The InstigatorHello August…and a new issue of Press Play Salem! That’s right. Issue two is hot off the press (or at least it will be come Aug. 1 and then you will be able to find yourself a copy in one of numerous locations throughout Salem…and maybe even at some of these events below.)
August 1
First Wednesday takes over downtown with the theme “Eat” and includes an alley fair, live music, games, beer, food, local vendors and more.
When: 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 1
Where: Downtown Salem
Cost: Free
Info: facebook.com/salemsfirstwednesday
August 1
If you’ve ever wanted to snoop in an artist’s journal, now is your chance. “Show Me What You Jot” is a one-day art show featuring more than a dozen of Salem’s finest scribblers. Browse their moleskin journals, then vote for your favorites. There will also be two celebrity artists: Portland’s Hello Kitska and Salem’s own Jonezy. A reception will take place at 5 p.m. with awards at 6.
When: Noon to 8 p.m. Aug. 1
Where: O.Boy.Studios, 381 State St., Unit 8
Info: facebook.com/oboystudios
Wednesdays in August
Tour the Elsinore to get a behind-the-scenes peek of the theatre including an in-depth history of the theatre and the Mighty Wurlitzer – the largest theatre organ in the Pacific Northwest. Please RSVP by calling 503-375-3574.
When: 10 a.m. Wednesdays, August 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. SE
Cost: $5 at the door
Info: 503-375-3574, www.elsinoretheatre.com
Thursdays in August
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. This month’s speakers include: August 2: Clemens Stark and Robert Jones; August 9: Joe Wilkins; August 16: Nitza Hernández-López; August 23: Rosemary Lombard; and August 30: Stephanie Lenox.
When: 7 p.m. Thursdays in August
Where: Ike Box, 229 Cottage St. NE
Cost: Free
Info: www.facebook.com/SalemPoetryProject
August 3
Just a Number is a free Oregon Humanities Conversation discussion about aging and intergenerational friendship with Jennifer Sasser and Simeon Dreyfuss. “Aging is a life-long experience that is both universal and different for everyone. While most of us agree that people of different generations have wisdom to offer those who are ahead of or behind them in life’s journey, barriers to connection often persist between generations. Many of these barriers are rooted in our ideas about age and aging.”
When: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, August 3
Where: Gaiety Hollow, 545 Mission St.
Cost: Free but registration required, limited to 25 participants. Registration link: http://bit.ly/2lnqfBz
August 3-4
Connect with a slice of history at Warbirds Over the West, an annual fundraiser organized by the B-17 Alliance Foundation that aims to support the restoration of the “Lacey Lady,” a WWII B-17G Flying Fortress bomber aircraft under renovation at the Salem Airport. This family-friendly event features vintage aircraft and military vehicles, swap meet, a WWII living history encampment, museum and hangar tours, plus Lacey Lady meet-and-greet with autograph and photo opportunity. Friday night also features a ‘40s hangar dance and party from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
When: 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 3 and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 4
Where: McNary Field, 2990 25th St. SE
Cost: $10. $30 for family of 4. Free for age 11 and younger. Veterans $3
discount.
Info: warbirdsoverthewest.com
August 3,10, 17, 24, 31
Summer Art Tent for Kids features focused art activities in clay, watercolor, collage and more. Join artist Nancy Kurz for this fun program organized by the SAA Community Arts Education program, which aims to encourage participation in the arts for families. Activities are best suited for children under 8, and parents/guardians must stay with their children for the duration of their visit.
When: 10 a.m. to noon Fridays in August
Where: Bush Barn Art Center, 600 Mission St. SE
Info: www.SalemArt.org/art-tent
August 4, 11 & 25
Salem Movies in the Park continues with three features in August including Pixar’s animated cultural music experience “Coco” on Aug. 4; “The Greatest Showman,” a musical inspired by the life of P.T Barnum, on Aug. 11; and Episode VIII of the epic space adventure, “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” on Aug. 25. Feel free to pack a picnic, but leave the glass containers and alcohol at home.
