Country musician Jason DeShaw to play Nov. 19 in Kennewick

Award-winning country musician and mental health advocate Jason DeShaw will perform Nov. 19 in Kennewick.

He’ll perform Serenity in the Storm, in which he tells the story of his experience with bipolar disorder and alcoholism through words and music.

The event is free. It starts at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at Southridge High School, 3520 Southridge Blvd.

Tri-Cities Community Health, NAMI Tri-Cities, Benton-Franklin Community Health Alliance, Lourdes Health and Youth Suicide Prevention Program are sponsors.

DeShaw has performed Serenity in the Storm everywhere from schools to Montana’s state psychiatric hospital.

His work has earned him accolades, including the Lionel Aldridge Champions Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

“I’m a person who can put words to what I’ve been through,” he said. “Together, hopefully we can find a higher ground. Our struggle doesn’t define us. I am not bipolar disorder, any more than I am alcoholism. These struggles have made me stronger and allowed me to tell a story and relate to people who are in need of understanding, people who need a voice.”

This story was originally published November 17, 2016 at 5:57 PM with the headline "Country musician Jason DeShaw to play Nov. 19 in Kennewick."