Tops in Blue to perform at Altus AFB

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Seidl
  • 97 Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  "Tops in Blue," the Air Force's premiere entertainment showcase, is visiting Altus Air Force Base August 3.

Tops in Blue is an all-active duty U.S. Air Force special unit made up of talented amateur performers selected for their entertainment abilities. Each year, thousands compete in base talent contests and the most talented move on to higher levels of competition. The result is an elite group composed of 35 of the most talented vocalists, musicians, dancers, comedians, magicians and dramatists worldwide. Known as the Air Forces' Expeditionary Entertainers; the group's main mission is to perform for military personnel and their families throughout the world. The enormous popularity of the group has also made them America's goodwill ambassadors around the globe, according to their website.

The 2010 show is titled "I Believe."

"We really are looking forward to coming to AAFB and meeting our fellow Airmen and members of the local community and getting to perform for them. One of our goals with each tour is performing at as many bases as we can worldwide every year. All bases are equal in our eyes; we look forward to coming to Altus every year." said Robert Storch, operations manager for Air Force Entertainment.

The hour and a half show starts at 8:30 p.m. in Wings of Freedom Park, and is open to the public. Parking plans are in development. Entry to the base will be found at the main gate on Falcon Road. Gates open at 7:15 p.m.

DOD card holders, including military members, base employees, civilians, dependants and retirees, are asked to use the Jasmine Gate from 7 - 9 p.m.

Guests are asked to dress summer casual; shorts, sandals and tee-shirts. Swimsuits, cut off shorts and sleeveless tops should be avoided.

Please bring your own lawn chairs and bug spray. Altus AFB is supplying bleacher seating for approximately 300 guests. Do not bring coolers, weapons or pets. All attendees and vehicles are subject to search on entry, including K-9 searches.

"We look forward to providing a safe and secure environment for a great event," said Lt. Col. Scott Spiers, commander of the 97th Security Forces Squadron.

Free water stations will be available, and beverages will be available for purchase before the show.

The base has inclement weather plans well in hand. Should conditions turn unpleasant, the show will go on. The base is also prepared to handle medical emergencies, including heat-related injuries. Medical staff will be standing by.

No photography or videotaping is allowed during the show, no matter where the show is held. If you're interested in a picture of Tops in Blue, don't despair; the cast will be available to meet for a limited time after the show.

"Well, it's one of the things we really look forward to being able to do! A big part of the show is audience participation; the cast will come out and get the audience involved. The cast will exit the show through the house, and be waiting to greet the audience as they leave the show. Audience involvement is a big part of the Tops in Blue experience." said Storck.