The Playlist — Things to do April 10-13, 2025

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A Note from the Instigator....

I hope you are ready for a sleepless weekend because there is so.much.happening in Salem! You can take in a night of theater (Big Fish wraps this weekend at Pentacle and Bloom Bloom Pow opens at Willamette), dance (it's the second Friday so you know what that means...get your Irish dance on at the ceili), live music (Pink Martini is celebrating 30 years at the Elsinore Theatre), or a combination of all (Salem Symphonic Winds is collaboration with Rainbow Dance Theatre present a new ballet with live musical accompaniment)...and that is just a teaser of what's in store. Check it out — and drop me a note to let me know what you will be doing (or did) this weekend. 

 — Carlee, The Instigator

PS: Don't forget about Chef's Nite Out at the Salem Convention Center, it's an important fundraiser for Marion Polk Food Share, plus who doesn't want to sample a variety of food and drinks from local makers?! 

Pink Martini is playing Saturday, April 12 at the Elsinore Theatre. Scroll down to learn more.

Thursday Highlights

Dr. Jane Goodall The Future of Hope is coming to the Elsinore Theatre…but the show is sold out. Got tickets? Lucky you!

Take in a free All Abilities Art Workshop from 12 to 3 p.m. April 10 at Hallie Ford Museum of Art with Living Studios, a program that supports neurodiverse artists in our area.

Olivia’s Spring Fashion Show is happening 5 to 7 p.m. April 10. RSVP required so give them a ring at 503-581-6953 to reserve your seat — if any remain. The show takes place at 310 Court St NE.

Time for a Thursday like few others. Get sweaty with The Mistons, Boundless Joy and Saint Jacks Parade, 7:30 p.m. April 10 at Blast Off! Vintage. Doors open at 7 p.m. $10. All ages. Doors at 7, music around 7:30, done by curfew (incase you were worried).

See the preview of Willamette University Theatre’s production of Bloom Bloom Pow 7:30 p.m. April 10. Click here for tickets. And scroll down for more details.

Salem Poetry Project features Jasper Beck, 7 to 9 p.m. April 10 at Bush Barn Art Center + Annex, 600 Mission St SE. Jasper grew up in rural Oregon and graduated with honors from Western Oregon University with a degree in English. He received the 2023 Peter Sears Prize for Poetry, and won the 2024 NFSPS College Undergraduate Poetry Competition. He is the assistant editor for the online literary magazine Traverse. Each week, the Salem Poetry Project presents a featured speaker followed by the Infamous Open Mic: 3 poems or five minutes whichever is first.

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On Stage

Willamette University Theatre presents Bloom Bloom Pow — Returning to her conservative Ohio town, non-binary Mag finds everything is dull and weird and not queer at all. While trying to keep it together despite desperate phone calls from their mom, chatty co-workers, and visions of melting ice caps and dead horses at the bottom of the east river, Mag's life gets decidedly more interesting (and sexy) when they meet The Creature and learn about the algae taking over the town's water supply. Will Mag save the city, or is it the algae's time to shine? Bloom Bloom Pow is inspired by 1950s monster movies as well as the real-life 2014 crisis in Toledo, Ohio, when the tap water became deadly for humans due to toxic algal blooms. Bloom Bloom Pow de-centers humans, elevates microorganisms, and celebrates queer joy in the face of climate devastation. The show takes place 7:30 p.m. April 10-12, 16-19 and 23-26 and 2 p.m. April 13, 19 and 26, in Putnum Theater at Willamette University. TIckets are $9 to $15. Click here to purchase.

It's your LAST CHANCE to take in the magic of storytelling at Pentacle Theatre with Big Fish, a heartwarming musical that explores the complex, deeply personal relationship between traveling salesman Edward Bloom and his son Will. This charming tale of fantasy and family aims to captivate theatergoers through April 12. Click here for tickets. And get a preview of the show in Press Play Salem spring edition feature story here.

This weekend at Salem Cinema...

Dance

The 2nd Friday Céilí features live music by Two Rivers Ceili Band and called dances by Elisa, Maldon, Mary & Nancy, this month. No experience or partner needed and all skill levels are welcome. With a couple of simple steps (forwards, backwards, and sideways), you can dance any dance, 8 p.m. Friday, April 11 at VFW Hall, 630 Hood St NE. Doors open at 7 p.m. with dance instruction at 7:15. Admission starts at $10. Click here for more info.

Experience an Arts Collaboration

Salem Symphonic Winds and Rainbow Dance Theatre will present the World Premiere premiere of Leroy Osmon's new ballet, The Princess and the Wind. Valerie Bergman and Darryl Thomas of Rainbow Dance Theatre have choreographed the program and John Skelton of Salem Symphonic Winds will conduct the ensemble. The performance takes place 4 p.m. Sunday, April 13, in Rose Auditorium at South Salem High School. Cost: $5 to $20. Click here for tickets.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry!

