The InstigatorHere’s a look at what’s happening this April in Salem.
April 1
Bentley’s Coffee is helping animals in need by serving drinks to the community. From 1 to 8 p.m. on April 1 (no joke) at all locations, they will be offering free 16oz Peach Ring Sparkling Lemonades and RISQ Energy to every customer who makes a donation of at least $1. 100% of every dollar that is donated will go directly to The Oregon Humane Society and SafeHaven Humane. They will also have some shelter dogs out at a few locations to help get them adopted, if weather allows.
April 3
JUMP – America’s Van Halen Experience delivers two hours of the classic David Lee Roth era, featuring a variety of hits and deep cuts from Van Halen’s first 6 albums, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 3 at the Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE. Tickets start at $32.50. Click here to purchase.
April 4
As part of Salem’s Qingming events (see April 6 for additional), take in a book signing with Dr. Russel Low, 6 p.m. Thursday, April 4, 2024, in the Dye House at Willamette Heritage Center.
Dr. Russell Low, the grandson of former Salem-Keizer resident Low Sun Fook, also known as Hop Lee, the name of the laundry business he operated. Dr. Low has published several books about his family’s history.
His newest release: A Willow Tree Becomes a Forest: The Story of Hop Lee looks at the life of his grandfather and the family’s experiences living in the Salem-Keizer area, from operating a laundry to turtle wrangling to hop farming and brokering. Two book presentations are scheduled in Salem and Keizer which will talk about the book and the unique experiences the family had in both places. Dr. Low will be bringing signed books with all proceeds dedicated to supporting scholarships for nursing students at California State University San Marcos. Guests are encouraged to bring checks or cash, and the books will be available for a $20 donation.
April 4, 11, 18 and 25
Salem Poetry Project hosts a featured speaker followed by an open mic opportunity weekly, beginning at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Marco Polo Global Restaurant, 300 Liberty St. SE. This month’s speakers include Colette Tennant, April 4; Stephanie Lenox, April 11; Caroline Holm, April 18; and Sue Lick, April 25. Click here for our feature story about Salem’s Poetry Scene!
April 5
Explore art. Engage with our community. Support local businesses during the free First Friday Art Walk 5 to 8 p.m. on the first Friday of every month. Each month includes a variety of businesses offering specials, art to view, activities and more. Reinforcing the encouragement of participation, there is also a raffle. To take part, pick up a passport from any of the participating businesses and collect stamps from a number of locations. Then turn in your completed passport to enter a raffle to win a prize (usually a basket overflowing with items from all the participating businesses). Find all the details at facebook.com/SalemArtWalk. Sign up to The Playlist for a highlight of what’s happening for the Art Walk.
Lewi Longmire and The Left Coast Roasters owe much to the American tradition of good songs played with high energy, deep roots, and an unpretentious sense of fun. Their sound finds the connection between the basement feel of The Band, the raspy blue-eyed soul of Joe Cocker, the desert space of Giant Sand, the “without a net” deep space improvisations of the San Francisco ballrooms, the punk abandon of The Stooges and the quiet contemplation of Neil Young playing solo, 8 p.m. April 5, at The Governor’s Cup Coffee Roasters. Doors open at 6 p.m. Cost is $10 for this 21 and older show. Click her to purchase.
April 5, 7, 20, 21, 26 and 28
Salem Capitals have six home games in April so save these dates:
- 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 5 vs Wenatchee Bighorns — School Spirit Night
- 2 p.m. Sunday, April 7 vs Vancouver Volcanoes — Pajama Night and Teddy Bear Toss
- 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20 vs Emerald City Jaguars — White Out
- 3 p.m. Sunday, April 21 vs.Seattle Superhawks — Cancer Awareness
- 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 26 vs Great Falls Electric — Latino Appreciation
- 3 p.m. Sunday, April 28 vs Wenatchee Bighorns — Giving Back Night
Also, make note, Sundays are fundays, which means students get in free. There will be half time dancing and half court shot wins a 65″ TV or Chick-fil-a for a year. Games take place at The Salem Armory. Don’t miss your chance at the fun. Get your tickets at SalemCapitalsBasketball.com
Through April 6
The Yozakura, nighttime viewing of the cherry blossoms, continues through April 6 at the State Capitol State Park. Bring a blanket, camping chairs and a picnic to enjoy an evening of illumination under the canopy of trees.
