Tops in Blue Visit Barksdale 2011

Members of Tops in Blue march to the stage during their 2011 tour 'Rhythm Nation' held at Hoban Hall on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 25. More than 400 people attended the show. Tops in Blue is known as the Air Force's expeditionary entertainers. The show featured the swingin' jazz, of Nat King Cole and Billie Holiday, the great rock n' roll sounds of Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis, the cool Motown R&B of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, hits by J-Lo and Lady Antebellum, some inspirational country sounds and much more. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Senior Airman La'Shanette V. Garrett) (RELEASED)

Tops in Blue Visit Barksdale 2011

Members of Tops in Blue entertained the audience during their 2011 tour 'Rhythm Nation' held at Hoban Hall on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 25. More than 400 people attended the show. Tops in Blue is known as the Air Force's expeditionary entertainers. The show featured the swingin' jazz, of Nat King Cole and Billie Holiday, the great rock n' roll sounds of Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis, the cool Motown R&B of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, hits by J-Lo and Lady Antebellum, some inspirational country sounds and much more. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Senior Airman La'Shanette V. Garrett) (RELEASED)

Tops in Blue perform for Barksdale

Published May 26, 2011
By Senior Airman Allison M. Boehm
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- The Air Force's premier entertainment showcase, Tops in Blue, performed for the Airmen at Barksdale, home of Air Force Global Strike Command, May 25 at Hoban Hall.
Tops in Blue has traveled more than four million miles to military bases throughout the world and this performance marked their first stop on the 2011 tour.

"We are just so excited to perform tonight," said Senior Airman Emerald Payne, Tops in Blue female vocalist who said the group has been practicing more than 12 hours daily for the past four months. "We've put in long hours and are ready to entertain the Airmen here, I'm so glad to be a part of this and am thrilled to perform for Barksdale."

The group has been rehearsing together for months at times putting in up to 16-hour days, as they felt they have to perform the best show possible for the Airmen.

"We have worked hard to get where we are and are ready and excited for tonight's performance," said Senior Airman Patrick O'Shaughnessy, Tops in Blue male vocalist. "We really want to entertain the crowd and boost morale."

The Tops in Blue mission is to serve as an expeditionary entertainment unit to provide quality entertainment from within Air Force resources for the Air Force family. Their priority is to Air Force personnel stationed worldwide at remote and deployed locations while simultaneously promoting community relations, supporting recruiting efforts and serving as ambassadors for the United States of America and the United States Air Force.

Airmen who were able to attend the concert enjoyed the night out and were happy the group was able to perform for Barksdale.

"Tops in Blue were great," said Senior Airman Shasta Ward, 2nd Force Support Squadron. "I really enjoyed the performance. They definitely boosted morale--looking around everyone was smiling."

For a schedule of performances, visit www.topsinblue.com.