Air Force Week entertains with music, dance, comedy - the Air Force's premier showcase

  • Published
  • By Capt. Robin Jackson
  • 349th Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The entertainment continues with the best of the best in the Air Force Sept, 6, 7 and 8.
Tops In Blue is the Air Force's premier entertainment showcase for the entire family. It includes the best in music, dance and comedy - all performed by Airmen in a 90-minute live program. The show will be live Sept. 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the California State Fair. The event is free with admission to the state fair and open to the public. A third performance will be presented Sept. 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mondavi Center in Davis, Calif. The event and parking are free and open to the public. 

Tops In Blue is presented annually throughout the continental United States, Canada, Europe, Central America, Alaska and the Pacific. The showcase began in 1953, as a way to recognize the high caliber of entertainment available in the Air Force community. Since then, the group has performed in films, produced albums, and been featured on national television with such legends as Ed Sullivan, Bob Hope, Lucille Ball, Barbara Mandrell and Alabama. In 1981, the cast performed the half-time show for the Garden State Bowl in New Jersey. With an estimated 110 million people watching worldwide, the cast also performed during half-time of Super Bowl XIX on Jan. 20, 1985. 

Tops In Blue performers have also contributed immeasurably to the United States by representing the country as both American and American military ambassadors. In 1993, the unit traveled to Central and Eastern Europe, bringing American music for the first time to 10 countries in the previous Soviet Bloc. Air Force Week is an opportunity for the local community to meet the men and women of the Air Force, hear their stories of service in support of the Global War on Terrorism, and view the many aerial demonstrations and events scheduled throughout the week. Other planned events throughout the week include performances by Aaron Tippin and the Air Force Band of the Golden West at the State Capitol Sept. 11. Air Force Week continues through Sept. 13, culminating with the California Capital Air Show highlighting the Air Force Thunderbirds, the Air Force's premier aerial demonstration team, performing both days. 

For more information on Air Force Week events, visit the Air Force Week Sacramento Web site at www.airforceweek.af.mil/sacramento.