April 6
Honor Chinese culture and Salem history at the Qingming Celebration, 11 a.m. Saturday, April 6 at Salem Pioneer Cemetery, entrance at Hoyt St and Skopil Ave. The Chinese festival of Qingming, celebrated annually in early April (the 15th day after the March equinox), is an opportunity to remember those who have died. It is traditionally celebrated by visits to cemeteries and the sweeping of grave sites and offerings.
Take to your feet for the second annual Mission Street Walking Tour on April 6. This free event is presented by Lord & Schryver Conservancy, Mission Street Parks Conservancy and Deepwood Museum & Gardens. Learn about trees in the historic landscape, preservation efforts, effects of climate change and more.
- 10 a.m. at Gaiety Hollow — Meet at 545 Mission St S
- 10:45 a.m. at Bush Park — Meet on Mission St at the bottom of the path to the Bush House (includes the .5 mile walk to Deepwood)
- 12 p.m. at Deepwood Museum & Gardens — Meet at the front porch of the house
Gaiety Hollow will also be open to visitors that day for our usual Open Garden hours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Parking is available in the Soap Box Derby lot on Mission Street or at the Deepwood lot at 12th & Lee. Note: The gardens have many uneven surfaces and much of it is not suitable for wheel chairs or knee scooters. Questions? Contact info@lordschryver.org
Spend An Evening with Larry the Cable Guy, multiplatinum recording artist, Grammy nominee, Billboard award winner and one of the top comedians in the country, 8 p.m. Saturday, April 6 at the Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE. Tickets start at $59. $5 more on day of show. Click here to purchase.
Explore traditional Ukrainian “Spring Calling” songs and dance with Ukrainian folk singer and ethnomusicologist Inna Kovtun. Learn the melodies and movement of Vesnianky to wake up slumbering Spring, to send winter away, to fill the earth with songs and laughter to encourage growth. Inna will guide participants through performing the songs and dance together and share the important history and rituals of Vesnianky. This workshop is open to singers and dancers of all ages, genders, backgrounds, and levels of experience. All songs will be taught in the oral tradition. Ability to read Ukrainian or musical notation is not required and some time in each workshop will be spent on creating an authentic Ukrainian village sound appropriate to each song’s region of origin. The workshop takes place 2 p.m. Saturday, April 6 at Howard Street Charter School’s dance studio, 498 Church St NE. Cost is $15 per person. Click here to register.
April 7
Vintage, handmade, original art and more. Cherry City Flea is taking to Salem Center from 12 to 5 p.m. April 7. You’ll find the pop-up market on the first floor. Click here for more info.
April 8
Although not in the path of totality, Oregonians can still sneak a peek at a partial solar eclipse (with proper protective eyewear) between approximately 10:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. April 8.
April 9 & 16
Tuesday Gallery Talk — Enjoy a docent-guided gallery talk focusing on the “Singular Visions: Self-Taught Artists From The Permanent Collection” exhibition at The Hallie Ford Museum of Art, 12:30 p.m. April 9 and 16
April 9, 16, 23 & 30
Conservation Demonstration with Tom Fuller — Museum visitors are invited to enjoy the rare opportunity to meet, observe, and talk with art conservator Tom Fuller as he works with objects from the Native American collection at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art. Fuller’s skills as a conservator play a vital role at the museum, where he has worked as a consultant since the early 2000s, 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays in April at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art.
April 10
Mutable Landscapes: Sonic Arts Performance — 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, in Rogers Rehearsal Hall at Willamette University. The performance is free – All are welcome!
Take in a screening of It’s Only Life After All — “Indie folk rockers Indigo Girls convey what they want the audience to experience from their music: self-esteem, a shared experience, and healing, likening it almost to a warm hug from a loved one. And that’s exactly what the film provides.” – Katherine McNevins, Austin Chronicle
Blending 40 years of home movies, raw film archive, and intimate present-day verité, this is a poignant reflection from Amy Ray and Emily Saliers of Indigo Girls — the iconic folk rock duo. IT’S ONLY LIFE AFTER ALL is a timely look into the obstacles, activism and life lessons of two queer friends who never expected to make it big.