Chefs’ Night Out is a foodie dream featuring food and beverage purveyors from in and around the Mid-Willamette Valley coming together under one roof for a night full of deliciousness supporting Marion Polk Food Share. In addition to the bites and sips, guests can also experience live music on both floors of the event providing the perfect atmosphere for enjoying all the event has to offer on Sunday, April 13 at Salem Convention Center, 200 Commercial St SE. Age 21 and older. VIP gets early entry (that means more time to sample!) so don’t wait. Click here for tickets.

Happy Record Store Day

Let’s celebrate independent record stores like never before. Drum Bug Music is hosting Record Store Day fun from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. At 12 p.m., catch an electrifying performance from the Lucky Pluckers, followed by Sabbath Witch, a female-fronted Black Sabbath Tribute that delivers the legendary band’s most iconic hits at 1:15. Giveaways and exclusive vinyl releases. 20% off on all used merchandise (drums excluded) (Looking for where to buy records in Salem? We've got a story for that! Click here.)

Drag Time

There’s a Drag Takeover happening at the Tiki Lounge Lancaster beginning at 9 pm. April 11. Anticipate fierce performances, fabulous looks, and unforgettable entertainment hosted by  Karress Ann Slaughter and Nicole Serenity Storm, with special guest performances by Janna Talia and Riri Caliente. Doors open at 8 p.m. $10 cover. The show takes place at the Tiki Lounge, 165 Lancaster Dr SE.

Hunt for Junk

The Great Junk Hunt is a round-up of curated vendors selling their best goods, plus no party is complete without cocktails, live music, and aisles of junkin’ treasure. Discover vintage, rustic, farmhouse, industrial, re-purposed, handmade, and more, April 11 and 12 in the Columbia Hall and Jackman Long Building at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. Early bird hours allow you to get first pick. Find out more and get your tickets here.

Game On

Salem Capitals Basketball have two games this weekend! Catch them vs. Wenatchee Bighorns, 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 11 and then vs. Seattle Superhawks, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 12 at The Salem Armory, 2310 17th St NE. Click here for tickets and more info.

Catch a Bout

Cherry City Roller Derby hosts a Triple Header Bout featuring their friends from Coyote Country Roller Derby out of Pullman, Washington. Doors open at 1 p.m. and the day will feature Cherry Blossoms vs Wheat Whackers (2 p.m.), 8 Wheel Assassins vs Palouse River Rollers (4:30 p.m.) and Renegades vs Rolling Hills Derby (7 p.m.) April 12 at The Mad House, 1335 Madison St NE. Tickets start at $12 in advance. Click here to purchase.

Get Crafty

Create a Mariposa Lithograph with Erika and Daniel from Corazon Handcrafts, 10 a.m. April 12 at World Beat Gallery, 390 Liberty St SE. The duo will explain the techniques while you make multiple print versions from a pre-carved linoleum design. Then you’ll apply ink and transfer the image onto paper. Decorate it, play with it, then frame it! Materials included. $30 per person. Space is limited. Sign up here.

A Book Release

Meet the author while you take in a book release party for Flamingo Island and create some cool flamingo-themed gear, too. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 12 at Rofe Designs & CreativiTee, 100 Commercial St NE

Have your Say

There will be an Open House for the Riverfront Park Playground design, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 12 in the Anderson Rooms at the Salem Public Library. Drop in, see the designs, share your comments and suggestions. 

Luau

Take in an evening of Hawaiian culture at the Willamette University Hawaiʻi Club’s annual Lūʻau. This year’s theme is Nā Wahi Pana, which means The Legendary/Sacred Places. “Through hula and mele, share the breathtaking beauty of our ‘āina and the deep love we have for it. As we travel throughout the Pacific, every movement and note we share on stage will honor the spirit of these sacred places and the people who have cherished them for generations.” Join for for a night of Hawaiian music, hula, Tahitian, fire dancing, taiko, and a special collaboration with the confederate tribe of Grande Ronde. This is an evening to learn and experience the culture of Hawaiʻi. Mahalo! Doors open at 5 p.m.; Show begins at 6:30 p.m. April 12 at Cone Field House at Willamette University. Open to the community. Click here for dinner tickets.

MUSIC

Pink Martini featuring China Forbes brings its celebratory 30 year anniversary show to Salem. Featuring a dozen musicians, with songs in 25 languages, Pink Martini performs its multilingual repertoire on concert stages on six continents and is sure to have tapping your toes and dancing in your seat, 7:30 p.m. April 12, at the Elsinore Theatre. Tickets start at $59.50. Click here for tickets.

