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News staff writer
February 14, 2007
Day of Remembrance brings music,
historical displays and public speakers. There is no charge for any of
the pre-concert events.
*****
Events honoring Hood River’s Japanese American history and heritage
will be highlighted by a performance at 5 p.m. by ukulele phenomenon
Jake Shimabukuro.
* 1 p.m. — The public is invited to the opening event: a
special video presentation, “Circle of Freedom, Lost and Restored,” by
Connie Nice, museum coordinator, Hood River County Historical Museum.
In addition, there will be historical photos and displays, cultural
and artistic participatory events, gift and book sales, ethnic snacks
and drinks, and a silent auction.
* 1 to 4 p.m. — Public presentations and historical displays
about the forced removal and incarceration of Japanese Americans
during World War II. Both events are scheduled for Hood River Middle
School, 1602 May St.
Two panel discussions involving local and statewide speakers are also
planned.
* 2 p.m. — Panel presentation, with the focus on Hood River’s
Japanese American history and heritage. Speakers include three
distinguished Japanese American scholars: Lawson Inada, Oregon’s poet
laureate and professor of English — “Return to Hood River”; Linda
Tamura, Willamette University professor of education and author —
“With Pride They Served: Japanese American Servicemen in World War
II”; and Peggy Nagae, attorney and former assistant dean of the
University of Oregon School of Law — “Hood River’s Native Son:
Attorney Minoru Yasui and His Historic Defense of the U.S.
Constitution.”
* Preceding the panel of Japanese American scholars, Virginia
Euwer Wolff and Dr. Sab Akiyama will discuss Hood River before World
War II — their memories and reminiscences.
* Following the panel discussion, Nancy Moller and Mitzi Asai
Loftus will speak about Hood River immediately after World War II.
* 3 to 3:45 p.m. — Larry Wyatt will lead an introductory
ukulele workshop for youth in the Middle School music room. There is
no charge, but registration is required: call 386-2055.
* Preceding the concert, individuals and community groups,
including the Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center of Portland and the Hood
River County Historical Museum, will present displays to educate about
that period of history.
* The events will educate about those days, as well as
celebrate with Hawaiian-born Jake Shimabukuro in concert, the proud
history of the Japanese American community.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors over 62, and $2 for
students in kindergarten through grade 12. They are on sale at Waucoma
Bookstore, Klindt’s Booksellers in The Dalles; Collage of the Gorge in
White Salmon; Artifice in Stevenson; and at the Oregon Nikkei Legacy
Center, Portland, or by calling Community Education at 386-2055.
Shimabukuro has been described as a “ukulele legend,” “virtuoso,” and
“beyond belief awesome.” His music ranges between jazz, blues, funk,
classical, bluegrass, folk, flamenco, and rock. In addition, there
will be historical photos and displays, cultural and artistic
participatory events, gift and book sales, ethnic snacks and drinks,
and a silent auction. |
