Tops In Blue to perform at Super Bowl XLV

News > Tops In Blue to perform at Super Bowl XLV

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Tops In Blue vocalists Senior Airman Quentin Thomas and 2nd Lt. Rhoda Lazo perform before a large crowd Feb. 11, 2009, in Las Vegas. Tops In Blue, the Air Force's expeditionary entertainment unit, is scheduled to perform "America the Beautiful" during festivities leading up to Super Bowl XLV in Arlington, Texas, Feb. 6, 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Larry E. Reid Jr.)
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• Tops In Blue

Tops In Blue to perform at Super Bowl XLV

Posted 1/31/2011

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by Erin Tindell
Air Force Personnel, Services and Manpower Public Affairs

1/31/2011 - SAN ANTONIO (AFNS) -- Tops In Blue, the Air Force's expeditionary entertainment unit, is scheduled to perform "America the Beautiful" during festivities leading up to Super Bowl XLV in Arlington, Texas, Feb. 6.

The group will perform alongside actress Lea Michele during pre-game activities. Tops In Blue performed as the halftime show during Super Bowl XIX in 1985, and Air Force Services Agency officials are pleased to have the group invited back.

"This year's Tops In Blue team is extremely excited about this opportunity, and every member looks forward to representing the Air Force both live and on television throughout the world," said Tom Edwards, the director of Tops In Blue.

Tops In Blue is a group of Airmen composed of 35 vocalists, dancers, musicians and technicians who perform for deployed service members and coalition forces, helping to provide a sense of pause and escape for them, so they feel inspired to continue their missions.

For the past 57 years, Tops In Blue has traveled to more than 20 countries to perform more than 120 times each year for Airmen and families around the world.

Super Bowl XLV will be televised on FOX Feb. 6, with kickoff scheduled for 6:25 p.m. ET. Tops In Blue will perform shortly after 6 p.m.

For more information about Tops In Blue, visit www.topsinblue.com.

Follow the group on Twitter at www.twitter.com/aftopsinblue, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tops-In-Blue/178040815544510 or visit the blog at http://tib.dodlive.mil.

Comments

2/14/2011 2:47:45 PM ET
It is nice to see Airmen that could be performing in a REAL job wasting resources singing on stage out of uniform. Check out the Females hair in her eyes and the mens slacks that are showing his socks when he is standing with his feet together. It is an embarrassment We have already identified where we need more money and personnel. TIB need to go.

JR, Edwards

2/7/2011 12:50:44 PM ET
To those of you who say the Tops In Blue is a waste of money - they sure saved the Air Force 12M in advertising during the Superbowl. I dont remember any AF commercials that cost 500000/30 seconds. The TIB were on stage for 12 minutes. Do the math.

SSgt Andrew, Ft Sam Houston

2/6/2011 4:13:04 AM ET
Are you guys serious? TIB is a non-profit organization and they do not get free tickets to the superbowl. They are singing and then leaving to fly off to do another show for our military members. TIB members did not join the military to sing and dance. They joined to do there job and had an oportunnity to go tdy and represent our air force. I have been deployed. I have been shot at and I have been mortared. Its nice to have something to tear me away from that, otherwise I would have no morale. I am really ashamed that we are bashing our own. I guess its not really one team one fight is it?

SSGT. in Korea, korea

2/4/2011 11:12:48 AM ET
SSgt Prior, so let me get this straight. You leaned your weapon against a wall in between sets so that means you are a warrior now? Because I guarantee you did not stand a watch at that Army post. TIB is not popular with the troops as you may think it is.

Mo, MidSouth

2/3/2011 11:39:18 PM ET
I am amazed at the lack of support and actual sour responses from people on here. When you think of the total force we need to be taken care of mind, body and soul. TIB performances aren't what you will see on the Grammy's, but I appreciated the opportunity to step outside of my duty station for a minute and show the world I'm more than just my AFSC. This program boosts morale; if you don't want to see it, then don't go to the show, but I know people have taken their family to see TIB for years. Just as they went as a small child and this was their nice little happy piece of the AF to remember. Don't be fooled, it's not a walk in the park and these performers earn thier 1st and 15th through blood sweat and tears. BTW while performing in Afghanistan on an Army post...I posted my weapon against the wall in between sets. I am an American Airman. I am a Warrior. I have answered my Nations call.