When: Saturday evenings, Aug. 4, 11, and 25. Movies begin at dusk.
Where: Riverfront Park, 200 Water St. NE
Cost: Free. Donations are accepted.
Info: salemmoviesinthepark.com
August 4
Celebrate at Capitol Pride, Salem’s annual LGBTQ festival that features live music, entertainment, vendors, food, drinks and more.
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 4
Where: Amphitheatre at Riverfront Park, 200 Water St. NE
Cost: Free
Info: facebook.com/capitol.pride
August 4
Riverfront Family Fest is health and safety resource fair featuring a range of family-friendly activities, and provides a safe and fun place for families to spend time with each other while building new relationships with other community members.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 4
Where: Riverfront Park, 200 Water St. NE
Cost: Free
Info: familybuildingblocks.org
August 4-5
Hoopla 3×3 street basketball event features more than of 1,000 teams, 4,000 participants, 1,000 volunteers and thousands of spectators.
When: Aug. 4 and 5
Where: Oregon State Capitol, Downtown Salem
Cost: Free to watch
Info: oregonhoopla.com
August 4-5
The 48th annual Great Oregon Steam-Up is a celebration of living history where you can see trains, trolleys, tractors and more from 14 heritage museums.
When: Aug. 4 and 5
Where: Powerland Heritage Park, 3995 Brooklake Road NE
Cost: $12 daily, $20 weekend. Free for children 12 and younger and for current and retired military with ID or uniform.
Info: 503-393-2424, antiquepowerland.com
August 7
First Tuesday Art Talk: Painter Christine Joy’s art, which depicts the grandeur of nature, is a therapeutic part of her daily life. Learn more about her artist’s process and inspiration during her talk.
When: 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 7
Where: Bush Barn Art Center, 600 Mission St. SE
Cost: Free. Donations accepted.
Info: salemart.org
August 9-11
Theatre 33 wraps its “3 x 33” summer series with “Amanda Transcending,” by Connie Bennett. It is based on a true story about a woman who moves to a tiny town on the Oregon Coast and discovers the story of a blind Native American woman who was incarcerated in a Civil War era reservation.
When: 7 p.m. Aug. 9-11, and 2 p.m. Aug. 12
Where: M. Lee Pelton Theatre at Willamette University.
Cost: $10 suggested donation
Info: theatre33.org
August 10
Shine up your dancing shoes for the Ceili of the Valley Society’s Second Friday Ceili Mor, an Irish social dance featuring live Celtic music. No experience or partner needed and if you’re not a dancer, you can always just go for the tunes.
When: 7 p.m. Aug. 10 (recurring on the second Friday of every month)
Where: VFW Hall, 630 Hood St NE
Cost: $10. $5 student. $30 family.
Info: ceiliofthevalley.org
August 10
On Your Feet Friday! is a community series that encourages people to get active and have fun while exploring downtown Salem in a scavenger hunt-like walk/run. Each month features different checkpoints. There are also shoe testing opportunities and following the exploration, food and drinks available for purchase. Proceeds go to the Willamette Valley Road Runners Club (WVRR) non-profit that promotes and participates in running events throughout the Willamette Valley.
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 10 (recurring on the second Friday of the month through Sept.)
Where: Gallagher Fitness Resources, 135 Commercial St. NE
Cost: Free
Info: activesalem.com/salem-running-community/on-your-feet-friday
August 11
Family Art Day: Make Mr. Rogers inspired puppets and your own mini theater stage with instructor Rose Parks. Materials are provided. Stop in at any time during the four hour event. Guardians are asked to remain with their children for the duration of their visit.
When: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, August 11
Where: Bush Barn Art Center, 600 Mission St. SE
Cost: Free. Donations accepted.
