Despite the overcast weather, over 500 people came out to the Presidio Tunnel Tops on Saturday, May 27, 2023 for the Music Makers: Bands Behind Barbed Wire Concert put on by the National Japanese American Historical Society and the Partnership for the Presidio.
The clouds parted as bandleader Akira Tana and his swing band ensemble along with vocalist Kim Nalley and the Jimi Nakagawa Taiko Duo began a program of joyful jazz music. Jana Katsuyama brought everything together as emcee, sharing more about the legacy of beloved Nisei jazz musician George Yoshida, who inspired this concert and whose family was in attendance. Reverend Masato Kawahatsu of the Konko Church offered a special Memorial Day prayer to honor the service of our veterans. The sun peaked out as the concert went on and a gathering of dancers couldn’t resist breaking out into full swing, twirling, spinning, and grooving along to the fantastic afternoon of music.
To learn more about the history of Japanese American incarceration during World War II and the specific historical significance of the Presidio for Japanese Americans, come visit the Military Intelligence Service Historic Learning Center at 640 Old Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94129, open on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 PM to 5 PM. Admission is $10. Free admission for members and veterans.
And we still have CDs from Akira Tana, NJAHS picnic blankets, Japantown short sleeve T-shirts and Japantown long sleeve T-shirts available for sale. Check out the NJAHS Shopify on our website via the link below.
Click here to head to our web store.
Finally, enjoy a few of our favorite pictures from the event, captured by photographer Mark Shigenaga.
