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Tops in Blue rocks "The Forks"

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS, N.D. --  The Air Force's Tops in Blue performed June 29 at the Chester Fritz Auditorium on the campus grounds of the University of North Dakota.

The musical group, made up of 44 Airmen from all walks of life and career fields in the Air Force, performed in front of an audience of more than 1,100 people.

More than 30 volunteers from Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. helped set up the stage and pass out programs to guests as they entered the auditorium.

Col. Paul Bauman, 319th Air Base Wing commander, was the evening's host, and greeted everyone in attendance by thanking the community for their tremendous support for the base and the Warriors of the North [service members at Grand Forks AFB].

"Thank you Grand Forks, this is for you," said Bauman.

This year's tour theme was "Celebrating 60 Years of Tradition," and featured a variety of musical numbers presented during the six decades worth of live performances by the group.

This year's show featured some songs by popular modern-day artists and groups such as "The story of my Life," by British boy-band, 1-Direction, and "Mirrors," by Justin Timberlake; however, it was Senior Airman Charles Cooper's vocal performance of John Legend's love ballad, "All of me," that drew the most woes and cheers from the ladies in the crowd.

The show included popular country, jazz, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll songs. Some of the songs performed by the talented members were "My Girl," by the legendary Motown singing group, The Temptations, and "Proud Mary," which was performed by Senior Airman Nia Newton, who delivered a spot-on impersonation of 1991 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Tina Turner.

Tops in Blue vocalists weren't the only ones to show case their talents as several guests were unexpectedly invited to be part of the show by dancing or singing, such was the case for two Warriors of the North, Tech. Sgt. Jaime Cleveland and Lt. Col. Jonathan Castellanos, who along with two other surprised audience members were escorted onto the stage to sing the chorus to the 1970's hit, "Sweet Home Alabama," originally performed by southern rock band, Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Tops in Blue delivered well on their commitment to entertain guests of all ages as their musical program also included songs such as, "Happy" and, "Let it go" featured on the soundtrack of popular Disney films such as Despicable Me and Frozen respectively.
Along with the numerous standing ovations and waves of applause the evening's performance also drew a lot of positive comments from those attending the free concert.

"The show was wonderful as always," said Grand Forks resident, Patty Hughes, who's attended a total of five Tops in Blue performances. "I'm always amazed at how quick the performers go from one set to another, but then I remember how fitness is an important part of military person's life and I realize they must all be in excellent physical condition to do all that singing and dancing. They're indeed a very professional and talented bunch."

Praise also came from those new to the Tops in Blue live-show experience. Such was the case for Master Sgt. Kingsley Scott.

"Wow talk about a great show," said Scott. "In my 13 years of serving in the Air Force I had heard several people mention how much they had enjoyed attending one of these shows. After tonight, I know those people weren't exaggerating about how energetic and fun the shows were. This experience has made me wish hadn't waited so long to see a Tops in Blue performance."

Tops in Blue cast members travel to more than 100 locations worldwide presenting an average of 120 performances a year, and are not only responsible for performing. They also set up and break down the sets and all equipment used in the show.

For information about joining Tops in Blue, visit the troupe's Web site at www.topsinblue.com or call their central phone number DSN 969-7237 or commercial lines (210) 623--0509 and (210) 395-7237.