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.