TIB 2001...IT'S MAGIC AND MUSIC!

Cast hits the road with a dazzling, mystical show

For the past 48 years, Tops In Blue has been putting on shows that have been described as "magical." This year they're taking that to heart...literally!  TIB 2001 is hitting the road with a mystical show entitled "The Magic of Music."

The basic theme of the show is that music itself is magical in its ability to create a range of emotions. In this show, a wide variety of music underscores the point, and the theme is further accentuated by an enchanting array of illusions and magic tricks interspersed throughout the show.  

The show takes place in a "magic museum" and is hosted by the museum's resident magician who guides us along the way and dazzles us with his savvy and prestidigitation.  The opening sets the tone with songs like "Magic to Do", "A Whole New World," and "Don't Stop the Music".  The premise is carried through with a set of great movie love songs from the 40s to the present.  Highlights include "I'll Be Seeing You", "As Time Goes By," "When a Man Loves a Woman," and "I Will Always Love You."

A contemporary,  top of the charts, pop  set keeps up the pace with hits like "My Heart Will Go On," "Let's Get Loud," "Bye-Bye-Bye," "Angel," and "Survivor." And of course, there's TIB's traditionally popular country set, this year featuring songs like "How Do You Like Me Now?" "One More Day," and the eclectic "Three Minute Positive Not Too Country Up-tempo Love Song."

For those who delight in dancin' the night away, there a dance set that consists of "Can't Touch This," "Shake Your Tail Feathers," "Twist Again," "Rock Around the Clock," "It Don't Mean a Thing" and more.

The finale brings us full circle with "You Can Do Magic," and "A Little More Magic." Then, "Harmony," and "Let Freedom Ring" remind us of the everyday "magic" we can all do to make our world a better place..  

The cast presented their first show at Lackland AFB on June 30th and their first road show was July 4th at Maxwell AFB, Alabama.  From there, they're on their way around the world!  So, hurry and make your plans now to catch Tops In Blue 2001 and "The Magic of Music" at a base near you. Because with all of the magic in this incredible show, this year's tour is liable to disappear before you can say "Abracadabra...Alakazam!

TOPS IN BLUE 2001 TOUR ITINERARY

This year's cast gets to christen a sleek new tour bus for their stateside travels.  The complete tour will run through February 2002. The remaining tour schedule will be published in the fall. Just a reminder: if you plan to attend the show, be sure to call the base to check for show time and location. For additional information on the tour, you can log on to the Air Force Tops In Blue website at: www-p.afsv.af.mil/TIB/flash.htm

FLASHBACK:  TOPS IN BLUE 1982 - "READY THEN, READY NOW"

In 1982, the Air Force celebrated its 35th anniversary, and Tops In Blue marked that momentous occasion with a show entitled "Ready Then, Ready Now." This was also a unique year as TIB toured with two separate casts; one toured in the summer covering the U.S. northern tier bases, Alaska and Europe and the other in the winter, covering the remainder of the U.S. and PACAF. Although there were some differences, the shows were basically the same.  Both revolved around radio station "WTIB" and its kooky disc jockey "Radio Romeo," portrayed by John Minieris, who toured with both casts.  

The opening of the summer show featured songs about radio and music, while the winter show opening focused on imagination and was highlighted by a medley of hits in reverse chronological order from the 80's to the 40's.  Following the openings, the audience was whisked back to 1947 and then treated to a hot 40's big band set ("In the Mood", "Opus 1", "Glow Worm", "Trickle, Trickle"), followed by the "doo-wop" 50's ("Only You", "Magic Touch", "Duke of Earl", "One Fine Day"), sounds of the 60's ("Mack the Knife", "Under the Boardwalk", "Cherish"), and the winter tour's tributes to Elvis and Barry Manilow, and summer tour's disco  ("Baby Face", "Enough is Enough") and Elton John medleys.

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In addition to Radio Romeo, comic relief was provided in the summer by ventriloquist Ken Huff and "Mr. Goodwood", while the winter show featured mime extraordinaire, Robert Anderson. The shows culminated with the cast on stage in a variety of Air Force uniforms from the past and present, as they sang "Nothing Remains the Same", which also featured an incredible video montage. As the montage continued, they closed the show with "High Flight" and "Impossible Dream", as they paid tribute to 35 years of Air Force honor, courage and dedication in the service of our country.  

Where Are They Now?

Present: Debra is currently living just outside of Honolulu with her husband of two years.  They have two children, 19 and 23 years old.  Debra has continued singing and sang the lead in many musicals in North San Diego County where she's originally from as well as with several bands over the years.  Since moving to Hawaii, she's sung in the Mardi Gras Follies in Pearl Harbor and keeps busy constantly singing Karaoke.

Present: These days, Naybu is happily married and has been living the metro-Atlanta area for going on seven years.  At last check he was singing with a gospel group, Byron Cage & Purpose, which not long ago recorded "Transparent In Your Presence", AIR Gospel. Naybu says he is looking forward to recording again soon. In the meantime, he is the Assistant Praise & Worship Leader at his church, New Birth MBC in Lithonia, GA

Present: When we heard from Gary in April of this year, he said that he was currently finishing his music education degree at Lander University. He was also playing in a jazz quintet called "Razzmajazz." His plans are to teach middle school band students and work on his master's degree in conducting.

Present: Douglas currently lives outside Orlando, Florida and works in Orlando as Director of Software Engineering for Global Card Services

Blue Notes

In May, yours truly, T.A. Burrows, had the opportunity to perform as the opening act for fellow TIB '78 cast member, and jazz recording artist Stephanie Hancock at her concert at the plush Fox Theater in Aurora, Colorado. Performing to a sellout crowd, Stephanie put on an absolutely amazing show, backed by some of top musicians in the country. She also has a new CD due in the fall.

Congratulations to Dave Sullivan on his selection for a GS-13 position in Services at Osan AB, Korea. Congrats also go to Gloria Singleton who has finally called it a career with the Air Force, we all wish you much success in your future endeavors!

We finally welcome JoAnn Mellon back to the U.S. after many years in Europe. JoAnn has always been a steadfast supporter of the talent program and TIB and she received a very special Roger at her going away ceremonies at Ramstein AB, GE. She is now the Chief of Protocol for HQ AFOTEC at Kirtland AFB, NM. Good luck in your new job, JoAnn!

For those who are interested, I'm touring with a musical-comedy I co-wrote, entitled "Ain't Missed a Beat!" and I'll be at Holloman AFB (Aug 3), Sheppard AFB (Aug 18), Cannon AFB (Sep 7), and Luke AFB (Sep 28) For info, visit my website: www.taburrows.com. And if you've got any news on things you or other priors are doing, please let me know. Remember, this is your newsletter! Peace!...T.A.