what truly stood out were the heartfelt reflections from the students themselves.

including a vibrant after-hours jazz scene.The finale honors activists who have worked together to strengthen community solidarity expressed through the fusion of Japanese and jazz musicians.

By MIYA IWATAKISPECIAL TO THE RAFUDave Iwataki was walking down First Street when a photo in a storefront window showing three Black men seated at a counter being helped by a Black server caught his eye.Hank Crawford) on drums; Keith Fiddmont (director of the Santa Monica City College Jazz Ensemble since 1998) on sax and flute; Maceo Hernandez (Demon Drummer of East L.The area became known as Bronzeville.

Dave Iwatakis musical tribute to eras of Little Tokyo history comes to East West Players on May 23.YAMAMOTO / Rafu ShimpoFor his 2017 performance of J-Town/Bronzeville Suite in Gardena.

co-chair of NCOBRA (National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America); Miya Iwataki.

This allowed Dave to spread his compositional wings.I think that it offers a really great glimpse into Japanese American history.

Los Angeles and Nagoya are sister cities.So the images that stick out to me are of the 1st court after World War II.

None of us were fully Japanese.so they are able to promote an issue in the Japanese American community that they are passionate about and to raise awareness.