SSgt PriorTIB, Virginia

2/3/2011 6:43:09 AM ET
Okay, I understand war time and all that, but I grew up going to Tops in Blue. Now I get to take my daughter. It is a wonderful memory and a chance to make more.

SSgt Webster, Minot AFB

2/2/2011 4:26:10 PM ET
While there are pros and cons to both TIB and TB it doesn't matter which one should be cut. We have to focus our resources on what is truly the task at hand... wartime operations. If we have to sacrifice more at home to help reduce the deficit and maintain what we are doing overseas then both programs are very obvious targets that should be considered. I too am envious of their attendance at the Super Bowl but any of us would gladly take that opportunity. No judgment on that point.

Advocate, FL

2/2/2011 4:19:34 PM ET
TIB can't compete with today's IPAD IPOD Blu RAY DVD's video games or working out. This is the 2011 not 1951. That's what a lot of people want to see and do on their downtime. TIB show up - do a quality 90 minute show and then leave. MWR will be there 24X7 after TIB move on.I agree TIB has done their job and done it well but it's time to get into 2010 and not 1950.

Retired, Arizona

2/2/2011 2:57:07 PM ET
PB: SSgt Sean is a war fighter. TIB are so-called entertainers. You can not compare his duties with TIB. They sleep in a bed, eat decent food and DO NOT go outside the wire in harms way. I have seen TIB over the years and frankly it is a waste of money. The deployers they are there to entertain could care less they are there. They want to see movies, comedians and rock stars, not be ordered to attend a TIB event so it won't hurt their feelings. It is time that this program goes away and use the funds for something more useful.

Mo, MidSouth

2/2/2011 1:40:54 PM ET
I am sure these fine Airman work hard doing what they do. I don't think anyone can argue with that. They are a talented bunch. The problem I have and that many here have also echoed is that in a time of war and economic budget constraints it seems unwise to continue funding this program. Each one of these Airmen was plucked from his or her career field to do this, leaving others with the burden of picking up the slack. I'm sure it's entertaining but some Air Force traditions need to disappear and this is one of them. I am quite sure there are many taxpayers out there wondering how on earth we can field a song and dance unit when our defense budget had to be cut to the bone. Wanting to keep them just because we have always had them is not enough of an excuse. Just ask all of the company grade officers who just got the axe. Even if the cost is minimal in terms of overall budget, it is perception that is ultimately the most important consideration.

Texas Pete, Texas

2/2/2011 1:32:42 PM ET
I AGREE with SSgt Sean completely.. TIB are a complete waste of money and resources along with the Air force Band... Really, we are the military not an entertainment company.... Guys on the flightline fight to get boots and cold weather gear but yet these guys and gals travel the world to sing and dance... There's a lot of wasteful spending with other programs as well but this would be a fast one to shut down that no one would miss. If they wanna sing and dance, get out of the military and go to Broadway... PB, how dare you even compare their 1 day on the ground in Afghan to a guy staying in Afghan for 6-12months. Not really comparable...

TSgt G, RAF lakenheath

2/2/2011 12:41:27 PM ET
There was a time for TIB but I don't believe it is now. Operating on a Continuing Resolution without a firm budget and historic deficits with ever decreasing revenues are just a few reasons why. If you had 20 left in your pocket and little to no food in your home, would you go watch a movie and eat popcorn with a week to go until your next pay day? It's called living within your means America.

MSgt Mango Retired, Somewhereovertherainbow

2/2/2011 11:17:34 AM ET
SSgt Sean -- You know where Tops in Blue was on Christmas last year? In Afghanistan at Bagram Airfield. They're making all the same sacrifices you're making. Their days are just as long and their travel schedule is more frenetic than most folks who are deployed. They build up tear down and travel with their stage equipment. And what's more, they volunteered on the off chance that they could make folks' lives a little bit more enjoyable for one day out of the year. And when they're done with their year-long tour, they go back to the jobs they held the deployments and everything else. Being a member of TIB is not a vacation; it's a hard job. I'm ashamed that folks are complaining about this rather than giving these men and women a hearty attaboy for exemplifying Service Before Self.

