Harada, Llana, Johnson, et al. Set for 'Transcending' DVD Release Concert, 3/28

On Sunday, March 28, Ann Harada, Raymond J. Lee, Deborah Lew, Jose Llana, Ann Sanders, and Christine Toy Johnson, will celebrate the DVD release of 'Transcending - The Wat Misaka Story' with a benefiit concert for the film.  The event will take place at the Laurie Beechman Theatre at 9:30pm.

'Transcending' is a documentary film about Wat Misaka, the first person of color to be drafted into what is now the NBA. A Nisei who was born, raised and is still living in Utah, he was the very first draft pick of the New York Knicks, in 1947. Overcoming the national political climate during World War II, Wat was a star player for the University of Utah 1944 and 1947 championship teams, taking 2 years off in between to serve in the U.S. Army. His perseverance and loyalty to his teammates, other Nisei friends (including those interned at Topaz) and his family are a testament to the unflappable Japanese American spirit.

This film includes in depth interviews with Wat and his family, teammates from his championship teams (including All-American star Arnie Ferrin of the Minneapolis Lakers) sports authorities (including Knicks Historian Dennis D'Agostino and ubiquitous New York sportscaster Spencer Ross), and many who continue to look up to him as both a role model and personal hero. The film also has video clips from his 1944 and 1947 college games, rare footage from a visit to the Topaz Internment Camp, and countless photos of his triumphant career.

Directed by award winning filmmakers Bruce Alan Johnson and Christine Toy Johnson, this project was awarded two consecutive grants from the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program. Plans are in motion to have screenings and accompanying panel discussions on exclusion at universities across the country.

Songs performed at the benefit concert will include those of the 1946-47 Broadway season, the year that Wat came to the Garden and led the University of Utah to win the N.I.T. championship.

Tickets for the event are $25, and can be purchased by calling 212-695-6909. For more information, visit www.watmisaka.com.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.