Info: salemart.org
August 11
Tease your hair and dawn your spandex pants because, like, it’s totally time for the High Street Hustle 8k, 5k, 1k where you can run, walk, or race on the streets of scenic Salem, then celebrate after the race with local food and beer, dancing to 80’s tunes and a costume contest.
When: 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Aug. 11
Where: Oregon State Capitol, 900 Court St. NE
Cost: $40 adult; $10 child. Proceeds support Salem Health Foundation High Street Hustle for Heart Fund.
Info & registration: runsignup.com/Race/OR/Salem/HighStreetHustle
August 11
Celebrate community at Englewood Forest Festival, a family-friendly event featuring art vendors, environmental education and activities galore, plus a diverse selection of music, dance and food. It’s held in Salem’s first park, which is a heavily wooded 7 acre site with more than 200 Douglas Fir and Oregon White Oak trees, a splash pool and playground.
When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 11
Where: Englewood Park, 1260 19th St. NE
Cost: Free
Info: englewoodforestfestival.com
August 11 and 18
Corn hole anyone? Or how about a game of GaGa Ball? City of Salem Recreation Services is hosting both. Play a game of corn hole on August 11 at Fircrest Park, 1000 Luradel Ave S, and try your hand at GaGa Ball on August 18 at Highland Park.
When: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, August 11 and 18
Cost: $5 per household
Info: facebook.com/events/202188533706524/
August 11
GeerCrest Farm & Historical Society hosts a weekend of family fun at the Perseid Meteor Shower Viewing & Family Camp. Saturday features a farm fresh dinner, camping, fires and viewing of the meteor shower followed by breakfast on Sunday morning. The day is concluded with a farm tour.
When: 2 p.m. August 11
Where: GeerCrest Farm & Historical Society, 12390 Sunnyview Road NE
Cost: $55 Adult, $40 Child (ages 7-15), and ages 6 and younger are free
Info: www.geercrest.org
August 12-13
Scott Frieman’s “Deconstructing The Beatles” is a series of multimedia presentations about the composition and production techniques of the Beatles. In “Birth of the Beatles,” he explores how with no formal training and no ability to read or write music, four Liverpudlian teenagers picked up guitars (or drumsticks) and decided to play music.
When: 7:45 p.m. Aug. 12 and 13
Where: Salem Cinema, 1127 Broadway St. NE
Cost: $12 in advance; $15 day of event. Purchase tickets in advance at the box office or online at boxofficetickets.com
Info: salemcinema.com
August 17 to September 8
“The Savannah Sipping Society” is a comedy that explores the friendship of four unique Southern women, drawn together by fate…and happy hour. Through laughter, misadventure and liquid refreshment, these women build a bond that solidifies their realization that it’s never too late to make new old friends. Written by Jones, Hope and Wooten and directed by Jeff Witt and Dani Potter.
When: Aug. 17-18, 23-25, 29-31, Sept. 1, 5-8, and 2 p.m. Aug. 19, 26, and Sept. 2
Where: Pentacle Theatre, 324 52nd Ave. NW
Cost: $24 to $29
Tickets: Advance tickets are available at Pentacle’s ticket office at 145 Liberty St. NE or by calling 503-485-4300 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, or online anytime at pentacletheatre.org. Tickets are also available at the theater box office 45 minutes before each performance.
Info: 503-485-4300, pentacletheatre.org
August 17-25
New local theater company, Trill Performing Arts, presents the world premiere of “From Time to Time” written by Joseph L. Silva and directed by Valerie Steele.
In the play, the timekeepers of the universe play a prank on their boss, who is in charge of the physical truth, by stopping time. When all events happen at once, Charles, a lonely and broken man who wonders how his life got to this place, meets himself and his family over a period of fifty years. As the universe strains to hold together, an struggle continues for the soul of man – not between good and evil, but between good and good. Mixing uproarious humor with heart wrenching drama, “From Time to Time” deftly illustrates the physical truth and the human truth are one and the same.
When: 7 p.m. August 17, 18, 24 and 25 and 2 p.m. August 19
Where: Chemeketa Auditorium, Building 6
Cost: $22.50. Purchase tickets online here.
