A pergola has been built at Custer Park in Bismarck.

At the arbor, you can find a quote by Ghandi that reads, "Be the change you want to see in the world."

And just as Joshua Nordwall, who died of heart disease in 2006, wanted the world to be, the pergola stands for peace.

Last October, Josh's friend Elijah Kirby started a peace concert in memory of Josh.

"Josh was always into music," said Paula Nordwall, Josh's mother. "And this is just a chance for bands to be able to perform as a memorial for him."

The concert will be held at Custer Park, which Paula Nordwall said has been landscaped.

"When looking at the rocks in the park, many are engraved with meaningful words," she said.

Words are expressed on the rocks, such as hope, love, peace and imagine.

Kirby said the concert began as a benefit for the North Dakota Peace Organization, which is an organization dedicated to individuals who are committed to working for peace, human dignity, economic and social justice, and a responsible relationship with the environment.

"It's a free event," said Kirby. "And the whole idea is about spreading peace during difficult times."

The concert will feature live local bands, such as Wicked Darling, Ben Suchy, Kris Kitko, Dave Martel, Matt Johnson and others, according to Paula Nordwall.

It also will include an open mic, which will allow anyone to come up at the spur of the moment. "We want to encourage anyone who wants to read poetry, sing, or even do comedy to come on stage and perform," said Kirby.

At the first concert, Paula Nordwall added, a man was walking and saw the concert taking place, so he got a guitar and played a few songs.

"The whole event is for the community," said Paula Nordwall.

The concert will take place from noon to about 5 p.m. Saturday.

(Reach Megan Nitschke at megan.nitschke@bismarcktribune.com.)