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Show ooqdco i r rTr COO t . t f I I I -- yfji IvJf II XI VKI; " ft (' jtiCV L I llll i" ' ' - , "J rj - fc " 1 I ) 11 I -"-- " I n nrn i Young Senior Airman Brian Pop and Senior Airman Jamie tottey 'V $ ' Photos by Beth ' I I 1 i VV.i x I I 1 l I U l( ,1 !.- As- - i o -. i Dancing was not the only skill the performers displayed, as Airman Coffey, belted out tunes from past decades. r v I 1 Traveling variety show marks 50th anniversary by Beth Young Hilltop Times staff The 2003 Tops in Blue performance, "Soaring with Eagles," celebrated their 50 year anniversary by revisiting some favorite styles and songs they have performed since Tops in Blue began in 1953. The show, held at the Dee Events Center, took the audience of more than 3,500 on a trip back in time, through energetic song and dance, and an array of shimmering and colorful costumes. As the band rose out of the back of the stage, the entertainment began with a patriN Audience members enjoyed impressions of famous performers such as Tina Turner, The Temptations; and Senior Airman Jerome Wayne, as Stevie Wonder. Members of the band were also highlighted throughout the show, like Airman 1st Class Courtney Johnson on the saxophone. otic' song, "This is America, the land we love." An original song about Tops in Blue followed, and gave the audience some history on the show. "Almost seems like yesterday when we had our first show. Hard to believe this jour- ney started 50 years ago," sang the per- former. Since the show started in the 1950s, that decade seemed the best place to start the walk down memory lane. With tunes from Glenn Miller and swing dancing, the show was off to an energetic start. And of course no visit to the past would be complete with out a performance of "Boogie Woogie Bugle special guests such as, Big Bird, Snow White, a California Raisin and Spiderman danced through the audience. "We have performed many styles of music over the years but what is always popular with the fans is Latin," explained a performer as the show burst into fast rhythms and salsa dancing. Smooth Motown music was next with favorites from Stevie Wonder, the Temptations and Tina Turner. Always a crowd pleaser, the performers put a twist on YMCA with the ladies singing back-up- . The Tops in Blue shows are not the only ones celebrating an anniversary, the show also honored the Centennial of Flight with . the performers dressed in flight suits and singing "I Believe I Can Fly." Also honored were all the troops deployed. "When you stand for freedom, sometimes you stand alone. Defending our America on shores far from home," sang the performers. "As we bend our knees to pray may we find a way to say thanks to our heroes for today." It has become a tradition for the show to end with "God Bless the USA" As this favorite was being performed the crowd rose to their feet and some sang along. As the audience showed their appreciation with roaring applause, all the performers gathered on the Boy." stage to do one last performance Next were cowboy hats and fringe shirts Air Force Song. This year's Tops in Blue is made up of 35 as the show paid tribute to the country music that has been part of the show over the years. active duty military members, who will perAfter the crowd enjoyed such favorites as form more than 150 times and travel to 22 "Crazy" and "Stand by Your Man" some past countries. ( O it. O I A ' i I H? 7? W The performers weren't afraid to get up close and personal as they often needed into the audience to snake hands, dance and even make the songs a little more personal like Staff Sgt Charles Cook tlewoiisliated |