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 10
Where: Salem Cinema
Cost: $11 in advance or $13 day of the event. Click here for tickets.
April 11-14
Step into another world at The Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy, a cocktail experience that brings four Poe stories from the page to the stage complete with a pairing of four classic cocktails. The experience is 1 hour and 30 minutes. Multiple sessions available between April 11 to 14 at The Bad Space. Age 21 and older. Tickets start at $48. Click here to purchase.
April 11-27
Willamette University Theatre presents Dancing at Lughnasa by Brian Friel, directed by Susan Coromel. One man’s childhood memories of his 1936 summer in Ballybeg, Ireland, unfold before us – the time of the festival of Lughnasa, which celebrates the pagan god of harvest with drunken revelry and dancing. His crowded home includes his mother and her four extraordinary sisters, all changed forever by a surprise visitor and their first radio. Widely regarded as Brian Friel’s masterpiece, this haunting play is Friel’s tribute to the spirit and valor of the past.
When: 7:30 p.m. April 11-13, 17-20, 24-27 and 2 p.m. April 14, 20-21 and 27.
Where: M. Lee Pelton Theatre at Willamette University
Cost: $9 to $15. Click here for ticket reservations.
April 12
Get out and dance at the Second Friday Ceili. Ceili of the Valley Society welcomes musicians Eliot Grasso and Glen Waddell and caller Geraldine Murray for this no-experience, no-partner-needed event. All dances are taught before the live music begins. And if you aren’t one for dancing, go for the live music. It’s worth every penny. The fun takes place Friday, April 12 at VFW Hall, 630 Hood St NE. Doors open at 7 p.m. followed by a short dance lesson and live music from 8 to 11. Cost is $10; $5 student, $30 family.
Cherry Poppin’ Daddies — Get ready to swing, jump, and jive as the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies take the stage, leaving no soul untouched by their infectious rhythm. The concert promises an immersive experience where the boundaries of musical genres blur, and the audience becomes part of a pulsating, dancing sea of fans. Don’t miss the chance to witness the magic of the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies live – it’s not just a concert; it’s a celebration of music that transcends genres and invites you to join in the unbridled joy of their one-of-a-kind performance.
When: 8 p.m. April 12
Where: Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre
Cost: $35. Click here for tickets.
Ken Hamlett presents A Drunken Night Out — Comedian Ken Hamlett of Chicago hosts a lineup of comics from all over the country as they discuss their worst drunken nights out, do standup, and eventually end the night and perform a set…not so sober with an additional catch. The comics will be forced to do improv on crowd-sourced topics. It’s part hangout, part show, part live podcast, and totally a fantastic time. It’s not a comedy show, it’s a Comedy Party!!! 9:30 p.m. Friday, April 12 at Infinity Room. $15 in advance; $20 at the door. Click here for tickets.
SMOKUS POCUS: A 420 Magic Show — Surround yourself with great vibes during a night of trippy tricks. Innovative feats of magic are fused with the world of weed as magician and cannabis connoisseur Ben Zabin takes audiences on a journey of Dank Debauchery, 8 p.m. Friday, April 12 at the Grand Theatre, 187 High St NE. Tickets are $30 to $115. Click here to purchase.
Get your skate on at the Traveling Wheelz Pop-up Roller Rink at The Madhouse, 1335 Madison St NE. From 9 to 11 p.m. April 12 is adults only, but there are two changes for all-ages to skate: 3 to 5 p.m. and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 12. Cost is $10. Additional $5 for skate rental. Click here to register and sign waiver.
April 12-13
Explore The Great Junk Hunt to find 100,000 square feet of vintage items, home décor & more, 4 to 9 p.m. April 12, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 13, at Oregon State Fairgrounds. Cost: $12 to $20. $5 parking. Click here for tickets.
April 13
Catch stand-up comedian Felipe Esparza’s Bigfoo Tour 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13 at the Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE. Tickets start at $42. Click here to purchase.
Mother Nature: A Celebration of Earth & Body — Visit the vineyard for a day of yoga, botanical facials, natural wine and herbal tea while supporting our precious pollinators, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at Stangeland Vineyards & Winery, 8500 Hopewell Road NW. Cost is $65. Click here to register.
