The Lemon Creek Harmonica Band was organized by Junji Ikeno in the fall of 1942.
His father had returned from Vancouver with a box full of harmonicas that was
confiscated by the Custodian of Enemy Properties and was given to him to take
back to the camp. Without much activity in the camp for young people, Junji
thought he could keep them busy by forming a group. Sixteen players responded
to his call. The first performance was played at the Lemon Creek School Opening
concert in March 1943. At a Lemon Creek reunion held in Toronto in 1980, six
former bans members convened to play after 38 years. Encouraged by the enthusiastic
reception, the group continued to meet and play at many functions. The band
recorded a CD in 2001. Shortly after recording, Ken Sugamori suddenly passed away.
Band performing at Toronto City Hall,NAJC victory celebration 1988.
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