Misawa Airman to perform for Tops In Blue

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stefanie Torres
  • 35th Fighter Wing public affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Some people spend their whole lives trying to find their passion and dreams in life. But for Tech. Sgt. Lamon Mabron, his are right around the corner. 

Apprehension was not a factor after a week-long audition set out by the judges during the audition for Tops In Blue. 

"You can't give it your best if you are nervous," said Sergeant Mabron, when discussing how he prepared for his audition piece for Tops In Blue. "I love music and didn't want to focus on fumbling because you will fail if you think about it." 

In the same manner the judges on American Idol announce, "You are going to Hollywood," the judges of Tops In Blue informed Sergeant Mabron that he would be performing keyboard for them in their 2008 "Deja Blue" season. 

"Of course I am extremely excited about it," he said. 

At 12 years old, Sergeant Mabron performed in his father's band and his appreciation for music has grown ever since. 

"I always have to play. If I don't, then the day doesn't feel right," he said. 

He has also performed at night clubs and jazz clubs around the city of every base he has been to. 

Classically trained as a child, he compares himself to the likes of Alicia Keys and John Legend, in the same way they were both classically trained in the beginning and moved on to other genres of music.
"I can play pop, R & B, country and blues. But my favorite type of music to perform is jazz," he said.
The 29-year-old would have never thought about auditioning for Tops In Blue if it wasn't for a poster hanging inside the Mokuteki advertising try-out dates. 

"I decided this was something I needed to do. If I had not seen the poster, I would never know if I would ever go for it." 

Auditions were held in San Antonio, Texas, where an exhausting week of auditions and intense interviews evaluated his composure under pressure. 

"I think they try to test your ability to stay calm during exhaustion in order for them to see how you can handle the year's upcoming schedule," he said. 

Along with music, dance and instrumental auditions, contestants also go through a specialty audition, consisting of improvisational theater. 

Tops In Blue looks at more than just your musical talent, he explained. 

"One day everyone has to try out for comedy, the next may be dancing even if that's not what you came there for." 

As the contestants move through the competition, they learn to perform together as a team and work through all hours of the night. 

"We start out on our own and they move us into a group of 10 to eat, live and breathe together, day and night," said Sergeant Mabron. "This is so they can see how we interact with people who have come from all over the world." 

The auditions may start at 7 a.m. and end 2 a.m. into the next day. 

"At first, you go to bed and can't believe that the alarm is going off just a couple of hours later. I thought it was a bad joke," he said. 

But long days ahead are worth it for this musician as he prepares to face the travel and performances. 

"I have always wanted to perform. This is the fun part," he said. 

The 2008 season will kick off on Feb. 2 and will consist of approximately 125 shows. Tops In Blue will perform in Europe, the Pacific and at numerous stateside bases. They also will travel to Southwest Asia to entertain troops in various combat areas.