The TOPS IN BLUE Priors Newsletter, Vol. 2, No. 1, March/April 1995
Tops In Blue '94 Completes Tour, TIB '95 Cast NamedNew Regional Contests and "Revised" Worldwide Competition Used for SelectionTops In Blue 1994 presented their final performance in February at Randolph AFB, closing out their highly successful world tour. The '94 group wrote their own chapter in the Tops In Blue history as they became the first cast to perform in Cuba, presenting two special shows for refugees and military members at Guantanamo Bay. After the curtain closed on Tops In Blue '94, Air Force Entertainment proudly announced the selection of the cast for Tops In Blue 1995. The new cast was the first to be selected using the new competition format of the Regional Talent Competitions. Performers were selected to compete at the regional level based on video tapes submitted to AFE. A Regional Competition was held at Travis AFB, CA for all western and PACAF performers, and another was held at Charleston AFB, SC for all eastern and USAFE performers. There were five categories: Male Vocal, Female Vocal, Instrumental, Musical Variety, and Non-Musical Variety. Judging panels not only judged the performers on their individual on-stage performances, but also during the dance review, vocal, instrumental and specialty auditions and extensive personal interviews. Each act was videotaped during the regionals and the tapes of the individuals with the highest total combined scores from all of the judging panels were selected for the Worldwide Competition at AFE Headquarters. At AFE another panel of judges reviewed the selected tapes and based on strict criteria, named the winning acts in each category as well as the other top performers to comprise the cast of Tops In Blue 1995. The new cast, which will begin staging in May, is as follows: Category winners:
AFE Bids for Sept World War 2 Pacific Tribute SpecialStar-studded Show to Honor Pacific Theatre Vets Slated for the Aloha Bowl in HonoluluTom Edwards, Director of Air Force Entertainment, has submitted a proposal to produce a special tribute show honoring the veterans of World War 2 who served in the Pacific and commemorating the end of the war. The show is scheduled to be presented on or about September 3, 1995 at the Aloha Bowl Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. Tom and his staff spent several long days and nights developing the show which features Tops In Blue and several well-known performers. Included on the list of proposed stars are Johnny Mathis, Neil Diamond, Bette Midler, Barry Manilow, Mariah Carey and Charlton Heston. The show begins with a procession of American, state and Pacific military unit flags and stories from actual Army, Navy, Marine, and Army Air Corps veterans who served in the Pacific. Musical numbers such as "Hero for Today" and "Ultimate Sacrifice" recognize the contributions of the military men and women who took part in the war. The second segment of the show reveals the impact of music during the war and features several popular standards like "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree" and big band numbers like "Take The A-Train". The final segment of the show is dedicated to the "home front" and those civilians who made sacrifices in support of the war as well as our hope and prayers for a future of peace and freedom, not only in the Pacific, but throughout the world. Songs include "Count The Cost" and "Let Freedom Ring". In addition to Tops In Blue, the show would also include participation by the Army, Navy and Marine Bands and a multi-service choir. A final decision on AFE's proposal is due within a few weeks. Center Stage: Jim Walker...A Tops In Blue LegendThroughout the history of Tops In Blue there have been several individuals whose names are instantly recognizable. They are well-remembered for their accomplishments and contributions to the program. One such individual is James Walker III. Jim competed in the Air Force Talent Contest Program from 1967 to 1976, reaching Worldwide in Dramatics, Specialty, Male Vocal, Vocal Group and Master of Ceremonies. He was a five-time Roger winner, taking first place three times as Master of Ceremonies and once each in Dramatics and Specialty. In 1972 he toured with Tops In Blue as a vocalist. He had a duet with TIB songstress Vernia Lewis, a special segment during the gospel set and also performed his moving dramatic piece - The Judgment Day. In 1978, Jim became Tops In Blue Tour Director and was permanently assigned to Air Force Entertainment at HQ AFMPC. He directed the 1978, 1979 and 1980 tours. In addition, he was the entertainment equipment manager and assisted in evaluating musical groups for AFE's Showcase Series in the 70's and early 80's. |
