Tri-Cities concert will go to emotional, scientific core of Alaska climate change

Tri-Cities area residents can help get more local college students on bikes by enjoying an evening of live jazz and information on climate change Saturday.

“The Alaska Suite: a story of beauty, loss and hope” will be presented at 7 p.m. Dec. 3 at Shalom United Church of Christ, 505 McMurray St., Richland.

The concert features a five-piece chamber jazz ensemble performing the original music of Seattle pianist and composer Nelda Swiggett.

But the event is more than music, using spoken words , images and poetry to emotionally engage the audience with the science and realities of climate change.

The program focuses on Alaska, as the Arctic has warmed nearly twice as fast as the rest of the Earth since the start of the Industrial Revolution.

The concert has been presented across Washington state since debuting in 2017.

“Many in the audience told us the haunting music and urgent message both moved them and motivated them to become more involved in climate activism,” said Keith Ervin, chairman of Green Buildings Now after an earlier performance.

Because transportation is the primary contributor to climate changing pollution in Washington state, proceeds are intended to increase the number of Columbia Basin College students riding bikes for transportation, said Steve Ghan of Citizens Climate Lobby.

Money raised will go to Wheelhouse Community Bike Shop Earn-A-Bike Program in Kennewick, which trains students of all ages to refurbish, repair, maintain and safely ride bicycles.

Students earn bicycles and gear by completing the training and refurbishing two bikes under the guidance of Wheelhouse volunteer trainers.

Each $150 raised by the concert will pay for the cost of a bike, helmet, lock, pump and lights.

Tickets for The Alaska Suite cost $15 and are available through Eventbrite.com.