Tops in Blue wraps up 2010 tour

  • Published
  • By Brian McGloin
  • 502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  After touring the world performing for servicemembers home and abroad, Tops in Blue took the stage Sunday at the Trinity University's Laurie Auditorium in downtown San Antonio.

Tops in Blue is the premier performance group of the Air Force, made up of 35 active-duty amateur musicians and performers who compete to be part of the special unit.
Tickets for the free performance were available through the Randolph Information, Tickets and Travel office. Sunday's performance was the last of the group's 2010 We Believe tour, but plans are under way for the group's 2011 season.

Members of the Randolph community volunteered their time to work at the theater as part of the support staff.

"'We Believe' was a great theme, which we all need to hear. Whether it's a message to all our great troops serving in the war zones and conflict areas, those affected by the natural devastations around the world or the families; we have got to believe that everything's going to be all right eventually or things may appear to difficult to bare," said Cynthia Webber 12th Operations Support Squadron, who worked as an usher during the concert. "I am such a fan of the Tops in Blue and proud of them for the relevant messages they bring on a very busy schedule."

"It was an outstanding event and as usual, the show was heartfelt and very entertaining," she said. "The last song touches me every time I hear it, so thanks to the performers and all responsible for the show."

Airmen from Randolph and the Joint base San Antonio community were some of those responsible for the show.

Tech. Sgt. Daniel Fountain 882nd, Training Support Squadron military training leader said he was part of the seven-member tear-down crew after the show.

"I didn't get to watch the show unfortunately," he said. "I'd seen it a couple of times while stationed at Hickam Air Force Base prior to coming here and thought they put on a great show. "

This tour featured some changes from past programs with the addition of current, popular music in addition to the standards.

"From speaking with some of the other setup crew, they'd changed up some of the older, more traditional music and opted for more current mainstream music such as Lady Gaga and The Black-Eyed Peas," Sergeant Fountain said. "The stage looked awesome. A lot of attention to detail was put in to the setup. "

"All of the crews did a great job with the teardown," he said. "I hope to catch the next show that comes through."

The Tops in Blue 2011 team continues to prepare for their upcoming tour entitled, "Rhythm Nation," which starts April 30 at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. For more information about Tops in Blue visit www.topsinblue.com or the Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/topsinblue.