The following is a story from the New Canadian describing a concert organized and presented by the TYO. The concert not only was wonderful entertainment for the Tashme community but also was a huge success in involving the youth of Tashme in all of the activities both in front of and behind the curtain.
A Letter on the Tashme Concert.
Dear Mary:
Was it good! It was so good the T. Y. O. Easter Concert had to be held over by popular demand making it a four night show. Of course, there were many reasons for its success, but I know I won't be wrong in saying that one of them was the appearance of Vancouver's famous blind pianist of radio and stage, Ronnie Matthews. Oh, he was wonderful!!
The curtain rose at exactly 6 pm to a packed house. At the signal of a whistle the Boy Scouts and Tashme Stars who were in a "V" formation on stage, came to attention to join us all in the National Anthem. President, Bob Kadoguchi, then gave an opening speech. Here's for some ad libbing on the program.
A choral rendition of that lovely semi-classic piece "Glow Worm'” was sung by the Tashme Stars, twenty strong. Cute little Mayko Uno all dressed up in a pretty kimono sang into the hearts of the listeners. The number one instrument of string, the violin, was played by Ernst Best, our local high school teacher. A delightful interpretation of two beautiful pieces, "It's a Lovely Day Tomorrow" and "Toscelli's Serenade" was enjoyed by all. Emiko Nakamoto's dainty Wakayanagi-ryu dances put the audience into a trance. The popular boy soprano, Bobby Ito, sang "Cathedral in the Pines'' beautifully, and was hit with "Charlie was a Sailor". Inimitable Vic Kadonaga's harmonica solo was well received. That old time favorite, “Tsu-ma-goi-dochu", was cleverly executed by Kumiko Nakano and Mayko Kumano who were dressed in a quaint period costume plus “chon-mage" and "mumo-age”, neatly done up. Director Vic Kadonaga's skit enacted by the Boy Scouts was enjoyed greatly by all. Main actors Hide Nishihata, Bobby Ito and Willy Takahashi and the Scouts did a swell job.
Hit Of The Evening. And now to the special attraction of the evening – Ronnie Matthews. I don't quite know how to describe him. he was so good! The moment he took the mike and said "Hello eyerybody” we knew we were in for a real treat. The audience was held spellbound watching his magic fingers run up and down the keyboard at a dizzy pace giving his version of "12th Street Rag.” At the completion of each number, yelling, whistling and even screaming (a la Sinatra fans) was heard. The latter half of his program was filled with laughter. Yassah was heard. His wonderful mimickings of artists about to be auditioned was really entertaining. We especially enjoyed his mimicry of “Good Evening” (Mr Kelly, The Daily Province Reporter). It was indeed a privilege that he so kindly consented in appearing on our show. Our heartfelt thanks are expressed.
The second half of the program opened with a hilarious skit put on by the members of the TYO. George Kakino and Marie Namba were the couple, the principals in the skit while the voices behind stage were Fudge Inamoto and Sue Kawaguchi. Noboru Tsutsui’s harmonica solo “Futari Wa Wakai” had the audience stamping in rhythm. Was the Barber Shop Quartette ever funny! The foursome consisted of Tad Morishita, Eddy Mochizuki, Kaz Kadonaga and Tatsuo Hori. I can still see their comical gestures as they sang "Swanee River." The quiet music of the "shakuhachi” and “Okoto” lent contrast to the program and was enjoyed by the older folks. The shakuhachi players were Tajimi Ohki and Keiju Sato; the "okoto” was played by Martha Hori. A pretty sight was witnessed when the Tashme Stars came onto the stage dressed in long Alice Blue Gowns complete with dainty hats. They sang and swayed to the song "Alice Blue Gown" with Jeanne Masuda as soloist.
Tashme Beauties. May I present the Tashme Beauties – Sho Okawara, Yoshi Ono, Jack Matsui, Tad Morishita, Eddy Mochizuki and Johnny Deshima – and, what beauties! They really put "oomph" into the “Ohara Bushi." Something new and different to appear on the Tashme Stage was the dance "La Conga." Five Tashme Stars –Terry Machida, Aki Okawara, Setsu Kawabe, Hideko Matsui and Suzie Oikawa took part, putting over that catchy bit of rhythm well. Can you picture the setting? Soft moonlit waters, swaying palm trees, grass skirts, leis, stuffed bra's, bare feet and eight graceful hula dancers – here they are –Henry Oki, Ryoichi Nishikawa, Kaz Kadonaga, Wally Fukumoto, Harley Hatanaka, Arnold Arai, Willy Takahashi and Tatsuo Hori.....This certainly made a climatic ending to the evening of fun and entertainment. Genial Bob Kadoguchi was Master of Ceremonies. Other vocalists to perform on the program were Harry Kumano, Kimi Nakamura, Hajime Kawai, Ichizo Uyede. Haruko Tanouye, Jean Ichikura, Shigeru Maeda, Yasuo Oikawa, Shizuko Otara and Alice Watanabe. Accompanists were: Amy Okawara, Marge Takahashi, Kay Machida, Tetsuko Kato, Taeko Sasaguchi, Kimi Nakamura, Vic Kadonaga, Marie Namba, Eddy Mochizuki and. Mac Nishiyama.
Wholehearted help and cooperation was shown by the members of the Organization headed by Min Sakamoto, the Boy Scouts under Shige Yoshida, and all the rest of the people too numerous to mention. Artistry on the beautiful scenery was done by Yoshimaru Abe. Jack Matsui and James Shino were in charge of the lighting.
Don’t you wish you were here to take in at least one showing? The majority of Tashme-ites attended no less than two. Really, this benefit concert soars highest in the field of entertainment. I’ll save you a ticket to the next one.
Love Bernadette.
from New Canadian April 29, 1944