PB, US

2/2/2011 11:04:59 AM ET
I seen TIB and I know one of the singers since I went to tech school with her. I was never so amazed at seeing such an outstanding show. I also have a real good friend overseas that got to see it too and he said it was a real morale booster. And in case anyone is wondering why, they are entertainment which is well worth every penny. Might I add they still go to deployed locations guns in hand just like the warfighters they are performing for. Everyone that is saying negative things needs to step back and see what TIBs offer. As far as the super bowl goes come on. Let them get it. They are on the road just about everyday of the year. Ok, so people are on deployment. Big deal. This is the AF. A standard deployment is 6 months. And on top of that the ones deployed can make friends. Those on TIBs only have each other because if you look at a tour for them they only get one day at a location, if that.

SrA C, JB Charleston

2/2/2011 10:45:31 AM ET
I gave them a chance a while back. They where horrible. Gave them another chance - even worse Every show is the same...same dancing, same fake smile and same songs. They came to Afghanistan for Christmas; 150 people showed up from a base of 35000. Sorry, they are a waste of money Now they get to go to the Super Bowl. I wonder how much the AF paid for them to peform. Total joke.

RJS, Afghanistan

2/2/2011 10:17:11 AM ET
Does anyone know about a term called Airmen Resiliency? TIB helps Airmen who are deployed or stationed in remote places escape their current situation and have a little fun. Yes, it's vital we show the public our advanced aircraft capabilities. But we also need to take care of our Airmen. We need to give them access to MWR activities they enjoy and inspire them through song too.

tba, TX

2/2/2011 9:42:56 AM ET
Our son in law traveled w TIB as their base player. As someone already said, this is financed through 'non-appropriated funds' not taxpayer dollars and I know for a fact that Ryan was given about 15.00 a day for food These folks work and I mean work....no glamour life for them. In addition to many hours of rehearsing they literally set up all the stage and sound equipment...very physically demanding and after an exhausting show - again to bring morale to the troops - they have to break it all down and pack it up. I saw firsthand what an asset they are to our service people so how about a hand for Tops in Blue

Nellie Edwards, Minot ND

2/2/2011 8:58:44 AM ET
TIB are yet another tool in the PR machine, just like the Thunder Birds. The difference is that TIB are better suited to display esprit de corps to more locations and show how diverse people come together to perform a mission. Although more exciting to some, the TBs are just another fighter squadron taking up more resources.

MRJ, Gunter Annex AL

2/2/2011 8:53:49 AM ET
PB you're right, sour grapes. I'm over here fighting the enemies of my country and these Airmen impersonators are going to the Super Bowl for singing and dancing. I'm glad to know that's such an important skill in today's military.

SSgt Sean, Afghanistan

2/2/2011 7:51:15 AM ET
Too many people forget we operate under the public's trust and we have to do things to grow that trust. Tops in Blue and volunteer activities are some of the ways we make the public aware and gain their support. We don't just have a job, we have a higher purpose that requires all of us to do things outside of our AFSC description. If people don't like it, sperate. We will be fine without you. You probably don't bring much to the table anyway.

MSgt Smith, Gunter

2/2/2011 7:47:28 AM ET
Go Air Force Glee Club, Jazz Hands... What a ridiculous waste of my mother and father's hard earned money.

TSgt AJ, Keesler AFB MS

2/2/2011 6:16:47 AM ET
Air Force's expeditionary entertainment unit -- You've seriously got to be kidding me. Tops In Blue isn't entertainment, it's an embarrassment.

SrA K, Alaska

2/2/2011 6:11:40 AM ET
They're a waste of money, don't contribute to the mission, and suck up resources and manpower. This silly program, the NASCAR thing, and the T-birds should be discontinued. The Air Force must choose between needs and wants with an ever-shrinking pool of taxpayer money.

SSgt Whoever, conus

2/2/2011 1:59:07 AM ET
If anyone sees Tops in Blue in person, it is a great show. These airmen have very rare talent and they are trying to increase morale, not just in the United States but to the world. I witnessed them when I was overseas and they are great. They don't take just anyone. It's hard work and time they put into every note to raise the morale of every branch of service in the military, home or abroad.

MTI, lackland afb

2/2/2011 12:48:32 AM ET
TIB is a total waste of money, resources, and personnel. I could slightly understand the recruiting aspect of their mission if they held all of their shows off base in the local community, and not just on military bases, not just a few times for special events. I.E. the Super Bowl. But they don't, do they? Basically, they just waste money and resources to send 50 people TDY for most of the year to try and recruit and entertain people who are already in the military. For almost 60 years you had a pretty good run. Time to hang up the sequined tights, Peter Pan.

