The Instigator…at the Elsinore Theatre
Entering its 100th year as of May, this historic venue remains at the heart of Salem’s cultural life, hosting everything from touring musicians and comedians to local dance companies and community events. The castle-inspired architecture is reason enough to visit; the performance calendar gives you plenty of excuses to return. 170 High St SE. elsinoretheatre.com
A few of the upcoming (summer) highlights include —
Few people have a deeper connection to Led Zeppelin’s music than Jason Bonham. The son of legendary drummer John Bonham brings Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening to the stage, celebrating the band’s iconic catalog with a live concert that combines classic songs, stories, and a powerful tribute to one of rock’s most influential groups. 7:30 p.m. Aug 18. Click here for tickets.
Grand Ole Opry member Terri Clark helped define country music in the 1990s with hits including “Better Things to Do,” “Girls Lie Too,” and “Poor Poor Pitiful Me.” Her blend of strong vocals, sharp songwriting, and guitar-driven country continues to resonate with audiences decades later. 7:30 p.m. Sep 13. Click here for tickets.
Known to many as Will Schuester from the hit TV series Glee, Matthew Morrison presents Show Up, which blends music, dance, and personal storytelling to offer a more intimate look at the Broadway and television star who steps beyond the characters he’s played to share the experiences, reflections, and moments that have shaped him. 7:30 p.m. Sep 15. Click here for tickets.
…at Salem’s Historic Grand
Tucked into the heart of downtown, the century-old venue has become a home for concerts, comedy, film screenings, and community events. Its smaller scale puts audiences close to the action, creating the kind of shared experience that can only happen in a historic theater. 191 High St NE. salemshg.com
This summer, here’s what you can see…
MarchFourth blends funk, rock, jazz, and theatrical performance into a joyful celebration where standing still is not an option. 8 p.m. Aug 8. Click here for tickets.
Curtis Salgado brings more than five decades of blues, R&B, funk, gospel, and soul to the stage, powered by a voice that can quiet a room or blow it wide open. 7:30 p.m. Aug 14. Click here for tickets.
Husband-and-wife duo Stefan and Kerrie Szabo are National Park Radio, joining soaring harmonies and heartfelt songwriting. Salem’s own spoken word, hip-hop artist Rich McCloud opens the show. 7:30 p.m. Aug 21. Click here for tickets.
…in the Park
The City of Salem is hosting two free Concerts in the Park this year. Bring a blanket or low-back chair and settle in for an evening of tunes under the blanket of Salem’s summer sky.
- Jul 31: The Druthers with opener Idea the Artist
- Aug 28: Haley Johnsen with opener Erin Adkisson
Concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Gerry Frank | Salem Rotary Amphitheater at Riverfront Park.
Grab your lawn chair and bring a picnic for the West Salem Lions Club Summer Concert Series.
- Jul 9: Roundhouse Band, Bluegrass
- Jul 16: Gail Gage Jazz Band, Jazz
- Jul 23: Ty Curtis Band, Blues rock
- Jul 30: Billy & The Rockets, Rockabilly
Concerts take place 6:30 to 8:30 p.m at West Salem Park, 265 Rosemont Ave NW. facebook.com/WestSalemLionsClub
…at the Mill
Bring your friends, grab a seat on the lawn, and settle in for an evening of Music at the Mill.
- Jul 14: THIS The Funk, Funk
- Jul 28: Dave’s Killer Band, jazz fusion, R&B, Yacht Rock, world grooves, and more
- Aug 11: Water Street Project, Classic rock crowd favorites
- Aug 25: PDX Preachers, Blues
- Sep 8: Phoenix, Folk and Americana
Concerts take place 6 to 8 p.m. at Willamette Heritage Center, 1313 Mill St SE. Click here for tickets.
…on the Capitol Mall
The Salem Philharmonia Orchestra marks America’s 250th anniversary with a free outdoor concert featuring music inspired by the nation’s history. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy an hour of music in one of Salem’s most iconic settings. 11 a.m. Jul 11 on the Capitol Mall
Jennifer Morris