August 17
Pairings! A Celebration of Oregon showcases some of the notable flavors of our great state through the creations of Oregon’s premier chefs, winemakers, distillers, and brewmasters. The evening wraps with a performance by 11-piece show band 5 Guys Named Moe.
When: 4 to 9 p.m. Aug. 17
Where: Oregon State Fairgrounds, 2330 17th St NE
Cost: $50
Info & tickets: oregonstatefairfoundation.org
August 18
Solve clues. Complete challenges. Cross the finish line (first) to win. The Great Salem Race is a family-friendly opportunity to experience Salem through the ultimate downtown scavenger hunt. The race includes approximately 3 to 5 miles traveled by foot and wraps up with a party to celebrate. Age of child participants is up to parental discretion. Family course will be shorter.
When: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Aug. 18
Where: Salem Convention Center, 200 Commercial St. SE
Cost: $125 competitive; $105 family
Info & registration: gsr.salemyoungpros.com
August 18
Christian music festival Fish Fest NW returns to Salem. This year’s performers include: Newsboys, Jeremy Camp, Danny Gokey, Unspoken, Comedian Dustin Nickerson and Tori Harper.
When: 2 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 18
Where: Riverfront Park, 101 Front St. NE
Cost: $29 or $15 for ages 6-12 General Admission (bring a blanket or chair). Reserved seating $65 to $125.
Info & tickets: http://bit.ly/FishFestEvent
August 24-September 3
Concerts, a carnival, crafts and competition…you’ll find it at the Oregon State Fair. The performance lineup ranges from Styx to Kool and The Gang to Masters of Illusion, so check it out and plan accordingly.
When: Aug. 24 through Sept. 3. See website for hours.
Where: Oregon State Fairgrounds, 2330 17th St. NE
Cost: Admission is $5-$6 in advance; $6-$8 at the gate. Carnival ride wristband: $37.50 in advance; $50 at the fair. $5 cash for parking.
Info: 503-947-3247, oregonstatefair.org
August 25
Solarplate Relief Printmaking with Rebecca Marsh McCannell: Create a hand-drawn and/or photocopied film “negative” which will be exposed onto non-toxic photopolymer Solarplate®, using sunlight or a UV exposure unit. The exposed plates are developed in tap water, hardened in sunlight, and hand printed using water-based ink. Learn more and register online at www.SalemArt.org/programs/annex/art-workshops/.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, August 25
Where: Bush Barn Art Center, 600 Mission St. SE
Cost: $110 + $20 Supply Fee
Age: 12+
Info: salemart.org
August 30
Showing Up is a free Oregon Humanities Conversation discussion about the meaning of community with Chi Mei Tam. “Being part of a community is an essential need for all of us. It is a place where we find others who share common ground, where our values and identities are reflected. Community is also a place where we are supported and thrive. Join facilitator Chi Mei Tam in this conversation to explore what it means to be part of a community. What does it look like when community shows up for you and vice versa? How does it work? To what extent are shared values and identities in our community enough or not enough to help us thrive?”
When: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, August 30
Where: Gaiety Hollow, 545 Mission St.
Cost: Free but registration required, limited to 25 participants. Registration link: http://bit.ly/2bSls6w
August 31
Jonezy Artwork/Lower Division is hosting an exhibit of painted skate decks by talented artists from all over the world – original, one-of-a-kind artwork. Each deck in the gallery will be available for sale. There will be live music, drinks and snacks.
When: 5 to 10 p.m. Aug. 31
Where: Lower Division Urban Art Gallery, 155 Liberty St. NE, B-12
Info: facebook.com/JonezyArtworkClothing
And don’t forget these arts exhibitions…
GALLERY 444
“How We Grow Our Food:” A collaboration of 11 Willamette Valley artists working in various media with the purpose of creating work that focuses on the importance and process of growing our food. Participating artists include: Carolyn Johnson-Bell, Lorraine Dye, Patricia Young, Janet Reese, Sherree Rodriguez, Becki Hesedahl, Melinda Ruby, Jeanne Morrison Ground, Melissa Barrett, Laura Kellenbarger & Brigitte M. Miller.
