News

Backstage Pass

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tracy L. DeMarco
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  I knew when I started this two-day venture that the Tops In Blue team functioned as a self-sufficient squad. But, I had no concept just how much hard labor was involved, and I lacked the perspective to understand the level of commitment it takes to pull off one performance.

Now I get it.

Ever since my 8-month-old daughter was born I have never met anyone who received less shut-eye than me. After getting to know the 2007 Tops In Blue team, I now know several.

The complexity and weight of the stage assembly astounded me

When the team began to assemble the stage it seemed pretty standard. But as I took pictures of the towers going up in the corners and witnessed the performers climbing them, my childhood days of going to the circus rushed back to me.

It was simply amazing to see so much activity happening all at once. You heard impact drills powering bolts into metal pieces, performers communicating intentions while lifting heavy boxes, and wheels on large cases straining to roll up the ramp on the stage-left side.

Occasionally, you'd hear technical director Staff Sgt. Ryan Soens yell, "Meeting." Shortly following his bellowing blast, the team members would tightly huddle to hear what he and other area directors had to say. Once the meeting was over the hustle would continue as before.

Set complete, practice over, a few "Z's" gathered, the performers prepare

A small crowd was building out front of hangar 814, and the lights were still illuminating the backstage area when the performers arrived. Almost immediately organized chaos began. Several male vocalists dressed in various states of costume practiced choreography in the corner while band members tuned instruments. The technical crew checked settings while the women curled hair and applied what would hopefully be a sweat-proof layer of make-up.

Again, "Meeting," was called out, and the masses moved in a moment; the subject of this conference - change. Earlier that day a male vocalist injured his head forcing the group to rework songs and dance routines.

As Senior Airman Jonathan Hayden stood in the jumble with his head bandaged, the team focused their energy on having a great show despite the difficulty. It was easily apparent they didn't want to distract the audience by showing signs of stress on stage, and not once did even the slightest air of disappointment or disapproval seep in Airman Hayden's direction.

As the stage lights came up, backstage dimmed; now the fun begins

Each performer knew what to do. It was almost like a silent wardrobe ballet. The only sounds were those of zippers, shoes hitting the floor, and hangers scratching the metal clothes bar. Of course, the music and singing blaring from on-stage did a good job camouflaging other backstage noises.

Between sets every performer, even the band, changed into the correct genre of clothing to match the next five or so songs. The transitions were seamless and the energy never wavered.

In the dark spaces under the stage the male vocalists waited for the center section of the stage to lower so they could be dramatically lifted for the final arrangement of music. When the floor section began to drop, light poured down from the stage and danced across their faces.

Tech. Sgt. Keith Martin, Sr., said, "Let's do this," just before he put his microphone to his mouth. The men sang their hearts out to the beat of the patriotic finale even before they stepped onto the lift.

When it's over, it's still not over

When the evening was complete, the clothes racks weren't quite so neat and the backstage volunteers took a breath. I departed early to take my 8-month-old home. She enjoyed the beginning of her first concert but failed to have the energy to see the end. As we drove home and later slept, the 2007 Tops In Blue team dismantled, packed, and palletized nearly 54,000 pounds of equipment that night.

To my amazement I learned early the next day that the team didn't arrive at their English hotel until 4 a.m. That's around the time I wake up every day.

I'll never look at a Tops In Blue performance the same. Now when I view a show and go home with my family, I will think of the long hours they have yet to endure. I will think of the time they are away from their families while I'm tucking mine in. I used to consider them active duty members enthusiastic about music and singing. Post backstage experience - I view them as people passionate about performing who deserve all our respect.