Tops in Blue rocks Freedom Hangar

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joe McFadden
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  From the opening chords of John Philip Sousa's "The Liberty Bell March" to a patriotic crescendo of Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA," Tops in Blue, the premier entertainment showcase of the U.S. Air Force, performed a complementary concert Feb. 11 at the Freedom Hangar.

The musical group's singers, musicians and technicians, comprised of Airmen from various career fields, entertained hundreds of Airmen, retirees and their families as part of their 2011 "Rhythm Nation" tour.

"Tonight is the first night I've ever seen Tops in Blue perform," said Col. Jim Slife, commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing, before introducing the group. "These are not professional entertainers recruited into the Air Force to entertain-- these are amateurs. These Airmen are maintainers, security forces and finance and acquisitions officers from around the Air Force who audition to be a part of this. They do this because they're passionate about the Air Force and their mission."

As part of this year's tour, the troupe put on a musical cavalcade highlighting American popular music like swing, rap and disco throughout the 20th century.

According to the group's website, Tops in Blue 2011 performed more than 120 concerts in nearly 30 countries around the world, including for troops serving overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Photos by Airmen 1st Class Gustavo Castillo and Hayden Hyatt