BEHIND BARBED WIRE REDUX

In 1942, a few weeks prior to graduation, nearly 45% of the Arroyo Grande High School Graduating Class were bussed with their Japanese-American families to isolated internment camps. Historian Jim Gregory (author of World War II Arroyo Grande), composer Deon Nielsen Price (BEHIND BARBED WIRE), and conductor Brian Alhadeff (OperaSLO Grand Orchestra), are pleased to present a commemoration of that tumultuous time.

With a live orchestra and a big band, guest performers, video, poetry, swing music of the 1940’s and narration, this special production shares this region’s local heritage of sacrifice, friendship, patriotism, hard work, and community solidarity.

In this REDUX commemoration we will again enjoy the Friendly Neighborhood Big Band, Opera SLO Grand Orchestra, saxophone soloist Chika Inoue, and family stories. Also, we are excited to present operatic bass- baritone Eric J. McConnell, Jazz vocalist Kathryn Loomis, and 95-year-old Margaret Nakamura Cooper, who will share her experience as a young internee in the Heart Mountain camp. Tickets for the 2025 BEHIND BARBED WIRE Commemoration sold out a week prior to the event. Avoid disappointment and buy tickets today!