JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Tops In Blue performed here Nov. 14, 2014, for Team Andrews service members and their families. The crowd numbered in the hundreds for the U.S. Air Force special unit made up of talented amateur performers, with five members originating from Andrews.
Tops In Blue is one of the oldest and most widely traveled entertainment groups of its kind. Composed of approximately 40 of the most talented vocalists, musicians, dancers, and technicians anywhere, their primary purpose is to perform for military personnel and their families throughout the world.
"We serve as America's goodwill ambassadors around the globe," said Senior Airman Jessica Seaborne, 779th Medical Operations Squadron aerospace medical service journeyman. "Tops In Blue promotes community relations, supports recruiting efforts and serves as ambassadors for the United States of America and the United States Air Force."
Seaborne is one of the Andrews Airmen on tour.
In preparation for their 10-month tour, the performers must master the instrumental, vocal, choreography, and staging requirements of the show. In addition, they also must become highly accomplished in the intricate technical skills needed to support the tour.
"We are basically our own road crew," said Senior Airman Jordan Premo, 11th Civil Engineering journeyman. "We are responsible for setting up over 60,000 pounds of staging, lighting, audio, video and special effects equipment required for each performance."
Since its first world tour in 1953, the group has also performed on film, produced albums, and appeared on national television with such legends as Ed Sullivan, Bob Hope, Alabama, Barbara Mandrell, BOYZ II MEN, Lee Greenwood, and many others.