MINIDOKA SWING BAND



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Members of the Portland-based Minidoka Swing Band, formed in September 2007, as a tribute to Japanese Americans interned during World War II and to highlight the music popular in the Internment Camps. Affiliation: the Porland Japanese American Citizens League (JACL).

"We dedicate our band to our founder and creator, Robbie Tsuboi, 1949-2010, and who inspired us to continue being the Minidoka Swing Band!"

Sunday, February 27, 2011

An Intimate Dinner with George Takei

On February 19, 2011 the Minidoka Swing Band was honored to play at the ONE reception for "An Intimate Dinner with George Takei" at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront Hotel. I have included a very nice email I received from George regarding the evening:

"Dear Laura,

I was transported to my boyhood imprisoned in two U.S. internment camps at that memorable evening two weekends ago at the reception for the Oregon Nikkei Endowment. Our barrack was just across the way from the mess hall at both camps. So, one of my cherished memories from those years is that of the music that wafted over on Saturday nights from the mess hall after my mother put us to bed.

The music of the 40’s that I heard from the Minidoka Swing Band sounded so familiar and sweet. That was the music of my boyhood. That was the sound that I loved. And it was brought back to me so marvelously that evening in Portland. My appreciation and gratitude goes to those talented musicians for keeping a dulcet part of a dark experience so melodically alive.  

My thanks to you and the talented musicians for the great work that you are doing.

Warm regards,
George Takei"
http://www.georgetakei.com/

Friday, February 11, 2011

"Tuxedo Junction"

Minidoka Swing presents "Tuxedo Junction" sung by Nola Sugai Bogle at the Uwajimaya Festival in Beaverton, OR

Pictures of the Minidoka Swing Band by Leah Nash

These pictures were taken by Leah Nash for our story in the Wall Street Journal by Joel Millman.

ONE Street Party , Sept. 2009

ONE Street Party , Sept. 2009
Dancing to the music of the Minidoka Swing Band

ONE Street Party, Sept. 2009

ONE Street Party, Sept. 2009

ONE Street Part, Sept. 2009

ONE Street Part, Sept. 2009

ONE Street Party, Sept. 2009

ONE Street Party, Sept. 2009
Our vocalists, Nola Bogle & Shig Sakamoto

Buddhist Convention 2009

Buddhist Convention 2009
The band

Buddhist Convention 2009

Buddhist Convention 2009
Dancing to the Minidoka Swing Band

Buddhists Convention 2009

Buddhists Convention 2009
Todd & Elaine dance as well as play their instruments.