European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - September 26, 1991, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Tops in Blue staff sgt. James Russell goes to work on the Drums during a segment by the heavy Blue  Meridith Winder . Bureau americans in Europe Are being treated to the Best the air Force has to offer. First the thunderbird streaked across the skies in daring displays of flying Talent. Now tops in Blue is taking to the stage with a special Brand of song and dance. The thunderbird have just completed a series of 11 performances throughout Europe. They Are being followed by tops in Blue a cast of musicians and dancers made up of air Force personnel on an extended swing through military bases that began in Britain and ends next month in Spain. The stops Are part of the group s annual worldwide production. This year s eight month tour titled a tribute to America features american music popular during world War ii through desert storm. A number of patriotic songs Are included. The troupe has been on the Road since april with its 90-minute show. Cast members come from bases around the world and normally work in jobs unrelated to entertainment. Quot it s phenomenal touring with this group Quot said staff sgt. Lames Russell a Jet Mechanic at Ramstein a Germany. Quot it s wonderful just to be considered for tops in Blue in the first  Russell is the drummer for heavy Blue express the tops in Blue instrumental group. Although this is his second time is a member of the cast there s no guarantee hell be Back each year. Quot we have to go through base regional command level and then worldwide Talent competitions each year Quot he said. Quot then they threw in auditions and resume. Getting picked is recognition beyond  even the seven non performing staff members have to go through some sort of audition before they Are selected. For sgt. Kendell m. Thomas the team s audio director that basically involved getting sound out of some speakers. Simple maybe. Quot first i went through Telephone interviews before i could show my stuff Quot said Thomas who s a refrigeration and air conditioning specialist at Holloman fab . Quot after they were satisfied i was then invited to show what i know. They had All of the equipment Laid out for me. I was told to set it up and make it happen get sound out of the speakers Quot although they have a technical staff All cast members act As the Road Crew sometimes wearing three hats. They have to set up and break Down All of the equipment a including lights instruments sound system and props. They also must unload and reload equipment and wardrobe As Well As rehearse their acts before each performance. At Alconbury a England the show s Start was delayed for More than an hour by a Power failure. The crowd of about 1,000 in the nearly packed hangar waited patiently until the problem was solved. Once the show started the audience was treated to a non Stop glitzy performance of swing Rock n Roll ballads country Western and soul. The cast also proved adept with dance routines. Their rendition of . Hammer s u can t touch this Complete with energetic dance Steps Drew appreciative chuckles and applause. Tops in Blue s goal since its birth in 1953 has been to provide professional Quality entertainment to air Force audiences especially at Remote and isolated locations. Each tour has its highlights. In 1985 the troupe was selected As the super bowl Xix halftime entertainment. In 1987, the performers participated in the nationally televise from singing in the Shower to singing for pay Facinta m. Chambers second from left sings in a joint number with other members of the cast. All those people who love to sing in the Shower take note. There May be Hope for you yet. At least there was for air Force staff sgt. Jacinta m. Chambers now on tour with tops in Blue. Quot i started singing in the Shower in 1985 while stationed in California Quot the Camden n.j., native said. After a while people started hearing her voice and making positive comments so she decided to try out. For a play. Despite having no musical training she was selected for the leading role in follow your Road a professional musical that ran nightly for approximately five months. Singing lessons were part of the Deal and she continued them alter the play s final performance. The 10-year air Force Veteran got her next big Chance in 1986 when she tried out for tops in Blue. I went through All of the Talent contest auditions Troin base level on up until i got selected Quot said Chambers who was stationed at Edwards fab. Calif., at the time. Following her stint with tops in Blue during which she picked up valuable performing experience Chambers transferred to Pitburg a Germany. There she got another break. Earlier this year she entered a German