The InstigatorWe are heading into April under rainy conditions, but really, are you surprised? We are Oregonians though, and a little rain won’t keep us from exploring our city, right? Check out these things to do in Salem, Oregon this month.
April 1
Get a behind-the-scene peek at the Elsinore Theatre including an in-depth history of the theatre and the city followed by a demonstration of the Mighty Wurlitzer – the largest theatre organ in the Pacific Northwest. Please RSVP by calling 503-375-3574.
When: 3 p.m. Sunday, April 1
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. SE
Cost: $5 at the door. Purchase tickets online at the theatre website or in person at the box office. Service fees apply.
Information: 503-375-3574 or go to www.elsinoretheatre.com
April 3
Learn about iconography in the Permanent Collections of the Hallie Ford Museum of Art at the Tuesday Gallery Talk and get to know the Hallie Ford Museum better with a complimentary guided tour by docent Sharon Rose.
When: 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 3
Where: Hallie Ford Museum of Art, 700 State St
Cost: Free
Info: 503-370-6855
April 3
See Henry & Mudge, TheatreworksUSA’s musical based on the best-selling children’s books written by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Suçie Stevenson.
When: Tuesday, April 3
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. SE
Cost: $14.25 ($9.50 each for groups of 15+). Purchase tickets through TheatreworksUSA
April 4
Paintings and Prints Lecture: The Fortunes of Michelangelo’s “Last Judgement” in Late Sixteenth Century Art. Guest speaker Alessandra Baroni will explore the development of printmaking processes in and outside Rome in the late sixteenth century, focusing, in particular, on the relationship between painters, draftsmen and printmakers in the production of images after Michelangelo’s masterpiece at the Sistine Chapel.
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 4
Where: Hallie Ford Museum of Art, 700 State St.
Info: 503-370-6855
April 4
Willamette University Music Dept. presents a Faculty Recital: Music for Trios, where three faculty will present voice, flute and piano music featuring Laura Aguëro, soprano; Emily Stanek, flute; and Crystal Zimmerman, piano.
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 4
Where: Hudson Hall
Cost: Free, with suggested donation of $8 adult, $5 student to support the WU Music Summer
Info: 503-370-6255, music-info@willamette.edu
April 4
Wednesday Film Series features “Brazil” about a bureaucrat, in a retro-future world, who tries to correct an administrative error, and becomes an enemy of the state. Directed by Terry Gilliam. (1985; R; 2 hours, 12 minutes; Drama, Sci-Fi)
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 4. Doors and box office open at 6:15 p.m.
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. SE
Cost: $6. Purchase tickets online at the theatre website or in person at the box office. Service fees apply.
Info: 503-375-3574, www.elsinoretheatre.com
April 4
Sketch with artist and Art Department owner Katy Vigeland, who will have her sketchbooks on hand to thumb through. Plus, the rep from Micron and Pitt Pens will be on hand with a bunch of pens to try and some to give away as well as the new Strathmore Blue Toned Mixed Media pads while supplies last.
When: 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 4
Where: Art Department, Inc., 254 Commercial St NE
Cost: Free
Info: www.artdepartmentsupply.com
April 4
1859 Cider Co. is celebrating how they create cider with integrity. With no recipe, locally sourced fruit and blending to taste. The company creates vintage, non-manipulated ciders in the only space downtown Salem making their alcohol in-house (legally) since 1953…and on April 4, you can blend your own during Create Your Own Cider!
When: 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, April 4
Where: 1859 Cider Co., Back-alley location between Chemeketa NE and Court NE at: 249 Liberty St NE, Ste 140
Cost: $8
Age: 21 and older
Info: www.1859cider.com
April 4 through May 6
LGBTQ+ focused, Fractals of Identity is an exhibition curated by Kai River Blevins and Byron J Kimball. The exhibition also includes a panel discussion and workshop which explore how the LGBTQ+ community comes to understand personal identity, from sexuality to gender identity, and beyond. Questions explored are: how does your past inform the present, and how do various aspects of your identity inform one another? Who are you behind closed doors, and does that differ from how you present to the world? In what ways is that presentation fluid? Consider the masks you wear, and the ways in which you negotiate and define public and private space.
RELATED EVENTS include:
Panel Discussion: Navigating Bias in the Art World
5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 20
Workshop: Out of the Closet and into the Art World
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 27
When: April 4 through May 6
Where: Bush Barn Art Center, 600 Mission St. SE
Cost: Free
Info: www.salemart.org
April 5, 12, 19 and 26
Each week, the Salem Poetry Project presents a featured reader followed by the “Infamous Open Mic” – 3 poems or five minutes whichever is first. The featured reader begins at 7 p.m. and the open mic directly follows.
