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  • Izakaya
  • Seniors
    • Bento Program
    • Smartphone/Tablet Class
    • TNK Classes
    • Tomo Cafe | 友カフェ
  • Events/Programs
    • Upcoming Events
    • Japanese Language School >
      • JLS Graduates
    • The Bridge: GVJCI Heritage Center
    • Day Of Remembrance >
      • DOR 2023
    • Meditation & More Class
    • GVJCI Scholarship
    • 2023 Matsuri Fundraiser
    • TANOSHII Fun Camp >
      • Camper Registration
      • Counselor Registration
      • Testimonials
      • Camp Supporters
      • Activities
      • FAQ
    • Past Events
  • Organizations
    • Bando Hidesomi
    • Boy Scout Troop 683
    • Boy Scout Troop 719
    • Evening Optimist Club of Gardena
    • Gardena JCI Kendo
    • Gardena Judo Club
    • Gardena Kendo
    • Gardena Naginata
    • Hawaiian Music Class
    • Kyudo Renmei
    • LA Men's Glee Club
    • Meito Calligraphy
    • Sansei Baseball League
    • South Bay F.O.R Junior Sports Association
    • South Bay Youth Basketball
    • Taiko
  • Support Us
    • Become a Friend of the GVJCI
    • 2023 GVJCI Raffle Drawing
    • Become a Bento Buddy
    • Donate Your Car
    • Shop on Amazon
    • Purchase a 2023 Calendar Ad
    • Volunteer
  • Reserve our Facilities
  • Donate

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BIG BAND MUSIC IN CAMP

ABOUT THE FILM: Searchlight Serenade

​Searchlight Serenade offers the stories of 9 detainees - big band trumpet players, saxophonists, singers, - who created a soulful escape for themselves and their fellow prisoners. Their accounts are accompanied by an evocative animation created from woodcuts and drawings by artist Amy Uyeki.


MUSIC OF THE ERA:

​Take a trip back in time and experience the sights and sounds of life in camp during WWII. Listen to our YouTube playlist as you view the presentation of Big Band music in camp!

by Michelle Yamashiro
Photographs courtesy of Amy Uyeki and the National Archives.
Click the playlist below to experience the music of the 1940s through radio broadcasts of popular musicians such as Glen Miller, Tommy Dorsey, and Artie Shaw!

Special thanks to:

Michelle Hirano, 
GVJCI Day of Remembrance committee member
Frederick Kochi, for his time and knowledge he shared about the Big Bands
​​
Eli Moulton, 
Director of Operations and Engineering, KEET
Hideki Obayashi,
GVJCI Day of Remembrance committee member
Alvin Takamori, GVJCI Day of Remembrance committee member
Amy Uyeki, Associate Producer, Searchlight Serenade

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 1964 W. 162nd St., Gardena, CA, 90247  |     (310) 324-6611    |      info@jci-gardena.org
Office Hours: Mon - Fri 9 AM - 5 PM