Grateful Crane to Celebrate 15th Anniversary

Grateful Crane’s musical performances span more than a century of community history. (Photos courtesy John Nishio family)

The Grateful Crane Ensemble’s 15th anniversary fundraising dinner will be held on Saturday, March 26, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Nishi Hongwanji, 815 E. First St. in Little Tokyo.

“This year, Grateful Crane celebrates our 15th anniversary with a nostalgic look back at our Japanese American family history, and the lives we’ve lived in America before, during and after World War II,” event organizers said. “Entitled ‘The Times of Our Lives,’ our show will feature the best Japanese and American songs we’ve sung over the past 15 years. Pre-war Japanese songs will honor the Issei; ‘camp’ songs will pay tribute to the Nisei; and songs from the ’60’s and ’70s will bring back memories for the Sansei.”

The ensemble is known for such shows as “The Camp Dance,” “Natsukashi no Kouhaku Uta Gassen,” and “Nikkei Hit Parade.” They performed “Nihonmachi: The Place to Be” last weekend in San Francisco’s Japantown.

Along with the Grateful Crane singers and musicians, the event will also feature the Dan Taguchi Big Band playing 1940s hits for guests’ enjoyment during the silent auction.

Individual reservations are $75 per person, which includes Nishi Hongwanji’s “Surf & Turf” dinner, silent auction and show. Tables of ten are $750. To make a reservation, call the Grateful Crane ticket line at (310) 995-5841.