When: August 1 through 31. Opening reception 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 1
Where: Elsinore Framing & Fine Art Gallery, 444 Ferry St. SE
Info: elsinoregallery.com.
HALLIE FORD
Through August 26
Jim Riswold: Undignified: Jim Riswold is a highly regarded Portland, Oregon, artist—and former creative director at Wieden+Kennedy—known for his staged photographs and mixed media works that poke fun at taboo figures such as Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Mao Zedong, General George Custer, Vladimir Lenin, and Kim Jong-Un, among others.
Through October 21
Strength and Dignity: Images of the Worker: Organized by curator Jonathan Bucci, this exhibition features a selection of European and American prints and photographs from the late 19th and early 20th centuries that depict scenes of workers and the working class in European and American life.
Drawn from the Hallie Ford Museum of Art’s extensive works on paper collection, the exhibition has been organized as a companion exhibition to “Witness: Themes of Social Justice in Contemporary Printmaking and Photography, Selections from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation” opening September 15. Bucci will guide a free Gallery Talk that explores the exhibition at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 11.
Where: Hallie Ford Museum of Art, 700 State St.
Cost: $6, $4 for seniors and $3 for students 18 and older. People age 17 and younger are admitted free, and admission is free for everyone on Tuesdays.
Info: willamette.edu/arts/hfma, 503-370-6855
SALEM ART ASSOCIATION
Through August 3
Artist-in-Residence: Sadé Beasley’s focus is on painting African American women, using acrylic paints. With the intent to interrupt the insufficient voice given to women of color – specifically black women, she uses bold brushstrokes and large canvas space to dramatically call attention to the women she paints. Her work vocalizes a dialogue of acceptance for the aesthetic of her own blackness and the evocative resiliency of her personal life adversity.
Through August 25
Radius 25: Through My Eyes offers a glimpse into the creative diversity of Salem artists. Juried by Jennifer H. Pepin, artist and owner of J. Pepin Art Gallery in Portland.
Suzie Torre-Cross: Reliqui is a series of photographs that explores the echoes of life and memories of forsaken souls etched in broken stone. Where forlorn whispers of bygone days and the loneliness of the eternal rest mark the passage of time.
Featured Artist: Jennifer Gimzewski. Influenced by Mattisse and Diebenkorn, Jennifer Gimzewski’s paintings are as much about color and composition as they are about the land. During travels in her native Scotland, Jennifer reflects on how she has been “enthralled by the wildness and the permanence of the land; its quiet grace and its connection with the elements that work with it and on it to achieve its powerful presence.”
Helen Victoria Hejl is an artist living, gardening, and making music in Lyons, Oregon. The work she will display at the Bush Barn Art Center is searching and inquisitive in nature, created in part by roaming the historical sites and state parks of her hometown, San Diego, under the immersive influence of being in the rooms and surrounded by the artifacts of people whom the centuries have left behind. These pieces will be accompanied by a series of abstract oil paintings, whose layers bear the inward path of her mental contemplations.
Through September 16
Kelly James – Driven: The Culture and Thrill of the Willamette Speedway is a photographic portrayal of Oregonians finding community in something bigger than themselves.
August 27 through September 14
Artist-in-Residence: Ann Kresge will be working on plates, prints and book forms around her theme of Gathering Spaces, which is part of a series of artists’ books and installations exploring the concept of objects and images describing community, contemplation and safe spaces and a continuation of work created during a recent printmaking residency at Fundación ´ace para el Arte Contemporáneo, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Where: Bush Barn Art Center at 600 Mission St. SE. The gallery is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.
Cost: Free. Donations accepted.
Info: salemart.org
Carlee Wright
