Tops in Blue delivers lights out performance in Del Rio

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Blake Mize
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
DEL RIO, Texas --  More than 550 people packed into the Del Rio Civic Center for a night filled with music and a few surprises as the Air Force's premier entertainers attracted a capacity crowd for a show that did not disappoint.

Tops in Blue, the musical group made up entirely of active duty Air Force personnel that travel around the world performing at Air Force bases, did so before a very enthusiastic audience at the Civic Center March 10.

Del Rio residents and Laughlin members were treated to everything from country classics to a cappella standards to Top 40 hits with the theme "To Dream" ruling the night. With an array of costumes and dazzling lighting effects to accompany them, the Airmen who make up the 2009-2010 version of the group that has been in existence for more than 56 years, performed with an abundance of energy and talent to spare.

Ironically, the possible highlight of the night came when the stage's power unexpectedly went out and the performers were forced to improvise.

"Initially I thought it was part of the program," said Staff Sgt. Celisse Cortez, 47th Flying Training Wing staff. "But they recovered well and truly showed us how great they are as performers and how much they love what they do."

Senior Airman Johnny Magbanua relied on the power of his voice to carry throughout the large room and completed the song he was singing when the power ceased. Then, to the crowd's delight, Senior Airman Jeffrey Collins led a group of male performers in an a cappella performance that drew a standing ovation. The musicians of the group subsequently did an instrumental, New Orleans-style rendition of 'When the Saints Go Marching In'.

The audience seemed to be very impressed and appreciative of the group's improvisational skills.

"My favorite part of the show was when they did the a cappella singing," said Airman 1st Class Jessica Hamilton, 47th Medical Operations Squadron. "They showed their true singing abilities."

According to topsinblue.com, Maj. Al Reilly, who is now a retired colonel, created the Air Force Worldwide Talent Contest in 1953 to recognize talented Airmen in various categories. Those who excelled in comedy, drama, vocals, gospel, country and western, and several other talents were encouraged to tryout.

Maj. Reilly's idea was to discover the highest caliber of entertainment and provide it for Air Force families throughout the world. Furthermore, Maj. Reilly knew there were many athletic competitions, but for those Airmen whose interests lay elsewhere, there was nothing. Thus, Tops in Blue was created.

More information, including a complete history of Tops in Blue, can be found at www.topsinblue.com.