When: 7 p.m. April 5, 12, 19 and 26
Where: Barrel & Keg, 1190 Broadway St. NE
Cost: Free
Info: www.facebook.com/SalemPoetryProject
April 6
From soaring vocals to mesmerizing belly dance, an exciting lineup of local talent will be packed into one thrilling evening at the Strut Your Stuff Adult Talent Show, a non-competitive celebration of the skills and talents of those 18 and older in our community.
When: 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 6
Where: Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St SE
Cost: Free
Info: www.facebook.com/events/180376915934027
April 6-8
Willamette University and Western Oregon University co-host theNW Percussion Festival. The weekend’s events will feature performances by 14 ensembles from Oregon, Washington, Idaho and California, in addition to the Friday evening concert with guest artist Nancy Zeltsman. For a full schedule visit the festival website at www.nwperc.org
When: Friday, April 6; Saturday, April 7; and Sunday, April 8
Where: Willamette University’s Hudson Hall and Smith Auditorium
Cost: Free
Info: 503-370-6255
April 7
Wine, Whiskey and Women: The Expo, presented by Country Financial, features wine, whiskey and chocolate tastings, pop-up shops, and two guest demonstrations “Cocktail Mixing” led by Genevieve Brazelton; and “Dress Your Body Type” led by Lauri Smith.
When: 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 7
Where: Willamette Heritage Center, 1313 Mill St. SE
Cost: $10
Info: winewhiskeywomen.com
April 7
Explore creating with fabric and color at the Bush Barn Art Center withFamily Art Day: Textiles and Tie-Dyes. Instructor Rose Parks will lead children (and their families) through a hands-on art activity that they will be proud to take home. Materials are provided. Stop in at any time during the event.
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 7
Where: Bush Barn Art Center, 600 Mission St. SE
Cost: Free
Info: 503-581-2228, www.SalemArt.org
April 7, 14, 21, 28
Salem Saturday Market kicks off for the season, which runs every Saturday April through October. This year features a variety of special events throughout the season including Teen Chopped Competition, Power of Produce (POP) Kids Club, food demos, and more. Special this month, visit to experience the third year of Shakespeare at the Market organized by the Salem Theatre Network and featuring a variety of local thespian groups including local high school theatre.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday April through October
Where: Lot at 865 Marion St NE
Info: 503-585-8264, www.salemsaturdaymarket.com
April 8
Experience the colors, music and flavors of Holi, the celebration of spring, without traveling to India. This family-friendly event, organized by Salem nonprofit INDUS 9the Indo US Friendship Association), includes a Bollywood dance party with Miz La Fontaine and the Sundari Dance Group, small plates from India Palace, chai and lemonade, a color packet for throwing, parking and entry. Come rain or shine because the fun is all indoors. Wear white clothes to maximize your color.
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday April 8
Where: Oregon State Fairgrounds
Cost: $15. Children younger than 5 are free
Info: www.salemindus.org/events/holi2018
April 10 through May 4
Photographer Deidre “Dee” Moore is the Artist-in-Residence during the LGBTQ+ focused exhibition, Fractals of Identity. Dee says their work, “deals with body imagery and how our bodies are portrayed in the media. As such we are seen as objects (parts) rather than as individuals (a whole).” During their residency, Dee invites others from the LGBTQ+ community to visit the Bush Barn Art Center and be photographed. These shoots will allow the “models” to reclaim their voices, to reclaim their personhoods, to fully become their authentic selves and choose how they speak and are seen.
When: April 10 through May 4
Where: Bush Barn Art Center, 600 Mission St. SE
Cost: Free
Info: www.salemart.org
April 11
Since the release of his debut album, Grammy Award winning Jonny Lang has built a reputation as one of the best live performers and guitarists of his generation.
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 11
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. SE
Cost: $35 to $55. VIP Available. Purchase tickets online at the theatre website or in person at the box office. Service fees apply.
Info: 503-375-3574, www.elsinoretheatre.com
April 12
Browse The Studios at The Mill on the 2nd floor of The Wool Warehouse at The Willamette Heritage Center during Art After Dark – Open Studios. Artists will be present to discuss their work and answer questions. The Studio at The Mill gallery features prints by Paula Jane Taliaferro. Exhibitions at Eco Hub and Solomon Barnett Gallery will also be open on the first floor.