Eric, PACAF

2/1/2011 9:38:18 PM ET
We need to stop wasting money around here. America needs to be run like a dollar store. Bare bones. No frills.

backto1776, America

2/1/2011 7:44:19 PM ET
I don't know if the TIB are a great recruiting tool or not, but they are definitely a great morale booster. Ever since my family and I first saw them we have looked forward to seeing them every year. This was especially true when we moved overseas for six years. It was good to know the AF was concerned about more than only the mission. The USAF motto may be Aim High Fly-Fight-Win but the AF knows this cannot happen without taking care of its people, hence the Services squadron, now MSS.

David, US

2/1/2011 7:21:43 PM ET
The TIB should hire civilian positions as performers vs E's and O's. Just sayin'...

Somewhere in, Sin City

2/1/2011 6:53:05 PM ET
MSgt F V - We do that all the time ... we call it deployment.

PB, US

2/1/2011 6:28:11 PM ET
I disagree that the TIB are worth the financial cost and add on to it the loss of Airmen from their career fields and deployment buckets. Aerial demo teams educate the public on the capabilities of our aircraft -- since the public pays for them -- but the TIB have zero impact on the mission. We have recruiters to recruit new Airmen and they have been making their goals year-after-year. The TIB also take up airlift support from the C-130 and C-17 communities for a lot of their transit which is a direct negative impact to the mission when you're dedicating a tail or two to the TIB instead of meeting a valid operational or training need.

JB, Illinois

2/1/2011 6:13:38 PM ET
I would rather see the Air Force represented by jets performing percision moves than glitter shirts with song and dance. Call me crazy.

SrA, hill afb UT

2/1/2011 6:01:07 PM ET
I want to know how many Airmen joined the service because of Tops in Blue. I don't believe the line that this is some great recriuting tool. The Thunderbirds have a justification because the Air Force's mission is to Fly Fight and Win.

Capt M, DMAFB

2/1/2011 5:22:30 PM ET
It is sad that so many of you feel that way... Saying to cut this as a program is like saying to cut the fancy parts of food services or to get rid of the Thunderbirds. aren't they an even bigger waste of money? They cost millions more are far more dangerous and they are only for show... I mean seriously do you need someone to clean off your table or do you need a nice dining facility when the Army Mess Hall where you bus your own tables is the norm? Do we really need to fighter jocks from the Navy or Air Force or even the Army's Golden Knights? The point is the Air Force will now be front and center. This is a fantastic recruiting tool... no not everyone can be one of those 35 performers and part of the support staff... but it does inspire people to want to do their part. Don't disrepect the unit just because you can't be in it... I was never a part of the group either. No matter how you look at it it is awesome PR...

Justin, Oregon

2/1/2011 5:11:37 PM ET
Tops in Blue is paid for with non-appropriated funds.As to whether or not we can afford to train people in an AF skill and then do without them for a year is another question.

MSgt F V - retired, Ireland

2/1/2011 3:47:10 PM ET
if people are joining the air force to be a performer then maybe then maybe they should secound guess their career choice. last time i checked, the air force is a branch of the military, not a branch of broadway.

SrA, hill afb UT

2/1/2011 12:28:48 PM ET
Agree with Sean waste of money. They could get cut and we wouldnt even notice. Since the defense budget is being cut things like this has to be the first to go.

RJS, Afghanistan

2/1/2011 12:19:25 PM ET
And yet millions who are watching the biggest sporting event in the world will see the U.S. Air Force front and center.

RK, Oklahoma

2/1/2011 12:18:30 PM ET
...the Air Force's expeditionary entertainment unit... Are you kidding me? Gives a new slant on playing war.

J, SA TX

2/1/2011 11:40:49 AM ET
I thinks it a great recruitment opportunity. Mr. S.

marion seaton, Dover AFB De

2/1/2011 11:26:06 AM ET
And yet the Tops in Blue singers have free tickets to the Super Bowl. Sour grapes SSgt Sean.

PB, US

2/1/2011 11:18:21 AM ET
With all the budget cuts going on, how can Tops in Blue still exist? The AF has other more effective ways to market itself.

Adam, on a plane @ COS

2/1/2011 8:51:04 AM ET
Ah Tops in Blue. What an incredibly waste of taxpayer's money.

SSgt Sean, Afghanistan

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