We Are Family - The TOPS IN BLUE Priors Newsletter

The TOPS IN BLUE Priors Newsletter, Vol. 2, No. 3, October 1995

Tops in Blue Priors and Army Soldier's Show Stars Join for Special NRPA Show

Ten Tops In Blue priors joined forces with eight fellow performers from the Army Soldier's Show to present a special show for the 1995 National Recreation and Parks Association banquet held at the San Antonio Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. Directed by Tom Edwards and the staff of Air Force Entertainment, the show paid tribute to Armed Forces recreators, especially those who served during World War 2. Songs included "So Many Voices", an armed forces medley recognizing all of the military services, "Hero For Today", "Sing, Sing, Sing", a hot dance number, and "God Bless America", the finale. The show was quite a hit and Tom Edwards commended both groups of performers for an outstanding effort. He also added a very special "thank you" to the Tops In Blue priors who participated: Jeff Porter, Sheila Gilliard, Stephania Abell, Francine Norrod, Cassandra Collins, Darryl LaMar, Darryl McEachin, Anthony Kelly, Preston Hammond and Kevin McNulty.

WTIB Magic 95 FM....and the Hits Just Keep on Coming!

The popular DJ line, "and the hits just keep on coming" is a most appropriate one for Tops In Blue 1995 or, as it's known "WTIB Magic 95 FM" For this year's cast, not only do those hits keep on coming, but so do the accolades. As it continues it's European tour, the group's reviews continue to be outstanding.

This year's tour highlights include the first TIB show in Norway. In addition, the cast performs at Moron AB, Spain, and Thule AB, Greenland, as they mark the return of Tops In Blue to those sites for the first time in several years....

Tops in Blue in Cyberspace? But of Course!

Thanks to Bob Morrow, You'll Be Able to Log on to a "Host" of TIB Info

It was only a matter of time. In today's high-speed computer age of information "highways and skyways", no doubt Tops In Blue would one day wind up on the Internet. Well, thanks to Bob Morrow (TIB '88) that day is coming! Bob is creating a Tops In Blue site .... on the World Wide Web, and it's full of information on our legendary entertainment showcase. Included is Tops In Blue tour information, "What Is Tops In Blue?", how to join Tops In Blue, the poem "A Tribute to Tops In Blue" and a special section where Tops In Blue priors can "sign in" and get connected with this newsletter. If you'd like more information, contact Bob at his e-mail address on the internet: bob.morrow@tibpriors.org.

Oops.... Sorry About That!

Hmm... guess we all make mistakes from time to time. Seems that in the last issue, I missed a couple of our TIB priors who are on this year's tour. Apologies to Manuela Henning and Michael Atwood and congratulations on another year on the road!

Seminars Provide Vital Info and Preparation Tips for Tops in Blue Hopefuls

Information and preparation are two vitally important keys to success. For those individuals aspiring to become Tops In Blue cast members, the same holds true. Hence, AFE is providing Tops In Blue Seminars at bases on this year's tour. Antoine Wilson is conducting the seminars, which are designed to provide information to those who are interested in touring, and to teach them how to prepare for the contest. Resume forms, letters of commitment and other handouts are also provided. For more information on the seminars, individuals should contact their base community activity center.

'96 Air Force Talent Contest Shaping Up

AFE has begun making preparations for the 1996 Air Force Talent Contest. Program guidelines are being sent out to bases. The contest rules remain the same as last year, with five categories - Male Vocalist, Female Vocalist, Instrumental, Musical Variety and Non-Musical Variety. Once again, individuals wishing to compete at Air Force-level will be required to submit a videotape to AFE along with their resume and a letter of commitment. The cutoff date for submission is 15 Dec 95.

(Go to the top of the next column.)

 

AFE will evaluate the acts and select performers who will compete in this year's Air Force-level contest. There is one change this year. Contestants will not have access to Air Force Entertainment's music library for the charts. As such, bases are encouraged to use "karaoke" style audio tapes or provide a live band for their performers at base level. A live band will be used for Air Force level. Contest location and dates are forthcoming.

SPOTLIGHT: Where Are They Now?....

Name

Specialty

Tours

T.A. Burrows

Comedian/Tour Director

Tops In Blue '78 (Star Wars)


Tops In Blue '80 (Music of America)
Tops In Blue '83 (The Land of Make Believe)

Present: Having retired from the Air Force in 1993, he's currently working for Quorum International, a worldwide sales and marketing company headquartered in Phoenix, AZ, as co-producer and host of their weekly satellite TV show. In addition, he's the writer/editor of their monthly news publication. He's still quite active in the entertainment business, performing stand-up comedy at a couple of hotels in Las Vegas, clubs throughout the southwest as well as some corporate shows. He also runs his own entertainment venture, The Entertainer and Associates, and of course he continues to work with Tom and TIB. Of course, he's still with his wonderful wife of 20 years, Linda, and they have two sons - David, 19, and Geoffrey, 12.

Name

Specialty

Tours

Luis F. Santiago

Keyboards

Tops In Blue '83 (The Land of Make Believe)


Tops In Blue '86 (The Liberty Cruise)

Present: Luis recently received his Florida Real Estate license and is currently working as a Real Estate Sales Representative at Resort World / Star Island Resort and Country Club in Kissimmee, Florida. On the entertainment front, Luis says he's spending most of his time "just playing at home" in Orlando, Florida where he now resides with his wife. Luis was on hand for the fantastic 40th anniversary show three years ago. He says "I sure miss everybody and look forward to the next reunion!"

Name

Specialty

Tour(s)

Kevin Dougherty

Comedian

Tops In Blue '88 (The Magic of Imagination)

Present: "Doc", who was the toy store owner "Mr. Johnson" in '88, is having even more fun these days running an even bigger operation. He's the social director for the famous 785-room Pocono Mountain Honeymoon Resort in Pennsylvania. Best of all, he's still entertaining daily at the resort. He says he gets to use all of his talents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. He's working about 90-100 hours a week but enjoying it. He adds "...it's like a cruise ship on land!"

Blue Notes

Latest additions to the newsletter register are Linda Campbell, Tami Muth and Rick Hayden. Welcome! Tom has a permanent position open on the AFE staff. Interested? Drop him a line (Quick!). Don't forget, if you move to be sure and send me an updated address and phone number so I can keep the database current. Thanks. We're over 100 strong, but I'm still looking for more. If you know of a prior who's not getting this, please e-mail me.

Backstage

December/January will bring a special holiday edition with an updated list of all members, an expanded "Where are they now?", and more tour and talent contest information. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!