"for the birds" concert

"For the Birds" features a jazz quintet performing the original music of Seattle pianist and composer Nelda Swiggett. But this is not just a concert. The performance engages the power of artistic expression — live music, spoken words, images, and poetry — to connect audiences deeply and emotionally to the scientific realities of climate change. Ultimately, a story of hope, individuals leave the performance feeling empowered to take meaningful action.

Why birds? Birds are a part of our daily life experience and an inspiring connection to the natural world. However, climate change is significantly and alarmingly impacting many bird species, and this should be a wake-up call for all of us.

Featuring Nelda Swiggett (compositions, piano), Clif Swiggett (trombone), Kate Olson (saxophone, flute), Chris Symer (bass), Adam Kessler (drums), and the poetry of Jill McGrath.

About the Composer
Nelda Swiggett has headlined at many of the Northwest’s top jazz venues, including the Seattle Jazz Fellowship, the Earshot Jazz Festival, Bumbershoot, and the Bellevue Jazz Festival. She is an award-winning composer and OA2 Records recording artist. Her five album releases have received rave reviews and extensive airplay around the globe.

On Earth Day 2017, Nelda debuted her first climate-themed work, The Alaska Suite: a story of beauty, loss, and hope. This piece has been performed 36 times to date, touching nearly 2500 people across Washington State with its message of hope and call to action. Building on the success of the Alaska Suite, Nelda debuted her new climate piece, For the Birds, in September 2024.