The TOPS IN BLUE Priors' Newsletter, Vol. 1, No. 3, October 1994
Tops In Blue '94 Garners Rave Reviews as Tour Rolls OnGroup Concludes European Trip, Returns to States with PACAF and Alaska Coming Up SoonTops In Blue 1994 - "Feel Like Singin'" completed their European tour last month and after a swing through Panama, they're now back in the USA and still "rockin' the house". According to Tom Edwards, the show is "getting rave reviews" everywhere and the group itself is being hailed as outstanding Air Force ambassadors - a dedicated, hard-working, cohesive group of military processionals. And why not? They're Tops In Blue! The accolades have come from everyone from civilian attendees to military commanders. One such commander wrote: "Wow, what a performance and what a valuable lesson Tops In Blue taught the troops and civilians of Bad Aibling, Germany. From the moment they arrived they had heads turning...with their exceptional military bearing and professionalism..." (Even the rain couldn't deter the group.) "During the performance, the wind picked up and the Bavarian sky began a relentless pounding on the set...still, the show went on! Without question, this was the best show we've ever seen at Bad Aibling. Thank you for this awesome experience. The Tops In Blue visit to Bad Aibling will be talked about for years to come." Signed, Ronald N. Lee, Colonel ....US ARMY! That says a lot considering the Army has it's own show. But then again, they're not Tops In Blue, are they? The group continues on it's tour through January 6, 1995 and then will assist with the Regional Talent Competitions. New Talent Contest Rules, Locations And Dates FinalizedTom: "The Family" must Help Promote the New Program - the Future of Tops in Blue Is at StakeAfter months of hard work, the new rules for the Air Force Talent Contest have been completed and dates and sites for the Regional Competitions have been set. Now the effort must begin to make it all work. Tom Edwards is counting on prior Tops In Blue members to take an active role in promoting and supporting the program at the base level considering that the success of future Tops In Blue shows hinges on the success of this new program. We need to do whatever we can to get people involved. Encourage them, stimulate them...Tell them about Tops In Blue, what it means to us and the Air Force. According to Tom, it's time to "step up to the plate". As previously stated, bases will continue to hold base-level contests and will submit video tapes to Air Force Entertainment for evaluation. Individuals at bases without contests may submit their own tapes to AFE. There are no categories at base level and the time limit is five minutes. Upon review of the tapes, AFE will select acts to compete at the Regional level, notify the base and place the acts in the appropriate category for competition. At the Regionals, each performer will be judged by three panels - one which will judge his or her act, one which audition the performer to determine additional talents and versatility, and one which will determine suitability for Tops In Blue. Upon completion of the Regionals, videos will be reviewed by AFE along with scores from the panels and the winners will be named "Tops In Blue '95". The new rules have been provided to each base. The Regional Competitions have been established as follows:
For more information or to volunteer your assistance, contact AFE. |
SPOTLIGHT - What Happened To.....?
Present: A legendary vocalist with Tops In Blue '77 and later with the Air Force Band at the Air Force Academy, Jimmy now owns and operates Elegance Productions, an entertainment company providing mobile disc jockey services and other musical entertainment for special occasions. Jimmy is married, has three children and currently resides in Colorado Springs. In November 1993, Jimmy showed us that he still "has it" when he performed in the vocal group at the Tops In Blue 40th Reunion Show during the last Worldwide Talent Contest, at Tyndall AFB, Florida.
Present: Melissa is currently the Regional Loss Prevention Manager for over 125 major retail stores in the Southeast. She manages audits, training programs and fraud investigations. When she's not on the road, she's spending time restoring her 100-year-old home in the historic district of Louisberg, NC where she lives with her husband of five years and her two children, Katie, 2, and Zack, 11 months. Although she's not singing too much these days, she certainly wowed the crowd last year at the Reunion Show with her Tops In Blue '83 Solo - "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going".
Present: "Sandman", bass player extraordinaire, has been a busy man. He's been touring with Mercury Records recording artist "Joe" Thomas, playing with saxophonist Larry Seals ("LSQ") and with pianist Sherrie Mitchell ("Confirmation"). He's also been in the studio, recording with The Windstrings Quartet. When he's not thumpin' on the bass strings, Lorenzo enjoys spending time with his family in Washington DC, where he currently resides.
Present: Karen is still a blue-suiter and is actively involved with base talent shows and contests. Additionally, she occasionally sits in with local bands in and around Fairchild AFB, Washington where she's currently stationed. When she's not entertaining, Karen works as a Professional Military Education instructor. She's also very active - a lady who's into art, travel, hiking, skiing, writing, hanging out at the beach and "generally having a great time". Blue NotesMy "faux pas" - in the last issue, I told you that Terry Weeks' (Tops In Blue '83) group "For Lovers Only" had a chart hit with "Feel Like Making Love" - it should have been "The Closer I Get To You". Yours truly recently won the Phoenix "Watley's Stand-up Comedy Challenge" and went on to take 3rd place in the National Finals in San Jose, California. San Antonio must be a magnet for Tops In Blue priors - Bernie Rone and Dave Sullivan are the latest to make the move, joining at least 10 others in the Alamo City. Cast CallTom and I are still looking for priors. If there's anyone you know that has not been contacted about this newsletter, please have them call me, T.A. Burrows, at 602-930-1784. We need your help. BackstageIn the next issue, there'll be a list of everyone currently getting this newsletter. Also, a new feature called "Solo" which will be in-depth interviews with Tops In Blue priors. And more "Spotlights", of course. By the way, if you've got any ideas for this newsletter, don't hesitate to let me know. After all, it's your newsletter too, not just mine! Best wishes.... T.A. |