Article Display

Air Force Tops in Blue rock Patriot Hall

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Daniel Blackwell
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Tops in Blue's 2012 team performed at Patriot Hall in Sumter, S.C, for Airmen and their families to entertain them and boost morale, Jan. 8.

This show was one of the last few performances the 2012 team will conduct together. The theme of Tops in Blue's 2012 team is "Listen."

"You are about to experience the power of music, dance and laughter with Tops in Blue 2012 as they put a creative twist on the sounds of life we hear every day," said Chief Master Sergeant James Roy, chief master sergeant of the Air Force.

The hour-and-a-half long show featured renditions of songs by many popular bands and artists from Earth Wind & Fire, The Doobie Brothers, and Whitney Houston, to Maroon 5, Carrie Underwood, The Zac Brown Band and a medley of patriotic songs.

The group also dedicated a portion of the show to the late Michael Jackson in which they honored his contributions to the world of music by performing a number of his hits including "Human Nature", "Billy Jean", "Thriller", "Smooth Criminal" and "Man in the Mirror".

This season's cast consists of 31 members who serve multiple roles within the show outside of singing, dancing, playing an instrument and providing technical support. All members participate in the assembly and tear down of the set each show, which consists of 64,000 pounds of equipment from lights and speakers to scaffolding and special effects equipment.

Senior Master Sgt. Mark Sobus, 20th Maintenance Group quality assurance superintendent, who toured with Tops in Blue's 1994, 1998 and 2001 teams playing the bass guitar and attended their 2012 performance at Patriot Hall.

With his multiple years of performance experience traveling with Tops in Blue as well as his 29 years of musical experience playing the bass guitar, Sobus explained there were overall he enjoyed their performance.

"I really enjoyed the Michael Jackson set," Sobus said. "It was great."

Sobus encouraged Airmen to explore what the Air Force has to offer outside their daily jobs and to get active within different Air Force programs, such as Tops in Blue.

"I advise Airmen to seek out opportunities," Sobus explained. "Also, leadership should help Airmen by keeping them informed of upcoming events and various programs they might enjoy."

Tops in Blue audition submissions have ended for 2013's tour. Airmen interested in joining the 2014 tour should periodically check Tops in Blue's website (www. Topsinblue.com) for audition video submission dates and deadlines.