Scott Air Force Base to host possible farewell concert

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AP) - A military performance troupe will hold what could be its final concert at Scott Air Force Base in southwestern Illinois.

The traveling variety show "Tops in Blue" has canceled its 2016 season amid a broader Air Force review that could lead to its demise after the Jan. 15 performance in St. Clair County.

The 57-year-old program has come under heightened scrutiny as the armed services branch looks to contain costs.

The Belleville News-Democrat (bit.ly/1YAHZZM ) reports that Tops in Blue costs the Air Force $3 million annually.

An Air Force announcement also cites "changing ... demographics and entertainment preferences." Internal surveys found that younger service members were least likely to want to continue the musical effort.

Tops in Blue has also performed at the Super Bowl, World Series and NBA Finals.