Gather at the annual First Citizen Awards Banquet with fellow business and non-profit leaders for an evening of entertainment and recognize the philanthropists, community leaders and volunteers who give their time, treasure, and talent every day to make Salem a better place to live and work, 6 p.m. April 13 at Salem Convention Center, 200 Commercial St SE. Cost to attend is $100. Click here for more info & tickets.
Award-winning songwriter David Roth will perform, 7 p.m. Saturday, April 13 at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Salem, 5090 Center St NE. There is a suggested cover cost of $20, but no one will be turned away. Enjoy an evening of unique original music, replete with hilarity, poignancy, spontaneity and inspiration. For more information contact music@uusalem.org or 503-364-0932.
The Shroom Room — Let’s take a trip together and get psyched up as top Pacific Northwest comedians perform under the influence of psilocybin aka magic mushrooms! Featuring Adam Pasi, Jane Malone, Ronnie Macaroni, Emma Pace Jonas, Chris Hudson and host Ryan Danley. 8 p.m. Saturday, April 13 at Infinity Room. $20 in advance; $25 at the door. Click here for tickets.
Garcia Birthday Band — a Pacific Northwest tribute to the Grateful Dead, 8 p.m. April 13 at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. $20 in advance; $25 day of show. Click here for tickets.
April 14
Camerata Musica presents Deepwood Strings featuring Julie Rundquist, violin/viola; Cathy Heithaus, violin/viola; Laura Owens, violin; and Georgienne Young, cello. The free show takes place at 2:30 p.m. April 14, at the Unitarian Universalist Church. Click here for more info.
Eat your way through the evening at Chefs’ Night Out, Sunday, April 14 at Salem Convention Center. Highlighting food and beverage purveyors from in and around the Mid-Willamette Valley, this annual event is a delicious fundraiser for Marion-Polk Food Share. Cost is $80. Click here for tickets.
Festival Choral Oregon presents Antonín Dvořák’s Stabat Mater, 4 p.m. Sunday, April 14, at the Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE. General admission tickets are $10 to $25. Reserved seating is $35. Click here to purchase.
April 14-15
You’ve got two chances to see National Theatre Live: Good on the big screen! David Tennant (Doctor Who) makes a blistering return to the West End in one of Britain’s most powerful political plays, as an ordinary man who is swept into the Nazi regime. As the world faces its Second World War, John Halder, a good, intelligent German professor, finds himself pulled into a movement with unthinkable consequences. Olivier Award-winner Dominic Cooke (Follies) directs C.P. Taylor’s timely tale, with a cast that also features Elliot Levey (Coriolanus) and Sharon Small (The Bay). Filmed live from the Harold Pinter Theatre in London.
When: 12 p.m. Sunday, April 14 & 6 p.m. Monday, April 15
Where: Salem Cinema
Cost: $15. Click here for tickets.
April 16
Willamette Jazz Ensembles — 7:30 p.m. April 16 in Mary Stuart Rogers Music Center, Rogers Rehearsal Hall at Willamette University. All are welcome at this free event!
April 18
Drag Time! with RiRi Calienté – RiRi’s Birthday Edition! — Every third Thursday, get a head start to your weekend with Drag Time hosted by Salem’s fabulous drag mother RiRi Calienté! Join us for a night of dazzling drag entertainment paired with exquisite food and signature cocktails. Secure your spot now for an unforgettable experience where the stage sparkles as much as your dining experience. Cheers to a night of fabulous fun, 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 28 at Infinity Room. $12 in advance; $15 at the door. Age 16+ show. Guests under 16 are permitted with parent or guardian. Click here for tickets.
April 19
The Oregon Opry with Robert Henry & The Repeaters, Mac Cornish, and Woody Davidson — 8 p.m. April 19 at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. $15 in advance; $20 on day of show. Click here for tickets.
Violinist Simone Lamsma Plays Bruch with the Oregon Symphony — Artist-in-Residence Simone Lamsma brings her “brightly radiant sound” (New York Times) to Bruch’s poetic Violin Concerto, one of the most cherished works written for the instrument. And Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra transforms each section of the orchestra into spotlit soloists in an emotional odyssey from sorrow to an affirmation of life.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 19
Where: Smith Auditorium at Willamette University
Cost: $25 and up. Click here for tickets.
