Searchlight Serenade focuses on the proliferation of big bands in detention centers and camps throughout the West during World War II. Nisei quickly organized dance bands when they were removed to the fairgrounds and racetracks that were converted into temporary detention centers, and re-organized them once they were moved to the more permanent detention camps in desolate areas of the country. In all, twenty bands were created and thrived in 13 detention centers and camps from 1942 to 1945.
Swing music played a vital role as escape, as therapy, and a connection to the outside American world. Playing and appreciating such a totally American art form was an aspect of their American identity that could not be denied within the confines of the camps or the denial of their civil rights.
KEET-TV producers Claire Reynolds and Sam Greene collaborated with artist Amy Uyeki, to tell the stories of former internees who played music in the camps through interviews and archival footage interspersed with segments of Ms. Uyeki's twelve-minute animated animated short.
