The InstigatorConcerts, cooking, art experiences and more ways to stay engaged at a distance this July in Salem, Oregon.
July 8
Get Cookin’ — World Beat Wednesday heads into the kitchen with Tasi Keener to cook Samoan Sapa Sui 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 8. Tune in through Facebook Live here.
Tuaopepe Tasi Keener is the director of the Paradise of Samoa, a nonprofit cultural organization that teaches and performs Polynesian dance and art. Born and raised in the Independent State of Samoa, she is a High Chief with the title of Tuaopepe from Lefaga, Samoa. She immigrated to Oregon in 1999 and became active with the small Samoan community in and around Salem.
This event is presented in partnership with the Oregon Folklife Network. Salem Multicultural Institute is also proud to work with Willamette Valley Kitchen Co. to make this event possible. Keep an eye on the Salem Multicultural Institute Facebook page for future World Beat Wednesdays.
July 11
Meditate — Jessica Amos continues to live stream a monthly one-hour guided meditation class through Zoom and you’re invited! The class takes place 9 a.m. Saturday, July 11. “Show up in your pajamas with your morning coffee in-hand. Invite your cats + pups to participate too. It’ll truly be a lovely time of restoration + connection with self,” she said. This class aims to help you learn to listen to your inner wisdom, practice self-compassion, and re-frame your personal narrative. There is no charge, but donations are graciously accepted. Join in here / Meeting ID: 896 4147 8335. Click here for more info.
July 12
Block Party — Venti’s Cafe + Basement Bar is hosting a Block Party with Nathan Olsen & Friends4 to 7 p.m. Sunday. There will be extra picnic tables out for the weekend, all physically distanced, and Nathan’s merry band of musical marauders serving up lots of funk, R&B, rock, pop, jazz and more.
July 13-18
Get Outside the Box — Artists in Action’s annual Outside the Box fundraiser is back!. While typically held at the Salem Art Fair & Festival, the local artist nonprofit has made the move to virtual to ensure the art goes on! The auction runs from 8 a.m. Monday, July 13 through 8 p.m. Sunday, July 19 here.
This auction features a collection of quirky, fun, elegant and unique boxes crafted, embellished or painted by AiA members and local artists. View boxes online or see actual boxes in the window of Runaway Arts & Crafts, 311 Commercial St NE in downtown Salem from July 13 through July 19. Mediums and techniques include, but are not limited to, carved wood, assemblages, metalwork, fiber arts, glass tile/ceramics and paint. Proceeds directly support AiA and its membership to help our artist community continue to thrive. Learn more about Artists in Action here.
July 15
Catch a performance — Theatre 33 is hosting a Live Zoom Performance 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, July 15 of Windberry Creek by Rachael Carnes, a play in production that takes place in Oregon’s Cascade Mountains where three generations of women grapple with the past and an uncertain future. In order to view, message Theatre 33 to request the ZOOM Link. Attendance is limited. Learn more in our feature story about Theatre 33 on the Press Play Salem website.
Write a story — Salem Public Library is hosting the Imagine Your Story 2020 Short Story Contest for teens and adults. Cash prizes will be awarded in each of three categories (Middle School, High School, and Adult). The library is looking for short stories (250-1,500 words; fiction and nonfiction). Entries are judged on originality, plot and pacing, conventions, and emotional impact. Prizes awarded are $50 for first place; $20 for second place; and $10 for third place. Entries are due Wednesday, July 15 with winners announced Thursday, August 20. Download and print complete contest rules here.
July 18-19
Take in the Salem Art Fair & Festival — Despite having to cancel its in-person event, Salem Art Fair & Festival isn’t letting the current situation hold it back. The annual family-friendly community event is going online 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 18-19.
A celebration of the creative spirit showcasing the work of more than 100 artists in 14 different media, the community can visit virtually at www.SalemArt.org through the Virtual Art Fair portal. View artwork, visit the Art Fair tents and the Bush Barn Art Center, check out the Kid’s Court, see artists demonstrate their crafts in the demo area. Click through to your favorite artist’s personal website to purchase art. Learn more about the 2020 Salem Art Fair & Festival in the feature story here.
July 25
Concert for a cause — Experience Zanne D’Anna in I’ve Been Everywhere, a Benefit for Confluence, 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 25. Miss Smith presents multi-instrumentalist Zanne D’Anna in her debut solo concert. Zanne has been studying ukulele, voice and piano with Miss Smith. This touching and often hilarious program will raise much-needed funds for Confluence as it navigates the difficulties of the pandemic. Help Zanne contribute to the success of an organization that has meant so much to her for so long. At the time of the live stream, head over to bit.ly/ICEConcert and watch from anywhere. Donate to Confluence at any time, at www.confluencelgbtchorus.org. Click here for more info.
And don’t forget these other things to do —
Visit the museum — Although the Hallie Ford Museum of Art is currently closed, you can still get your art fix through the museum’s Facebook and Instagram. The museum posts printable puzzles on Tuesdays and family activities on Fridays to their Facebook page. And if you missed “Capturing Power” before it closed in March, you can take a closer look through an online slideshow tour featuring brief discussions about eight works from this timely exhibition. This mini-tour of the exhibition invites you to consider who is empowered and why, as well as how these artworks convey a sense of power — be it political, physical, or psychological. Click here to view.
Join the Reading Club — The Salem Public Library’s Summer Reading Clubs aim to encourage readers and listeners of all ages — children, teens, and adults — to enjoy reading throughout the summer. Registration closes August 1, so don’t delay in signing up. Prize drawings begin in August. Learn more and sign up here.
Cook Along — Willamette Valley Kitchen is hosting Virtual Cook-Along Classes every Thursday at 6 p.m. for $10 per class. Check out the offerings here.
Soak in some self-care — Perle Holistic Skincare is open and a portion of their July sales will be donated to the ACLU and NAACP to support their work with BIPOC and human rights. Sounds like a great reason to get a massage or facial! Learn more here.
Become a filmmaker — Capital Community Television (CCTV) has announced Call For Entries for the 3rd annual 45th Parallel Film Fest. Learn more in our Press Play Salem feature story here and make a note to get your entry in before August 15.
Summer in the streets — Go downtown and enjoy the Summer Streets every Saturday and Sunday through September. Parts of State, Court, and High Street will be closed to extend restaurant seating and local shopping into the street. Experience Downtown and support our local businesses through safe social distancing. Don’t forget, there’s free customer parking in the Liberty and Chemeketa Parkades. Get more info here.
Keep the kids entertained — Looking for something to keep the kids engaged? RiverCity Rock Star Academy, Willamette Heritage Center and CCTV are all offering Summer Camps and the City of Salem hosts a variety of outdoor summer programs. Note: CCTV Summer Video Camp is July 13-17 — Learn more about that here.
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