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 12
Where: Studios at The Mill, 1313 Mill St SE
Cost: Free
Info: www.facebook.com/events/1714529235293996
April 12 to 28
See Wings of Fire: A World Premiere Musical. Based on the true events of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911, this world premiere musical honors the resilience and perseverance of the human spirit, even in the face of tragedy. Wings of Fire features tender ballads and crowd-pleasing choruses, and promises to be an event like no other. Book and Lyrics by Haley Green. Music by Austin Green. Directed by Susan Coromel
When: 7:30 p.m. April 12-14, 19-21, and 26-28, plus 2 p.m. April 15, 22, and 28
Where: Willamette University, 900 State Street
Cost: $10, $8 student
Info: 503-370-6221, http://willamette.edu/arts/theatre/performances/wings-of-fire.html
April 13
Shine up your dancing shoes for the Second Friday Ceili Mor, an Irish social dance featuring live Celtic music. No experience or partner needed. Not a dancer? Come listen to the tunes provided Dan Compton and Fran Slefer with Christina White calling the dances.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, April 13
Where: VFW Hall, 630 Hood St NE
Cost: $10. $5 student. $30 family
Info: www.ceiliofthevalley.org
April 13
Hey Barista, how’s your latte art? Show off your skills at the Mid Valley Throwdown Latte Art comp. Using coffee provided by Archive Coffee and Bar, local baristas will battle it out. (If you are interested in competing, you MUST RSVP to daniel@broadwaycoffeehouse.com). Public is welcome to watch so go watch your favorite caffeine slingers strut their stuff…
When: 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, April 13
Where: Broadway Coffeehouse, 1300 Broadway St NE Suite #100
Cost: Free. $10 to participate
Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/163814657654166/
April 14
It’s the 20th annual Wulapalooza festival featuring music, activities, and more. Lineup not yet announced.
When: Noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 14
Where: Brown Field, Willamette University, 900 State St
Info: 503-370-6255, www.willamette.edu/org/wulapalooza
April 14 through May 13
Each spring, the Hallie Ford Museum of Art features the work of senior art majors at Willamette University in an exhibit that represents the culmination of their four years at Willamette. Characterized by a wide variety of styles and approaches, the exhibition will feature work in a variety of media. Additionally, as a special feature, the current group of seniors will discuss their work as part of two free Tuesday Gallery Talks (on April 17 and April 24) during the exhibition.
When: April 14 through May 13. Opening reception 6 to 8 p.m. April 13 (RSVP here)
Where: Melvin Henderson-Rubio Gallery at Hallie Ford Museum of Art
Info: http://willamette.edu/arts/hfma/exhibitions/upcoming.html
April 14 through May 13
Water is Sacred: Water is Life. This exhibition focuses on the recent work by Professor James B. Thompson (American, born 1951), who teaches courses in painting, printmaking, drawing, and design at Willamette University. In this new body of work, Thompson explores the themes of water and water waste through mixed media paintings on paper, mixed media prints on paper, kiln-formed glass panels, and mixed media sculpture on panels.
When: April 14 through May 13. Opening reception 6 to 8 p.m. April 13
Where: Atrium Gallery at Hallie Ford Museum of Art
Info: http://willamette.edu/arts/hfma/exhibitions/upcoming.html
April 15
Music, comedy, wine and tax relief…you’ll find it at Arcane Cellars. Comedian/musician Joe Stoddard and the Chill Grill food truck will be selling munchies. There will als be a Sip & Paint class. To register visit link below.
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 15
Where: Arcane Cellars, 22350 Magness Rd
Cost: $10; free for club members.
Info: 503-868-7076, arcanecellars.com/event/tax-relief-party
April 17
The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour features the best mountain films from the Banff Mountain Film Festival this year, showcasing amazing filmmaking talent from the world over to an audience that spans the globe.
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 17
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. SE
Cost: $20. Purchase tickets online at the theatre website or in person at the box office. Service fees apply.
Info: 503-375-3574 , www.elsinoretheatre.com
April 17
Tuesday Gallery Talk: Join senior art majors Teddy Healy, Chloe Allease Lawton, Miles Solomon MacClure, and Miranda Martin for a guided tour as they talk about their work.
When: Noon April 17
Where: Hallie Ford Museum of Art
Cost: Free
Info: willamette.edu/arts/hfma/
April 18
Jay & Silent Bob Get Old: Film icons Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes made history and fans all over the world with the characters Jay & Silent Bob from the movies Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back and Clerks 2.This is the event that fans everywhere have been waiting for – an opportunity to see their heroes on stage doing what they love, telling stories.
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 18
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. SE
Cost: $25 to $45.
Age: 14 and older recommended. Purchase tickets online at the theatre website or in person at the box office. Service fees apply.
Info: 503-375-3574, www.elsinoretheatre.com
April 19
Musician, actor, playwright, author, awesome. Storm Large shot to national prominence in 2006 as a finalist on the CBS show Rock Star: Supernova, where despite having been eliminated in the week before the finale, Storm built a fanbase that follows her around the world to this day.
