High-Energy Operation Punchline, Dueling Pianos and Pop Rocks on Tap this Fall
A diverse mix of entertainment talent is headed to seven countries abroad for U.S. military personnel serving overseas, as part of Armed Forces Entertainment’s (AFE) fall schedule. Engaging comedy shows by Operation Punchline, elevated music and singing from three superstars that comprise Dueling Pianos, and non-stop, high-energy dancing and showmanship by Pop ROCKS begins September 30 – November 4. These three exciting acts are headed to military bases in the UK, Germany, Poland, Belgium, Cuba, Honduras and Southwest Asia.
First up is Operation Punchline, a laugh-out-loud comedy team featuring four individual comedians, which includes: Slade Ham, a comedian who has four albums, an Amazon special, a book, plus is the host of two podcasts, who brings everyday humor to life. Next is Julie Scoggins, a former truck driver who is a regular on Sirius/XM’s Blue Collar Radio, giving you an idea of her sense of “everyman” humor. With J.R. Brow, fans can expect crazy stories, spot-on impressions, original music and riffs on human nature. And no one gets the last word in better than Tre Tutson, whose unfiltered comedic style delivers jabs and pokes to just about anyone – including himself.
Ham shared his sentiment about the upcoming tour: “There is something indescribable about a live comedy show, about looking strangers in the eye and laughing together. It’s something we’ve been deprived of the last year and a half. Many of us have felt isolated, and one of the best ways to break that feeling is to experience art with a community. In fact, I think getting back out into the world and performing for the men and women in uniform might be as therapeutic for the comedians as it is for the troops.”
Operation Punchline begins September 30 – October 3 in Poland; October 5, USAG Benelux-Brunssum, Netherlands; October 6, Kleine Brogel AB, Belgium; October 7, Spangdahlem AB, Germany; October 8, USAG Rhineland Pfalz, Germany; October 9, USAG Wiesbaden, Germany; October 10, USAG Ansbach, Germany; October 11, USAG Bavaria – Grafenwoehr, Germany; October 13, USAG Bavaria – Hohenfels, Germany; October 14, USAG Stuttgart, Germany; October 16, USAG Bavaria – Garmisch/Edelweiss, Germany; October 19, RAF Croughton, UK; October 20, RAF Mildenhall UK; October 21, RAF Alconbury, UK and October 22, RAF Fairford, UK.
Dueling Pianos draws you in to sing along, joke around and remain in awe of the musical prowess of the performers who have memorized thousands of songs from every genre and every era. The three musicians, Joi Keeling, Pamela Hopkins and Stephen Dakin tag-team tunes and banter for a full night of non-stop enjoyment. They will be performing at NS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, October 6-7 and at Soto Cano AB, Honduras October 10.
Pop ROCKS, a high-energy live music show, mashes up the best of today’s Top 40 hits, throwback hip-hop, pop-country, party rock and timeless classics into one huge party that’s part DJ, part musical theatrics and all the energy of a live arena concert. They five-person team will be in Southwest Asia October 26 – November 4.
Brian Burke, AFE Marketing & Business Analyst, said military personnel overseas have been thrilled about live entertainment returning after more than a year of virtual performances. “What we did not expect is how excited the performers are to be back on stage, connecting with live audiences, an experience that is fulfilling for all involved,” said Burke.
The full artist lineup and schedule are available at the AFE HUB.
About Armed Forces Entertainment: Armed Forces Entertainment (AFE) is the official agency of the Department of Defense providing quality entertainment to U.S. military personnel serving overseas, primarily at contingency operations and in remote and isolated locations. Now in its 70th year, AFE brings a touch of home through music, sports and comedy entertainment to nearly 400,000 troops annually, providing our dedicated military members much-needed downtime.
