Tops in Blue rocks S.D.

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Nathan Gallahan
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Tops in Blue, the Air Force Service Agency's premier entertainment group, entertained more than 2,000 guests during a free concert at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center in Rapid City, S.D. July 1, 2011.

The group, comprised of 36 Air Force Airmen, performed a range a range of music from the early 1900s to the present day during their show themed "Rhythm Nation." They began touring the U.S. May 25, and are scheduled to host their first show in Southwest Asia in mid-July.

"We're playing in tribute to the victims and heroes of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks and for those still fighting to secure our country," said Jeri White, Tops in Blue production director. "Each show finale is dedicated to them."

Two of the performers, from this year's cast, are from Ellsworth Air Force Base. Airman 1st Class Steve Pearson, Air Force Financial Services Center financial management and comptroller apprentice, is a vocalist with the group and Airman 1st Class Lindsay Zachrey, 28th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle operations journeyman, is playing the keyboard during the group's 10-month worldwide tour.

"This has been a life experience," Zachrey said. "I wasn't expecting to miss South Dakota at all while was on tour, but as it turns out, I really do. It's great to be back."

Pearson echoed the positive sentiments.

"This has been amazing," he said. "We get to travel the world producing music. We have everything we need while being surrounded by family ... I couldn't imagine doing this alone."

The Rhythm Nation tour will take the group around the world, from the U.S. to Southwest Asia, to Europe and Asia.

"We go to Alaska when it's the coldest and we go to the desert when it's the hottest," Pearson said. "We just go to places when they need us the most ... and the show is free."

A second performance at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial was cancelled due to inclement weather July 2.

Since the South Dakota shows, Tops in Blue has performed at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., July 4 and is scheduled to perform at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., July 6.