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 19
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. SE
Cost: $25 to $39. Purchase tickets online at the theatre website or in person at the box office. Service fees apply.
Info: 503-375-3574, www.elsinoretheatre.com
April 20
CASA of Marion County will host Elizabeth Smart: A Journey of Hope & Healing as she tells of her kidnapping and 9 month ordeal in captivity.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, April 20
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. SE
Cost: $30 to $45. Purchase tickets online at the theatre website or in person at the box office. Service fees apply.
Info: 503-375-3574, www.elsinoretheatre.com
April 20
Stand up comic Max Brockmann records his first album at the wonderful Capital City Theater on 4/20 as a part of Friday Night Funny. Come enjoy a handful of great Pacific Northwest comics and have your laugh immortalized!
When: 9 p.m. Friday, April 20
Where: Capitol City Theater, 210 Liberty St SE, Suite 150
Cost: $10 in advance; $12 at the door.
Info: http://capitalcitytheater.com
April 21-22
Cherry City Comic Con celebrates all things pop culture. Featuring celebrities, vendors, artists, panels, plus a costume content, convention exclusives and more. This year’s guest of honor is Jim Steranko.
When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 21 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 22
Where: Oregon State Fairgrounds, 2330 17th St. NE
Cost: $25 Saturday; $20 Sunday; $35 weekend pass. $5 for ages 4 to 12 and free for age 3 and younger.
Info: CherryCityComicCon.com.
April 22
Picking up where they left off in November, Festival Chorale Oregon presents parts 2 and 3 of Handel’s powerful oratorio Messiah. This concert includes the story of the death and resurrection of Christ and features the favorite of many: Hallelujah Chorus. FCO will be joined by four professional soloists and a baroque orchestra.
When: 4 p.m. Sunday, April 22
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. SE
Cost: $25, $20 senior and $10 student. Purchase tickets online at the theatre website or in person at the box office. Service fees apply.
Info: www.festivalchorale.org
April 24
Tuesday Gallery Talk: Join senior art majors Jacob Benjamin Nissim Behar, Kristian Lemuel Cruz, and Ashlee M.R. Duarte, and Peri Hildum for a guided tour as they talk about their work.
When: Noon April 24
Where: Hallie Ford Museum of Art
Cost: Free
Info: willamette.edu/arts/hfma/
April 25
Wednesday Film Series features “Babe,” about a pig raised by sheepdogs, who learns to herd sheep with a little help from Farmer Hoggett. (1995; G; 1 hour, 31 minutes; Comedy, Drama, Family)
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 25. Doors and box office open at 6:15 p.m.
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. SE
Cost: $6. Purchase tickets online at the theatre website or in person at the box office. Service fees apply.
Info: 503-375-3574, www.elsinoretheatre.com
April 26
Aaron Watson isn’t interested in what someone else thinks he should do. But instead of getting lonely as he sidesteps expectations, he’s gaining followers––hundreds of thousands of them. Delivered with a warm smile and fueled by a wild spirit, Watson’s rebellion echoes the land that helped make him.
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 26
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. SE
Cost: $15 to $45. Purchase tickets online at the theatre website or in person at the box office. Service fees apply.
Info: 503-375-3574, www.elsinoretheatre.com
April 27
Robin: The Ultimate Robin Williams Tribute Experience is a night of laughs featuring Ryan Wingfield, Marc Price (Skippy from “Family Ties”) and Roger Kabler.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 27
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. SE
Cost: $16 to $29. Purchase tickets online at the theatre website or in person at the box office. Service fees apply.
Age: 18 and older
Information: 503-375-3574, www.elsinoretheatre.com
April 28
Celebrate Independent Bookstore Day! at two local spots: Reader’s Guide in West Salem and The Book Bin in downtown Salem. Both shops will have a variety of activities happening ranging from book signings to live music…and giveaways/prize drawings, too! So shop and support local!
When: Saturday, April 28
Where: The Book Bin, 450 Court St NE AND Reader’s Guide, 735 Edgewater St NW
April 28-29
Get hands-on with food, fiber and furry creatures at Oregon Ag Fest, a two-day, activity-filled festival that aims to provide a fun, educational experience about Oregon’s agricultural industry the whole family can enjoy.
When: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 28 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 29
Where: Oregon State Fairgrounds, 2330 17th St NE
Cost: $9 ages 13 and older. Free for children 12 and younger. Free parking
Info: 503-535-9353, www.oragfest.com
April 30
See Click Clack Moo, TheatreworksUSA’s play based on the Caldecott Honor Book by Doreen Cronin with pictures by Betsy Lewin.
When: Monday, April 30
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. SE
Cost: $14.25 ($9.50 each for groups of 15+). Purchase tickets through TheatreworksUSA
Carlee Wright
