A powerful story, brought vividly to life through big band jazz. Pianist and composer Migiwa “Miggy” Miyajima returns with her orchestra to celebrate the release of her live album recorded at Dizzy’s in 2025, transforming the room with music shaped by memory, resilience, and hope. Blending sweeping ensemble writing with narration, the suite draws from Miggy’s own experience surviving the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, alongside stories gathered from fellow survivors and volunteers. The result is an emotionally rich evening that feels deeply personal, uplifting, and unforgettable.

PERSONNEL
Migiwa “Miggy” Miyajima, composer, conductor, piano
Megan Masako Haley, actor, singer
Dan Urness, trumpet, flugelhorn
David Smith, trumpet, flugelhorn
Stuart Mack, trumpet, flugelhorn
Rachel Therrien, trumpet, flugelhorn
Ryan Keberle, trombone
Jason Jackson, trombone
Evan Amoroso, trombone
Gina Benalcazar-Lopez, trombone
Ben Kono, alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute
Todd Bashore, alto saxophone, flute, clarinet
Sam Dillon, tenor saxophone, clarinet
Quinsin Nachoff, tenor saxophone, clarinet
Carl Maraghi, baritone saxophone, bass clarinet
Pete McCann, guitar
Martha Kato, piano
Jared Beckstead-Craan, bass
Tim Horner, drums
Ashton Muñiz, actor (Portraying Akira Sato, Kazemaru Chiba, Takayuki, Takayuki Yoshinaga)
Arielle Gonzalez, actor (Portraying Yuko Miyajima, Kyohmi Takahashi, Fellowship for Japan)