theme, "To Dream."

"It's wonderful to see where the military is involved in other things than fighting," said audience member Delilah Barnes with tears in her eyes. "It is great to have them put on a musical, it's great to have them serve our country and I thank God for them."

During each tour the entertainers perform for more than 250,000 spectators.

"The mission of Tops In Blue is to provide entertainment for the Air Force family from within Air Force resources with priority to Air Force personnel stationed worldwide at remote and deployed locations," said 1st Lt. Angela Waterworth, 711th Human Performance Wing Brooks City-Base, Texas and is the officer in charge of Tops In Blue 2009.

The group travels throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and more performing over 100 times each year at many different locations.

The performers are responsible for setting up and tearing down their own set every show, as well as hauling around tons of equipment and preparing their own costumes. Vocalist performer Senior Airman Jeffrey Collins, 87th Civil Engineer Squadron McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey gave some advice to Airmen wanting to audition for Tops In Blue.

"Anyone who is interested in auditioning for Tops In Blue must be dead set and needs to realize that it's a very strong work schedule, but it's more awarding than anything they'll ever do," he said.

For more information about Tops In Blue or to see if they are coming to a town near you, logon to www.topsinblue.com.