Tops in Blue coming to Abilene

Published April 27, 2006
By Airman 1st Class Carolyn Viss
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The Air Force’s elite performance group is coming to the Abilene Civic Center to perform “And the Beat Goes On” Feb. 19 at 7:30 p.m.

Tops in Blue is a group of 36 active-duty vocalists, musicians and dancers who represent the Air Force around the world, visiting deployed and stateside troops, boosting morale, and assisting in recruiting.

“They play a vital role as ambassadors because they show the versatility of the military
servicemember,” said Mr. Willie Cooper, community center director and Tops in Blue project officer.

“They not only perform, they also set up their own equipment and tear it down to put it on the 18-wheelers afterward. They know what it’s like to be active duty.”

The group has been on tour since 1953 at six World Fairs, more than 100 state fairs and festivals, Super Bowl XIX, the Daytona 500, and in more than 25 foreign countries, to name just a few. They have also produced five films and recorded two music albums.

“Their show is just incredible,” Mr. Cooper said. “It just captivates you. They perform
an hour and a half, non-stop, in costumes from all sorts of eras and sets that change from a ballroom to the country to a military setting.

“They play all sorts of music, too -- country, hip-hop, oldies ... they perform at the highest level of professionalism there is.”

The show is open to both the military and civilian community. Tickets are not required; seating is on a first come, first served basis.

For more information, visit the Tops in Blue official Web site, www.topsinblue.com or call Mr. Cooper at 696-4305.