The TOPS IN BLUE Priors Newsletter, Vol. 3, No. 2, March 1996
Stars Shine at the '96 Worldwide Talent Contest at Andrews AFBThe Air Force put its top talent on display at the 1996 Air Force Worldwide Talent contest, held at Andrews AFB, MD, February 2nd through the 9th. This was the second year that AFE has used the new contest format and according to Tom Edwards, Director of Air Force Entertainment, it was a huge success. The contest was so well received at Andrews that the wing commander, Brigadier General Wax, gladly offered to host the contest again next year. Seventy contestants attended and competed in the contest. Each was selected from videotapes submitted by their respective bases to Air Force Entertainment. After two nights of competition, Tom and the judging panels completed their assessments of the performers. As with last year's contest, the contestants were not only judged on their on-stage acts, but also on their auditions and interviews as well. The final awards banquet was held at Andrews' officer's club.
Contestants and their families and friends were not only treated to a fabulous meal, but also to an exceptional performance by Tops In Blue '95. Following the dinner and the show, Tom Edwards thanked the base personnel and the contest staff for their outstanding support, and then, as the anticipation reached it's height, he called for "the envelopes" and announced the winners: First Place (Roger)
Second Place (Wilco)
AFE Announces the Cast of Tops in Blue '96As a result of the '96 Worldwide Talent Contest, Air Force Entertainment has announced the cast of Tops In Blue '96. The cast will report to the Tops In Blue Production Center on Lackland AFB on May 1st to begin staging. This year's theme is "Tops In Blue - In Concert" and the premiere show is set for June 28th at Lackland. Tom to Contest Staff: "Thanks for a Great Job"Tom Edwards would like to give a special thank you" to the entire staff of this year's Worldwide Talent Contest. "They did an outstanding job and made everything run as smooth as possible. There were virtually no problems at all!" This year's staff included several Tops In Blue priors. Among them were: Lisa Farrar, Gloria Singleton, Marie Mindnich, Jerry Kealler, Tamara Muth, Bob Brech, Gary Smith, Jeffrey Horst, Jennifer Dunlap, Jesse Davis, Bernie Rone, Dave Sullivan and yours truly, T.A. Burrows. |
Tops In Blue '95 Tour Concludes, Tommy Mason Cited as Air Force's 27th Golden Roger RecipientTops In Blue '95 "WTIB Magic 95 FM" concluded it's worldwide tour with a final show in San Antonio. AFE Director Tom Edwards said the final show, attended by the new top brass at AFMPC, was outstanding and went a long way towards garnering continued support for the program. The group also filmed one of their final performances and the tape is currently being edited and readied for distribution Air Force-wide. Throughout their tour, the group received rave reviews and continued the tradition of excellence in entertainment. Congratulations on a job well done! It should be noted that a key factor in the success of the tour was their tour director, Tops in Blue veteran Tommy Mason. At the completion of this, his fourth tour, Tommy was awarded Air Force Entertainment's most prestigious award - the Golden Roger. As only the 27th recipient of this award, Tommy joins an elite group of individuals whose dedication and selfless contribution to the program throughout the years has been immeasurable. Congratulations to Tommy Mason, display your Golden Roger with pride, you've earned it! Here are the other Golden Roger recipients. SPOTLIGHT: Where Are They Now?
Present: Chris is currently stationed at Lackland AFB where he works as an instructor at the NCO Academy. He continues to be actively involved in entertainment. These days you'll find him doing song writing, productions, weddings, and background and accompaniment recordings. Last year he served as music director for a local production of Motown's "Ain't No Mountain High Enough". Married for six years, he and his wife have two children.
Present: Most recently, Tami was on staff at this year's Worldwide Talent Contest. Prior to that, she was working on putting togther a dance troupe to perform for various functions on and around Eglin AFB, where she's stationed as an Information Manager for Det 2, AFOTEC. As part of the staff, Tami did a great job and was a big part of the success of this year's contest.
Present: A double-threat and two-time Roger winner, Linda stays busy these days working as an Engineering Assistant and Design Manager for the Catholic University in the Washington D.C. area She's also currently closing in on her degree in Engineering Technology at the Univ. of Maryland. And what does she do when she's not working or in class? She spends time raising her five-year-old son, who she says "thinks he's a comedian". Like mom, like son. Blue NotesGolden Roger recipient Dave Sullivan has rejoined Tom's permanent staff at AFE. He is in charge of operations. Speaking of which, Tom could use some help at staging. He's looking forward for help with administration, vocals, and choreography from 1 May to 7 July 96. If you can help, call the office at 210-652-6566. After 16 weeks on the chart, Lane McCray's hit single is now number six on Billboard's Top 100 in the U.S. and it's still climbing. Vandilyn (Brock) Lewis is the lead singer for the group "Sitting On Ready" currently doing a 90-day stint in the Canary Islands. Golden Roger Recipient Jim Harrington and his lovely wife were among those at the latest WWTC. Also, while at Andrews, I came across John Lewis, who was a vocalist for TIB '75! That's it ... See ya in June! |