Searchlight Serenade gives viewers a first-hand look at the big bands formed during WWII in the Japanese American Internment camps from 1942 to 1945. You'll hear the stories of 9 musicians and singers, including the film's advisor Yoshida (who helped locate the featured band members), Joe Shiro, Yone Fukui, and Frances (Chickie) Ishihara White. KEET-TV and Uyeki bring their stories to life through archival footage and a 12-minute animation created from Uyeki's original woodblock prints and drawings. These works of art were inspired by actual events of some of the musicians and singers she interviewed. The film reminds viewers of the positive impact music and art can have on people during difficult times. 

Wesley Jazz Ensemble.  Photo courtesy of www.pgbgroup.com

Amy Uyeki's animation.  Artwork courtesy of http://searchlight-serenade.com

Please join us for a Q&A session after the screening with Uyeki. This session will be followed by a live performance from the Wesley Jazz Ensemble, who will perform classics such as Glenn Miller's "Moonlight Serenade," Duke Ellington's "Take the A Train," and Ray Charles' "Georgia On My Mind."

Amy Uyeki is an award-winning visual artist whose work can be seen in

Amy Uyeki.  Photo courtesy of www.discovernikkei.org

national magazines and book, including Print's Best Logos and Designs, Print Magazine, East/West Magazine, and Simple Screenprinting. Working extensively with woodblock prints and lino-cut prints, she has won numerous awards, including an International Achievement Award from the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) for banner design for the Redwood National and State Parks, as well as a Visual Arts Fellowship for printmaking from the California Arts Council. She's also a recipient of numerous grants, including the NEA, California Council for the Humanities, and the New Langton Arts Initiative.