Slay ‘Em: A Comedy Showcase of Local Killers (Crash’s 21st Birthday Edition) — Did you know Salem is crawling with raw talent? Come catch a lineup of absolute killers from right here in the heart of the Willamette Valley! This month’s Slay ‘Em celebrates local comedian Crash, who is turning 21 and has been doing comedy for an astounding 33% of his life! Come wish Crash a happy birthday (and luck with the hangover) and enjoy a hilarious show. 8 p.m. April 19 at Infinity Room. $15 in advance; $20 at the door. All ages show, but material will not clean. Click here for tickets.
April 19-May 11
Pentacle Theatre presents Ripcord — A sunny room on an upper floor is prime real estate in the Bristol Place Senior Living Facility, so when the cantankerous Abby is forced to share her quarters with new arrival Marilyn, she has no choice but to get rid of the infuriatingly chipper woman by any means necessary. A seemingly harmless bet between the old women quickly escalates into a dangerous game of one-upmanship that reveals not just the tenacity of these worthy opponents, but also deeper truths that each would rather remain hidden. (Dramatists)
When: April 19 to May 11
Where: Pentacle Theatre, 324 52nd Ave NW
Click here for tickets.
April 20
Ukrainian Embroidery Class — Olga Dame will introduce you to the history and beauty of Ukrainian embroidery in this hands-on class. Participants will embroider a simple project – a bookmark – to take home, 11 a.m. Saturday, April 20 at the World Beat Gallery. Cost is $15 per person. Click here to register.
Ukrainian Crown Making Class — Nataliya Zhytaryuk will teach you how to make a traditional Ukrainian flower crown, 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 20 at the World Beat Gallery. Cost is $15 per person and includes flowers, greenery and headband. Click here to register.
Catch Petty Fever, the award-winning full-production tribute to Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20 at the Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE. Tickets are $25 to $30. $5 more on day of show. Click here to purchase.
Comedian Carmen Lagala’s darkly frolicsome humor leaves no topic off-limits. Catch her show 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20 at Chemeketa Community College Theatre Auditorium (building 6), 4000 Lancaster Drive NE. Tickets are $4 to $20. Click here to purchase.
Peace Frog: A Tribute to The Doors is coming to Salem, 8 p.m. Saturday, April 20, at the Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre, 191 High St NE. Tickets are $25 for this all-ages show. Click here for tickets.
Blazed and Amused: A Stoner Comedy Extravaganja — Celebrate 4/20 with a comedy show that will have you rolling! Featuring high-larious comedians, funny and informative cannabis product reviews, and a gauntlet of doobie-ous challenges for our elevated comedians, this show will be absolutely lit. Joke ’em if ya got ’em! 7 p.m. Saturday, April 20 at Infinity Room. $15 in advance; $20 day of show. 21+show. Click here for tickets.
April 21
Celebrate National Tea/Tee Day by making your own custom tee while sipping on some tasty afternoon tea with our friends at CreativiTEE. Choose your favorite Yerba Buena Tea Co. loose leaf blend to take home, 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 21 at CreativiTEE 110 Commercial St. NE. All ages are welcome. Cost is $48 per person. Click here to register.
Shop local at the Moth & Flame Gaia Festival where 45+ vendors will sell their wares, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, April 21 at The Reed Opera House. Instead of an entry fee, they will be collecting female sanitary supplies and safe sex aids for our local homeless community.
April 20-21
Mid Valley Comic & Art Expo is an interactive pop culture experience featuring unique attractions, stage shows, photo opportunities, special guests, cosplay groups and contests, an artist alley, and more, April 20-21 in Columbia Hall at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. Get tickets and learn more at mvcae.com
Salem Philharmonia presents “Brahms First Symphony” featuring cello soloist Jason Duckles. The concert will feature George Butterworth – Two English Idylls, Antonín Dvořák – Cello Concerto in B Minor and Johannes Brahms – Symphony No. 1. There will be a pre-concert talk 45 minutes prior to each show. You are welcome to engage in dialogue with the conductor and ask questions. The format is informal and is an opportunity to get to know Salem Phil.
Concerts start at 7 p.m. April 20 and 3 p.m. April 21
Where: East Salem Community Center, 1850 45th Ave NE
Cost: $20 adult; $18 student/senior; Free for youth age 17 and younger. Click here for tickets.
