WISHING THE MEMBERS OF OUR TOPS IN BLUE FAMILY AND THEIR RESPECTIVE FAMILIES A JOYOUS HOLIDAY SEASON

2001 WORLDWIDE TALENT CONTEST FEB 11-19 AT LACKLAND AFB

The Air Force Worldwide Talent Contest is returning to the "home of Tops in Blue." The 2001 contest is scheduled to be held February 11-19 at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Once again, Air Force Entertainment is looking to Tops in Blue priors to step up to the plate and provide much-needed assistance. Individuals are needed to assist with administrative duties, technical support, and coordination. If you are available to help, please contact Air Force Entertainment at (210) 652-6566. (DSN 487-6566) (There was an error in the print version. These numbers are correct.)

Keep in mind that even if you aren't available to provide on-site assistance during the contest, you can still contribute to its success by taking an active role at base level. Contact the community activity center at a nearby base and offer to help in recruiting and working with local talent. There is a lot you can do to educate and motivate talented individuals and get them involved in the program. In addition, we can also help those individuals hone their talents and prepare them for both the talent competition and the prospect of becoming Tops In Blue. Whether it's working on staff or working at the local level, we have an excellent opportunity to give something back to the program. Let's take advantage of it.

IN MEMORY OF MICHAEL KEATING

In August of this year, we lost another family member as Michael Keating passed away. He had been ill for quite some time. Mike was a true talent with a golden voice. His stirring, emotion- filled renditions of "When a Child is Born" and "I Want to Live" earned him a pair of Rogers as Best Male Vocalist in 1981 and 1982, as well as Best in Show in '81. He toured with Tops In Blue on the summer tour in 1982. After leaving the Air Force a few years later, he embarked on a professional entertainment career and made his mark in Atlantic City, performing at such venues as Harrah's, Merv Griffin's Resort, and Trump Castle. He worked with such stars as Colin Raye, The Lettermen, and Alabama. Just prior to his passing, he released his first CD, entitled "This is My Moment". In addition to being talented, Michael Keating was one of the nicest, most down-to-earth people you'd ever want to meet. He took his talent in stride and never lost sight of the things that truly mattered in life. He was a true friend and without question, he will be missed.

TOPS IN BLUE 2000 TOUR SCHEDULE

Tops In Blue 2000 is on its final overseas swing as they complete the Pacific portion of their tour. From PACAF they will head back to the states for shows at Southern bases prior to arriving at the World Wide Talent Contest and then presenting their final performance at Lackland on February 23. The remainder of their tour schedule is here.

FLASHBACK: TOPS IN BLUE 1984 - ON THE ROAD TO SUPERBOWL

In January 1985 Tops in Blue made history as they performed at the halftime of Superbowl XIX at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto, California. But before the big show, TIB was on tour, and their 1984 show was aptly entitled "A Celebration On the Road to Superbowl." The show began with the cast portraying, of all things, a cast of entertainers who were hoping to perform at the Superbowl. In rehearsal, they warmed up with a variety of pop hits including "Joanna" and "Let's Hear it for the Boy," and country favorites like "Roll On," and the hilarious "Where's the Dress?" But the group had doubts about making to the big show. Enter Mortimer Theotis Bartholomew and his wife Buttercup! Their son Junior is one of the cast members and they arrive just in time to brighten everyone's spirits and give the group new hope. In celebration of their newfound spirit, the group decides to "Take it Uptown" inviting Mort and Buttercup to the club for a night of dancing. "Spice of Life", "One More Rhythm" and "Bi-coastal" were among the hot numbers performed along with Dennis Taylor's show stopping rendition of "In Another Place and Time".

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But the club scene suddenly changed at midnight! From out of nowhere came the creepiest, scariest, most revolting creatures and Junior had suddenly transformed himself into a werewolf as together the group provided a stirring presentation of "Thriller." Later, after more laughter-filled banter and Carol Rone's heartfelt performance of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", Buttercup convinces Mortimer to use a few of his "connection" and see if he can help the kids realize their dream of performing at the Superbowl, which of course, he does. Jubilation abounding, the group prepared for their big moment and inspired the audience with songs such as "Strive" and "We're Going All the Way." The group closed the show with "One Voice" reminding the audience that their performance at the Superbowl would be more than just Tops In Blue on stage, that it would proudly represent all of the dedicated men and women of the United States Air Force.

SPOTLIGHT: Where are They Now?

John is best remembered in the role of "Super Sarge - the Chief, Super, Supreme Master Sergeant of the Air Force" in the Tops in Blue 1981 show and as the slick, rappin' "Radio Romeo" in the 1982 TIB show. These days John makes his home in Phoenix, Arizona where he works as a master electronics specialist for Motorola. When he's not working at work he's working out, having become quite the bodybuilder. He's still hoping to get back into comedy sometime in the near future.

Jac Hayden toured with Tops In Blue in 1957 and served as the show's Master of Ceremonies and Novelty Act. He also appeared on the Ed Sullivan show. Following his performance on this highly touted variety show, he hired a manager and decided to go into show business full time. Now over 40 years later, he's still in it! Jac now makes his home in Las Vegas, Nevada and has performed all over the country as "Mundane the Grate", a hilarious magic-comedy act. Of late, he can be found at notable venues such as Carolee's Comedy Club, Vegas World, and Buffalo Bill's Hotel & Casino.

After leaving the Air Force, Dave was living up in the bush of Alaska for many years. He worked at Eielson AFB as a civilian, as a Radar Threat Gunner. He says that was great, but sometimes, when the snow is up around your belt buckle, and it's 40 below zero... the money isn't worth it. Shortly thereafter he sold his house, bought an old tour bus, converted the inside of the coach to his home and hit the road. He's been traveling for almost two years and loving it. At last check, Tiny was in Kissimmee, Florida.

BLUE NOTES

Kudos to Kahlil Walton! He has just been cast in a major independent film. He's in some pretty heady company as the director and producer have major ties to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Kahlil is also up for roles in a couple of other films. Break a leg, brother! Speaking of roles, if any of you manage to make it to Denmark anytime soon, look for yours truly, T.A., in a television commercial for Tuborg Beer. Believe it or not in the commercial I'm singing and dancing in a "Temptations" 70's style vocal group! Gold suit, platform shoes, Afro wig and all! Speaking of the Temptations, TIB prior Terry Weeks is still going strong with the Temps and knocking audiences out with his smooth style. Terry and the Temps will be here in Phoenix in February and hopefully I can get a chance to visit with him and maybe do an interview to the next newsletter.

Just a reminder, Tom is still looking to establish that "hall of fame" wall at the TIB Production Center, so if you've recorded a CD or have other entertainment media, send him a copy. (here's the address) Also let him know of any professional entertainment accomplishments; include photos or programs, etc.

With the Air Force Worldwide Talent Contest coming up in a few months, TIB 2001 will be right around the corner. So, if you have any musical suggestions you might want Tom to consider, this would be a good time to pass them on.

That's all for this year. I wish you a prosperous New Year. See you after WWTC 2001.

Peace...T.A.Burrows