Garcia Birthday Band and One Way Out: An Evening of The Grateful Dead and The Allman Brothers — Hailing from Portland, Garcia Birthday Band (GBB) is more than just a Grateful Dead tribute—they are a living, breathing extension of the Dead’s spirit. With over 20 years of experience, GBB transforms every show into a kaleidoscopic journey through the Dead’s vast catalog, embracing deep improvisation and unbreakable community spirit. Joining them is One Way Out, an electrifying ensemble devoted to the legacy of the Allman Brothers Band. With masterful musicianship and an undeniable passion for Southern rock, they channel the raw energy and intricate harmonies that made the Allman Brothers legendary, 7:30 p.m. April 11, at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Cost: $20 in advance, $25 day of show. Click here for tickets.

In The Pink: Portland's Floyd Tribute —Pink Floyd's staying power is reflected in both their continuing success with more than a decade on the Billboard Top 100 charts and the third highest grossing album in history. In the Pink was created as a celebration of a love of Pink Floyd and their music, 8 p.m. April 12, at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. $25 general admission. Click here for tickets.

Looking for something more…classical?

Oregon Symphony in Salem presents Beethoven Symphony No. 6 — With its depictions of babbling brooks, bird calls, and an electrifying thunderstorm, Beethoven's “Pastoral” Symphony evokes the beauty of the Austrian countryside with cinematic clarity. Plus, your Oregon Symphony rounds out the program with an unforgettable performance of Vaughan-Williams' The Lark Ascending featuring violinist Julian Rhee and Tan Dun's Passacaglia: Secret of Wind and Birds - both sparkling depictions of heart-wrenchingly beautiful birdsongs, 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 11 in Smith Auditorium at Willamette University. Tickets starting at $37. Click here for tickets.

Camerata Musica presents Temporary Resonance Trio 2:30 p.m. April 13, at The Unitarian Universalist Church. Learn more here.

Salem Youth Symphony hosts its Spring Concert 3 p.m. April 13 in Smith Auditorium at Willamette University. Learn more here.

On Going Events

Discover Chemeketa's Planetarium — The current show Two Small Pieces of Glass is a full dome presentation that follows two teenage students who learn from an astronomer how telescopes work during a star party. It also examines how these optical instruments have improved in the last 400 years and what great discoveries were made with them since the time of Galileo. It also includes a brief introduction to the night sky over Salem. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. every Friday through June 6 in Building 2, Room 171 on the Chemeketa campus off Lancaster Dr.  Use the blue parking lot. For more information, call 503-399-5248

Salem Saturday Market featuring a rotating line-up of 150 vendors selling local produce, hand-made products and more, is now open for the season. Shop 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays through October in the parking lot at 865 Marion St NE. salemcommunitymarkets.com

Traveling Wheelz hosts Open Skate — And this week is BARBIE themed!!! — starting at 7:30 p.m. Fridays at The Mad House. Learn more here.

Seat up for the Super Casual Saturday Salem Bike Ride on Saturdays. Meet at the bottom of Soap Box Derby Track at Bush Park at 11 a.m. Wheels down at 11:30.

Plus Explore Art

Stefani Art Gallery

Such as...

  • Stefani Art Gallery showing modern, contemporary, and abstract art from local and internationally-recognized artists, 305 Court St NE | stefaniartgallery.com
  • Nancy Floyd: For the Love of Trees at Hallie Ford Museum of Art, 700 State St | 503-370-6855, willamette.edu/arts/hfma
  • New Energy: New Work by M. Shoki Tanabe and Adam Zeek at Level 2 Gallery on the Second Floor at Salem Convention Center | 503-589-1700, oregonartistsseries.com (See an extension of this exhibit in the Art Hall at the Salem Public Library)
  • Living Landscapes featuring artists who explore the ever-changing relationship between humans and the natural world, celebrating resilience, adaptation, and the beauty of Oregon's shifting and fragile ecosystems, at Salem on the Edge, 156 Liberty St NE | salemontheedge.com
  • The Cherry City of the World captures the beauty of Salem as it blooms, at Salem Art Association, 600 Mission St SE | salemart.org
  • Special feature of the work of co-op members Lorraine Dye, pastel, and Susan Grace Branch, acrylic and jewelry, at the AiA Gallery, 444 Ferry St SE | AiAArtGallery.org

Click here for a full list of what's on exhibit this April.

Read the Spring Edition

Press Play Salem issue 23 | Spring 2025 featuring cover art by Melissa Rivers

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