Salem Youth Symphony presents Dukas The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and Enescu Legende, 3 p.m. Sunday, April 21 at Smith Auditorium at Willamette University. Cost is $15 adult; free for students 18 and younger. Click here for tickets.
April 23
See a screening of Atlantis, 5:30 p.m. April 23 at Willamette Heritage Center, 1313 Mill St SE. Click here for more info.
April 25
Michael W. Smith has been releasing new music regularly and performing around the world to sold-out crowds for the last 35+ years. During his storied career, he’s written and recorded over 36 No. 1 songs, been bestowed with three GRAMMY® Awards and 45 Dove Awards, one American Music Award, was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and has sold more than 15 million albums. Catch his Forever Tour, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 25 at the Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE. Tickets start at $52. Click here to purchase.
Low Bar Chorale presents Ring Around The Moonlight: A Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young Singalong, 7:30 p.m. April 25 at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. $15 in advance; $20 day of show. Click here for tickets
The Scientific Method: A Solo Comedy Play by Cat Hayes — Based on real-life events, The Scientific Method is a solo comedy play that follows Catherine, a 13-year-old Catholic School Kid (CSK). After her brother’s locker is set on fire, but his Bible is unburned, Catherine is convinced a miracle has happened. Embarking on a quest to prove the existence of God using science, Catherine’s story is told by five different characters – Nanna Thelma, Catherine Hayes, Patrick Hayes, Carrie Wilkes, and Jesus Christ, Son of God. Writing and acting by Cat Hayes. Directed by Paul Stein. 8 p.m. Thursday, April 25 at Infinty Room. Cost $12 in advance; $15 at the door. Age 18 and older. Click here for tickets.
April 26
Find inner peace, rest + relaxation at the Friday Night Candlelight Meditation Class. All experience levels welcome for this 1-hour class happening 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 28 (repeats on May 26 and June 23) at Resonance Yoga Collective, 129 Commercial St NE. Cost is sliding scale $5-$20. Click here for more info.
Laugh out loud with comedian, actor and writer Sheng Wang, 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 26 at the Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE. His first Netflix special, Sweet & Juicy, released in September 2023, was produced and directed by Ali Wong. He was a featured stand-up on HBO’s “2 Dope Queens” special and also wrote for the ABC show “Fresh Off the Boat.” Sheng resides in Los Angeles and in his time off, he enjoys exploring botanical gardens and discovering new ways to snack. TIckets are $29 to $45. $5 more on day of show. Click here to purchase.
Sitar player J.J. Gregg and guitarist David Van Auken present their “collaboration for 24-strings,” merging South Asian classical sitar and American finger-style guitar. Salem-based J.J. Gregg performs lyrical and highly emotive improvisations on sitar, known to guide listeners on a musical journey. For this special night of music he showcases his gentle, playful, raucous, contemplative, placid, visionary, unpredictable, and captivating songwriting collaboration with guitarist David Van Auken. From lullabies to blues, ragas to tunes, J.J. and David craft an immersive musical experience not to be missed.
When: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 26
Where: Resonance Yoga Collective
Cost: Sliding Scale of $10-20 per person. Click here for tickets.
Leave Your Troubles at The Door is a stand-up comedy showcase hosted by Chris Hudson where the audience’s problems are the topics of the jokes on stage. Audience members write their problems / troubles down on pieces of paper, put them in a box before the show and then many of the best & up-and-coming comedians from the Pacific Northwest and beyond take on those issues with their on-the-spot jokes. It’s a rare comedy show where instead of the comedian joking about their problems, they joke about yours! You’re more than likely to walk away from the show feeling at least slightly better about your problems. Just leave ’em by the door, 9:30 p.m. Friday, April 26 at Infinity Room. $15 in advance; $20 at the door. 21 and older. Click here for tickets.
An Evening with Washed in Black – Pearl Jam Tribute — Banded together to pay homage to the music of Pearl Jam and to bring the full concert experience of one of the most prolific bands of our time, 8 p.m. April 26 at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. $25 in advance; $30 day of show. Click here for tickets.
