Team Kirtland drummer will travel internationally with Tops in Blue Published Jan. 10, 2008 By Lia Martin Nucleus Staff KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico -- Airman 1st Class Christopher Gadson has been playing drums most of his life. The 22-year-old musician born to a military family has been honored by being selected to represent Team Kirtland in the 2008 Tops in Blue tour. Airman Gadson, 377th Logistics Readiness Squadron, who prepared a competition video performing gospel music with his brother Anthony Gadson and friend Mike Chipman on keyboard, said he traveled to Lackland AFB, Texas, to compete in the contest with the Tops in Blue band. He would audition by being the drummer of that band. "It was different because it was my first time playing with them," Airman Gadson admits, though he says he was not nervous before he went on. "I was relaxed all week long." Airman Gadson also had to dance and sing to be considered. What may not be known is that even if a musician wins the first, second or third place in his category in the competition in December that does not mean he will be selected for the Tops in Blue tour. Not only did Airman Gadson place first in the instrumental category, he was also chosen to tour in 2008. "My dream goal in life is to be a drummer that goes on tour," Airman Gadson said. Airman Gadson will begin rehearsing with the Tops in Blues in March.