Nelda Swiggett Quintet - "For the Birds"

For the Birds: live music, images and poetry invite reflection on our changing climate

October 11, 2026, is World Migratory Bird Day! Start celebrating on Thursday, October 9, at this unique Royal Room event. "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 emotionally to the scientific realities of climate change through the lens of birds. Ultimately a story of hope, audiences leave the performance feeling empowered to take meaningful action.

Nelda Swiggett has been a vibrant force in the Pacific Northwest jazz scene since the early 1990s. Her compositions blend jazz with Afro-Cuban, gospel and classical influences, creating a distinctive and engaging sound. This Royal Room performance features Sidney Hauser (saxes, flute), Clif Swiggett (trombone), Nelda Swiggett (piano/compositions), Chris Symer (bass), Adam Kessler (drums) and the poetry of Jill McGrath.

For more information, visit: https://neldaswiggett.com/for-the-birds/

Ticket sales benefit Spark Northwest - building equitable, affordable clean energy through community energy programs and policy reform. Co-presented by the South Hudson Music Project.

Doors 6:30pm, show 7:30pm. Tickets $20 advance, $25 doors.

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• This Saturday, 4th October, 07:30 pm, Perhaps Love: Songs of John Denver in Seattle
• This Sunday, 5th October, 07:30 pm, Space Whales & CHONK in Seattle
• Next Monday, 6th October, 07:30 pm, Lady Mercedes & Friends (Feat. Gabrielle Turner) in Seattle

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