In 1981, Jim transferred to Air Force Sports at HQ AFMPC. However, he continued to assist with Tops In Blue and Air Force Entertainment. In 1982, he was awarded the prestigious Golden Roger for his contribution to the program. He returned for a final tour as Tour Director for the Tops In Blue 1985 stateside tour. Jim retired from the Air Force in 1986 and is currently the Director of the Skylark Community Activities Center at Lackland AFB, TX. Asked what he enjoyed most about touring with Tops In Blue, Jim replied: "The people in the audience. Their appreciation and dedication, like the lady in the wheelchair at the Niagara Falls Festival of Lights who came to see every show, year after year. She always remembered you and came up to say hello." To aspiring TIB'ers, Jim gives this advice - "You have to have the mental mind set to go on tour and be prepared to deal with the hardships. It's not a vacation, and it's hard to maintain that mental toughness to do a good show every night and still deal with the harshness of the road." His fondest memory? A special show in Las Vegas at the Sahara Hotel in which TIB opened for Mickey Gilley, Bill Cosby and Sammy Davis, Jr. "Meeting and talking to Sammy was especially nice". Favorite show? 1979 - The Wiz! Jim and his lovely wife Bert live in San Antonio and have three children, Desirae, Zanita and Amber. Spotlight - What happened to?....
Present: In 1993, Jerry was named Military Citizen of the Year and NCO of the Year at MacDill AFB, FL. "Mr. Tech Director" is currently a TSgt, stationed at Kunsan AB in the Republic of Korea. He is assigned to the 8th Services Squadron. A veteran of countless Worldwide Talent Contests, Jerry is still involved in the entertainment program, working with numerous talent events in Korea.
Present: Dianna toured with the '85 stateside show and was a "Judges' Special Recognition Award" recipient at the '85 WWTC. She currently lives in Massillon, Ohio and is working as an office assistant. Dianna is still an entertainer at heart and periodically works with several bands in Ohio.
Present: "Ray" is currently completing his accounting degree and working for American General Life Insurance Co. He lives in Houston, Texas. On the music front, he has produced several major musical productions for his company. In addition, he sings for special occasions and frequently auditions for musicals in the Houston area. Cast CallLatest family members located: Wendell Anderson, Percy Lewis, Carl Hawkins, Juan Ramos, Don Mackey, Dwayne Smith, Skip Greene. Blue NotesStaging Assistance Needed: Tom is looking for assistance with staging for TIB '95, if you can help or have a lead on technicians, call him at (210) 652-6566. Tom is also looking to hire an entertainment manager/music arranger for his staff. Brian Crittenden joins the staff as Technical Director, April 15th. Congrats to Stacie McMahon (TIB '88, '89) who married Jeffrey Jay (TIB '94) on March 3rd. If you have any ideas on corporate sponsorship for Tops In Blue or Worldwide, contact Melissa Vacanti (TIB '83) at 919-496-1771. Kevin and Jane McNulty (Golden Roger recipients) had a baby, Christina Ariel, born Dec 2. Wendell Anderson (Tops In Blue vocalist and tour director) is now the lead singer for the Hues Corporation (70's hit - "Rock The Boat"). Percy Lewis (former TIB tour director) will be opening for the Newport Jazz Festival in San Antonio, March 31. Tonia Walker's (TIB '77, '83) daughter Tausha was recently named Miss Top Teen for San Antonio. Bob Morrow (TIB '88) passed on this tip - if you have questions regarding Tops In Blue rings, call Debra D'Angelo at the C.A. Short Co. I will be performing at Kirtland AFB, NM at the NCO club May 13th and in Sacramento, CA at "Knuckleheads", June 27 - July 2. See ya next issue! - T.A..... |