Tops in Blue's 'Rhythm Nation' to rock Guam

  • Published
  • By Airman Basic Anthony Jennings
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  Members of Team Andersen will host a free live performance of the Air Force's premiere entertainment group, Tops in Blue, open to all in the Guam community, Nov. 29 at University of Guam field house in Mangilao at 6:30 p.m.

This year's event marks the first time in more than a decade Tops in Blue will perform for servicemembers and civilians alike.

"This year's show is unique because local residents are able to attend," said Michele Jacobs, 36th Force Support Squadron Hot Spot director. "The wing commander, Brig. Gen. John Doucette, wanted to showcase some of our talented Airmen and share this unique Air Force asset with the community."

The highly acclaimed 2011 edition of Tops in Blue, entitled "Rhythm Nation," is an intricate blend of music and energetic beats as the audience experience the sounds of the 1900's and the music of today.

Tops in Blue '11 keeps more than 57 years of touring tradition by visiting all bases throughout the United States and more than 25 foreign countries.

According to the group's fact sheet, Tops in Blue is one of the oldest and most widely traveled entertainment groups of its kind. Since its first world tour in 1953, Tops in Blue has performed on film, produced albums and appeared on national television with legendary TV personalities such as Ed Sullivan, Bob Hope and many others.

"This show appeals to individuals of all ages, from all walks of life," Ms. Jacobs said. "The individuals are very talented, the dances are well choreographed and the performance is interactive and engaging."

Comprised of 35 to 40 of the active-duty Air Force's most gifted dancers, musicians and vocalists, the group's aggressive tour schedule spans more than 125 locations and also includes entertaining forward-deployed troops in various locations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and other locations across Southwest Asia.

The enormous and ever-growing popularity of the group has landed them front and center, performing at events such as the Super Bowl, NBA finals and for heads of state and dignitaries.

"This is a group of very hardworking individuals," Ms. Jacobs said. "This year's tour took the members throughout the continental U.S. and to more than 20 countries with close to 140 performances in just 10 months. For each show the performers set up and tear down more than 60,000 pounds of staging, lighting, audio, video and special effects equipment."

Bigger and better than ever, the 2011 Tops In Blue team is entertaining worldwide audiences with music and fun for the entire family.