Theme For '96 Tops In Blue is "In Concert"

Show Features a Musical Tribute to the Magical World of Love

Tops In Blue '96 made it's debut at Lackland AFB, June 29^th, after Tom Edwards and this year's staging staff put the finishing touches on this year's show. Entitled "In Concert", the show presents a musical look at the magical world of Love. It begins in "Symphony Hall" with an opening that tells of the many definitions of love and how love is best expressed through music. Highlights include "Hello, Young Lovers" and "Almost Like Being In Love". The show then moves on to "the rooftop" for an impromptu concert featuring a nostalgic look at some of the great love songs of the past such as "You've Lost That Loving Feeling", "Best of My Love" and other classic hits from the 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's. There are also a few comical surprises. From there it's on to the big country dance hall, where music tells the story of love with some of today's hottest C&W hits, such as "I Like It, I Love It". There's also a tribute to country's women of the '90's with songs by Reba McIntyre, Faith Hill, Shania Twain. Then it's on to a big "outdoor" concert at one of today's hottest venues and a look at how love is expressed in today's contemporary sounds. This "hot" set includes titles such as Hootie and the Blowfish's "I Only Wanna Be With You" and Prince's "The Most Beautiful Girl In The World". The finale brings us home and stresses the importance of love today. It reflects on the love we have for our country, the love we share with children, and most importantly, the love we share around the world. Love is truly universal and "Love In Any Language" is love just the same. The show is more than just a tribute to love, it's a lesson in love. With the hottest music of the year, great oldies and a powerful message, "In Concert" promises to be another great Tops In Blue show. The tradition continues....

The Tour Itinerary for Tops in Blue '96

Tops In Blue 1996 hits the road this year on July 4^th. This year's tour will feature several special performances, including a show for the AF Sergeants Association in Houston, TX; the US Embassy in Bonn, Germany; the annual EUCOM Ball in Germany, and the legendary "Festival of Lights" in Niagara Falls, NY. This year's group will also add a chapter to the Tops In Blue history book when they visit Zagreb, Croatia; Tuzla and Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Tazar, Hungary. Here's the tentative tour schedule (through Nov. 7^th). The remainder of the schedule will be provided in the next issue. Remember, these dates are tentative. Check with the base CAC or Services Squadron for confirmation.

Giving Back Something to the Program

Priors Provide Inspiration and Guidance for this Year's Cast

Proving that in Tops In Blue, you can go home again, several Tops In Blue priors have stepped up to the plate and helped out with staging for this year's show. Having just returned from doing my part by helping Tom write the show, I can tell you it was so good to see so many priors at the Tops In Blue Production Center. They were there in a number of capacities - from tech crew to choreographers, script writers to vocal coaches. Most importantly, the set an example for the new cast and by their presence, taught this year's group what being Tops In Blue is all about. The message was clear - being Tops In Blue means being dedicated. It means believing in the program. It means being willing to sacrifice your time to get something back. (Don) Lane McCray provided one of the best examples of dedication to the program. With two Top 40 hit records ("Sweet Dreams" and "Fallin' In Love"), a chart-busting album and a wealth of success, the lead singer of La Bouche certainly didn't need to come to staging. But, he was there!

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Taking time out of his busy schedule, Lane came in and spent several days with the cast, teaching choreography and providing inspiration for the group. Among the others who contributed mightily to this year's show were Ed "Slim" Jones, Jennifer Patton, Stephania Abell, Rick Hayden, Tommy Mason, Jesse Davis, Kahlil Walton, Antoine Wilson, Rich Bailey, Jim Wintermyre and Gloria Singleton. Hats off to these and other TIB priors whose devotion to the program has guaranteed its continued success year after year.

SPOTLIGHT: Where Are They Now?...

Present: Having completed his active duty Air Force enlistment, Dale is currently teaching physics. He's also still active, musically speaking. Not only is he still singing and playing, but he's also teaching saxophone, flute and clarinet. At last word, Dale was still single and living in San Rafael, California.

Present: Troy is a civilian these days, living in Riverton, Utah along with his wife and seven children. He still spends a great deal of time on stage. He's been performing quite frequently at numerous major pageants in the Salt Lake City area as well as county fairs, community and sporting events, and church activities. When he's not singing, he works as a parole officer for the Utah Department of Corrections, as a part-time deputy constable.

Present: TIB 88's "Mr. Johnson/Mr. Griffey" is currently stationed at Lackland AFB. In his spare time, he's been working towards completing his associates degree in criminal justice. He's also playing at comedy clubs throughout Texas, and is as funny as ever. He was also accepted for a possible part in Fox TV's "In Living Color" just prior to the cancellation of the series. A dedicated prior, Rich is an ever-present figure at TIB staging.

Blue Notes

Golden Roger recipients Kevin & Jane McNulty are producing a show in northern California. Entitled "Music, Music, Music", it features priors Otis Goodwin and Ray (Massengale) Iaea and is booked for several festivals including the Vintage Wine Festival in Sonoma, CA in September. Incidentally, Kevin is trying to locate Antoinette "AJ" Johnson (TIB '88 ss). If you know where she is, please call Kevin at 707-428-1797. A number of TIB priors are making it big in Europe, among them are Ed "Slim" Jones, Carlos Verrett, Paul Bernlee, and Eddie Lawson. (Don) Lane McCray and "La Bouche" have been tapped to do a song on the soundtrack for an upcoming movie starring Whoopi Goldberg. TIB '54 is having a special reunion and honoring founder Al Reilly in Colorado Springs this month. Yours truly (T.A. Burrows) has a new job! I left my Producer/Editor position at Quorum International and I am now the Creative Director for Charisma Special Event Productions here in Phoenix. We're a production company that handles entertainment, production and event management for major corporations. And yes, I'm still doing stand-up comedy! I'm performing at clubs and numerous corporate events. Well, that's all folks! As the famous '60's song goes... "See You In September!".... T.A.