Tops In Blue rock the MUW Published Oct. 17, 2014 By Senior Airman Stephanie Englar 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Over 1,000 Team BLAZE and local community members attended the Tops In Blue performance at Mississippi University for Women's Whitfield Hall Rent Auditorium Oct. 14. The Tops In Blue performers rocked the house with family-friendly covers of popular songs ranging from today's hits to country to rock 'n' roll. The performers also donned costumes and sang classical and new children's tunes. "Last night's performance was electrifying and inspiring," said Master Sgt. Jeremy Heideman, 14th Security Forces Squadron First Sergeant. "It is amazing to think about what goes into every performance. These one-year volunteers spend countless hours away from their families preparing for every performance." Tops In Blue is an all active-duty U.S. Air Force special unit made up of 35-40 talented vocalists, musicians, dancers, and technicians selected for their entertainment abilities. They are hand selected after a musical talent competition, the Worldwide Talent Search, which takes place yearly in San Antonio, Texas. Performers who are selected then partake in a 60-day intensive training period at Lackland AFB, Texas, before they begin their seven-month long worldwide tour. "Airmen Pride is what I saw in each one of the Tops in Blue performers as they 'wowed' us with their talents and entertainment prowess," said Chief Master Sgt. Rita Felton, 14th Flying Training Wing Command Chief. "It's also what I saw in the faces of the Airmen who attended the show. It is the kind of pride that says we are part of something great." Tops In Blue started in 1953 as a way to recognize the talent of the Airmen of the United States Air Force. This year, their theme is "Celebrating 60 years of tradition." While there are Airmen who have seen Tops In Blue perform many times over the last 60 years, this show was a new experience to a few Airmen in the crowd. "This was my first show and I thought the singing was really good," said Airman 1st Class Jason Rodriguez, 14th Communications Squadron. "Nia Newton [Tops In Blue vocalist] was on point. I would definitely go to another show in the future." While traveling around the world, Tops In Blue performs for Airmen stationed at overseas bases as well as deployed locations. "I thought the show was very well done and professional," said Maj. Sterling Pendleton, 14th Flying Training Wing Judge Advocate. "My family really enjoyed the show. Personally, my favorite part was the patriotic songs near the end." The show ended with "God Bless the USA" and the "Air Force Song," both receiving a standing ovation.
