The TOPS IN BLUE Priors Newsletter, Vol. 5, No. 3, September 1998
TOPS IN BLUE '98 GETTING RAVE REVIEWS!THE TOUR ROLLS ON; GROUP HEADS FOR MIDDLE EAST AND EASTERN EUROPE"Incredible!" "Sensational!" "Spectacular!" Those are the adjectives being used to describe this year's Tops In Blue show. Entitled "Red, White, Rhythm and Blue," TIB '98 is garnering rave reviews from audiences across the country and around the world. The show is an anthology of the music of America, celebrating the unique sounds and captivating rhythms that have become known worldwide as American music. The show features a hot ragtime set, complete with slick, colorful period costumes straight out of the roaring 20s. There's also smooth jazz and big band sounds from the 40's, a smokin' country western set as well as an unforgettable tribute to the 40th Anniversary of Motown, featuring four decades of the greatest R&B hits of the Motor City. In addition, there's a show-stopping array of today's hottest hits that has been sending audiences into a frenzy. Laced with audience participation, a literally endless stream of dazzling wardrobe, mesmerizing stage and special effects and non-stop music, this show has been setting stages on fire since their world premiere on July 4th. Now, the group is headed for a two month long, history making tour of Western Europe, Eastern Europe and the Middle East, before returning to the states in mid- November. GOING TO THE SHOW? CALL AHEAD!Just a reminder... If you're a TIB Prior and you'd like to attend an upcoming show, be sure to call ahead to the base and find out about seating arrangements, i.e., tickets, reservations, etc. And remember, ask, don't demand! Don't assume that just because you're a prior, you're entitled to VIP treatment. Also, keep in mind that there are no more official banquets, so don't expect to be fed! Please keep these thoughts in mind and remember, as a prior, you're still representing the program to those you come in contact with. WORLDWIDE SET FOR 15-22 JANUARYAir Force Entertainment has announced that the 1999 AF Worldwide Talent Contest has been scheduled for 15-22 January at Andrews AFB, MD. As always, AFE is looking for volunteers to help with the contest. In addition, we as priors need to "beat the bushes" for new talent and promote the contest as much as possible We need to make a concentrated effort to find TIB prospects and plug them into the program. For more about this year's contest or to volunteer to help please, call AFE at (210) 652-6566. TIB 45TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION SHOW: AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER!(Editors note: I have attended the 30th, 35th and 40th Anniversary Reunions, but this year's was the best yet. This week-long celebration was filled with renewing old friendships, making new friendships, reliving TIB history and recalling precious memories. It was capped off with an incredible reunion show. Of course I may be a bit biased because I was tasked with directing the show. But the general consensus was that it was "An Affair to Remember." In case you missed it, here's a recap:) The evening began with Gerald McMillian ('88, 89) giving a moving tribute to those TIB priors who have passed on. Then after dinner, it was showtime. Yours truly (TIB '78, 80, 83), Lorna Newton ('86, 88) and Jim Walker ('72, 78, 79, 80, 85) served as MCs. The show began with a hot instrumental from "Air Force's Most Dangerous Band" featuring Ted Dodd ('83, 84), Lucky Bush ('92, 97), Dwayne Smith ('82, 83, 84), Luis Bonilla ('82), Chris Knox ('89), Daryl McEachin ('92), Luis Santiago ('83, 86), and Bernie Rone ('79, 87, 88). Then TIB's First Lady of Song, Doris Johnson ('53, 54) proved she's still got it with a jazzy rendition of "Fly Me to the Moon." Next up was a kickin' country medley featuring "The Westerners;" Roy Caldwell ('56, 57), Marty Maertins, and Don Maroncelli ('55, 56, 57). Scott Ivins followed with "The Dance," and then Tonya Walker ('77, 83) turned up the heat with a sizzling version of "Whatever Lola Wants." Robert & Terra Wade ('86) touched us with "When I Fall In Love" and Melissa Mitchell ('83) thrilled us with "And I Am Telling You," accompanied on drums by her husband James Mitchell ('82, 85). Gene Brown and Tami LaMar ('94) rocked the crowd with a smooth dance routine followed by Michael Hill ('88) and his inspirational "Audience of One." |
Next, TIB's own Barbra Streisand, Carol Desroches ('77, 79) showed she can still deliver with "Somewhere" and for comic relief, Eric Rabe ('83), Stan Rolf ('81) and Don Maroncelli presented a hilarious routine recalling what TIB was like when they toured. Following the comedy, Linda Campbell ('86, 87), Carmen Martinez ('84), Marie Henry ('89), Saundra Herbert ('88, 90) and Terra Wade sparkled as the Brighter Shades of Blue with "Dedicated," "Heatwave," and "Avenue C." Dallas Baker ('75) was next, recreating his memorable role as Louis Armstrong and Kristy Penn ('86) followed with her heartfelt "My Life is In Your Hands." The O'Jays appeared courtesy of Floyd Martinez ('82, 83), Ray Davis, Jr ('82, 84) and Robert Wade, after which Marie Henry performed "My Heart Will Go On." The Jackson's were next led by "Michael," Daryl Harris ('83, 84, 88) and fellow Jacksons, Floyd Martinez, Robert Wade, Ray Davis, Jr. and Lane McCray ('88, 90, 93). Sultry Brenna Marston ('78, 79) delighted the crowd with "I Believe in You and Me," and Lane McCray and Cassondra Collins ('94) led a glorious chorale in a stirring version of "I'll Be There." Then it was time for the legend herself - Faith Sullivan ('75, 81). She brought the house down with her unforgettable Gladys Knight Medley along with lead Pip JB Brooks ('75), as the emotion of the evening built towards a grand finale. In honor of his tribute, special guest Earl Hanna was invited to read his now legendary TIB Poem. The traditional candle lighting followed as we all lit candles in a sign of family unity. Then, Percy Lewis ('84, 86, 88, 89, 90) brought the crowd to its feet with his powerful version of "The Impossible Dream," reminding us that as priors, each of us have attained that impossible dream. Next, Tom Edwards took the stage. He thanked everyone for the memories, for the years of support and for the dedication in keeping this wonderful program alive. And then he surprised us by presenting the Golden Roger. It went to Percy Lewis. And there wasn't a dry eye in the house. Finally, Tom personally presented 45th Anniversary coins to each prior to close this wonderful evening. Indeed it was an "Affair to Remember." SPOTLIGHT: Where Are They Now?
Present: Laron is currently stationed at Langley AFB, VA,
where he works in Social Actions. Married, he and his lovely
wife Dia had their first child, Azsha Brenee, only 5 months
ago. In his spare time, Laron is the Minister of Music at a
local church in the Langley area. In addition, he does contracted
Gospel Music Workshops around the world and most recently, he
presented a workshop in June at Aviano AB, Italy.
BLUE NOTESLorna Newton is looking for D.C. area priors to help find new talent and work with them for WWTC '99. Call her at (302) 870-6424 or e-mail to MissLornaM@aol.com. Mike "Light Stage" Furnell is also looking for priors in his area (Colorado Springs, CO) to do the same thing. You can e-mail Mike at 214-9474@mcimail.com. AFE welcomes Marty Patton to its staff and bids farewell to Francine Norrod who PCS'd to the UK. Tom says now is the time to think about Christmas gifts. If you have anything to send to the '98 cast, please send it to AFE, and remember to mail early! Finally, please note that I have a new mailing address. Ciao! |