The Pieces Tour featuring Noah Fence, with special guests It’s Denny and Dirt Squad — 8 p.m. Friday, April 26 at The Bad Space. Cost: $10 in advance, $20 at the door. Click here for tickets. Age: 21 and older
April 27
Run for a cause at the Awesome 3000 youth fun run that benefits Salem-Keizer Schools, Saturday, April 27 at Willamette McCulloch Stadium at Bush Pasture Park, 890 Mission St SE. It is $35 to participate. Click here to register.
Shop from local vendors, artists and more at The Grand Mercantile, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 27, in the Brick Room adjacent to Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre, 181 High St NE.
An Evening with Roll On – Alabama Tribute — Born of appreciation and love for the timeless music the country legends, 8 p.m. April 27 at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. $25 in advance; $30 day of show. Click here for tickets.
For the last thirty-two years, The Peking Acrobats have redefined audience perceptions of Chinese acrobatics performing daring maneuvers atop a precarious pagoda of chairs, displaying their technical prowess while trick-cycling, precision tumbling, juggling, and somersaulting. They push the limits of human ability, defying gravity with amazing displays of contortion, flexibility, and control.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27
Where: Elsinore Theatre
Cost: $29 to $64. Click here for tickets.
Explore Ukrainian Petrykivka Painting in a class led by 16-year-old Ukrainian artist Sonia Voloshinov. This special event welcomes you to learn the intricate techniques of Petrykivka painting, a Ukrainian decorative painting style. The class will go over a brief history of Petrykivka, basic brushstrokes, compositions and display the use of traditional materials, 11 a.m. April 27 at the World Beat Gallery. Cost is $15 per person. Click here to register.
Live music featuring Abiosis (Metal from Salem,OR), Diseased and Depraved (Metal from Portland,OR), and Within Caskets (Metal from Salem, OR), 7:30 p.m. April 27 at Infinity Room. $12 in advance; $15 at the door. Click here for tickets.
Half-Day Meditation Retreat — Take in a deeply relaxing 4-hour immersive experience that offers instruction for all experience levels. You will be guided in meditation and mindfulness practices designed to decompress your nervous system, free your mind from worry, and tap into the warm devotion of your heart. Spring is a time for clearing out what no longer serves you while inviting what you want for yourself going forward. It’s a time of creation and preparation. If you feel overwhelmed or anxious, this retreat will help you come into alignment with the vital energy of the Spring season and connect you to your natural essence. It’s like a Spa Day for your heart, mind, body, and soul with Certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher, Jessica Amos, 12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at Common People Yoga Studio, 360 Liberty St SE. Cost: $145. Click here for more info.
April 27-28
Touch, taste and experience the incredible world of Oregon agriculture in a fun-filled, festive environment at Ag Fest. This two-day event aims to help families better understand where their food, fiber and flora come from. The fun takes place 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 27 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 28 at Oregon State Fairgrounds, 2330 17th St NE. Click here for tickets.
April 28
Camerata Musica presents Salem String Quartet featuring Caius Oprea, violin; Sigrun Oprea, violin; Brandon Correa, viola; and Katherine Parks, cello. The free show takes place at 2:30 p.m. April 28, at the Unitarian Universalist Church. Click here for more info.
Spring Choral Concert — Directors Dr. Anna Song and Dr. Qinqing Qian, with Voce, Chamber Choir, Vox, University Concert Band, and University Chamber Orchestra, 4 p.m. Sunday, April 28, in Hudson Concert Hall at Willamette University. Free. The performance is free – All are welcome!
April 30
Salem Reporter hosts a Town Hall that will put the spotlight on the two candidates in Salem’s upcoming mayoral race: Chris Hoy (current mayor) and Julie Hoy (a local restaurateur). The free evening event begins at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 30 at the Elsinore Theatre. Two journalists from Salem Reporter and a representative of the City Club will pose questions to the candidates with follow-ups as necessary. Click here to get a free ticket.
And don’t forget these recurring events…
Monday Morning Meditation Mediation — Start your week on a good note with this down-to-earth class. Designed for beginners, dabblers, and experienced meditators, this class offers lessons in mindfulness, breath training, and meditation practices. You’ll walk away feeling equipped for the week ahead with a clear mind, peaceful heart, and balanced emotions, 7:15 to 8 p.m. Mondays at Common People Yoga Studio, 360 Liberty St SE. Cost: drop-in, class pass and membership options. Click here for more info.
