The Playlist — Things to do April 24-27, 2025

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A Note from the Instigator....

April is coming to a close and there is plenty happening to keep you engaged all weekend long. But don't just take my word for it...scroll down, see for yourself, then get out and PLAY! Have a great weekend, friends...

 — Carlee, The Instigator

PS: May calendar coming soon, plus the deadline for our Summer edition is just around the corner. Want to be included? You know what to do... (send me an email!)

The Mighty Wurlitzer Rides Again! Hear the Elsinore's historic organ in action this Sunday when Rick Parks provides a live soundtrack to Steamboat Bill, Jr. Scroll down to learn more.

Thursday Highlights

Salem Cinema presents Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXXII, the groundbreaking 1972 film set in the hauntingly beautiful ruins of the ancient Roman Amphitheater in Pompeii, Italy. The film captures Pink Floyd performing an intimate concert without an audience. The breathtaking visuals of the amphitheater, captured both day and night, amplify the magic of the performance, creating a unique and immersive experience. 7 p.m. Thu, Apr 24, and 3:45 p.m. Sun, Apr 27, at Salem Cinema. Click here for tickets.

Mosey on down to Infinity Room for a night of hootin' and hollerin' at the Yee Ha! Ha! A Texas Transplants Comedy Show, a hilarious lineup of ex-Texans turned Pacific Northwesterners. These cowpokes-turned-coffee snobs spin sidesplitting yarns from their wild adventures trading in rodeos for raincoats and ten-gallon hats for beanies, 8 p.m. Thursday, Apr 24. Hosted by Salem's own cowboy comedians James "Tumbleweeds 'n' Whiskey" Wood and Nate "Lasso Daddy" Hernandez. $12 in advance; $15 at the door. All ages show but material will not be clean.

Salem Poetry Project features the Work of Three Ukrainian Poets, 7 to 9 p.m. Apr. 24, at Bush Barn Art Center + Annex, 600 Mission St SE. This evening the work of three contemporary poets will be presented, Serhiy Zhadan, Lyuba Yakimchuk, and Ostap Slyvynsky, following which will be the Infamous Open Mic: 3 poems or five minutes whichever is first. 

It’s opening night for Bridgetown Portland Musical Theatre’s production of “Make Me a Song: The Music of William Finn” featuring the talents of celebrated Mid-Valley performers. See the show 7:30 p.m. April 24, in the Verona Studio Theatre at the Reed Opera House, 189 Liberty St NE. Get tickets here. (The show continues through the weekend. Scroll down for more information.)

Willamette University Theatre’s production of Bloom Bloom Pow wraps this weekend, catch it 7:30 p.m. April 23-26 and 2 p.m. April 26, in Putnum Theater at Willamette University. Tickets are $9 to $15. Click here to purchase. (Scroll down for more information)

Take part in Taproot Karaoke,  9 p.m. every Thursday at Taproot Lounge & Cafe, 356 State St. 

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On Stage

LAST CHANCE! Willamette University Theater's production of Bloom Bloom Pow closes this weekend — 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. The play de-centers humans, elevates microorganisms, and celebrates queer joy in the face of climate devastation. See it on stage 7:30 p.m. April 23-26 and 2 p.m. April 26, in Putnum Theater at Willamette University. Tickets are $9 to $15. Click here to purchase.

FIRST CHANCE! Bridgetown Portland Musical Theatre presents “Make Me a Song: The Music of William Finn” featuring the talents of celebrated Mid-Valley performers Nehemiah Creel, Stephanie Gibbs, Lance Nuttman and Beth Sobo Turk. The show is directed by Seth Renne, with music direction by Devin Desmond. Additional young performers who will round out the evening of music include Coleman Casebeer, Sage Gonzalez, Emily Irvin, Tyson Miller, Aven Thornhill, Theo Ueng and Neil Yeh-Crawford, in a celebration showcasing the songs of one of the most acclaimed composer-lyricists currently writing for the musical theater. Performances take place 7:30 p.m. April 24-25, and 2 p.m. April 26-27, in the Verona Studio Theatre at the Reed Opera House, 189 Liberty St NE. Get tickets here.

Celebrate Culture

Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander South Asian (AAPISA) Heritage Month with Willamette University's Office of Intercultural Engagement & Inclusion at the Inaugural Collective Asian American Pacific Islander South Asian (AAPISA) Night Market happening 5 to 9 p.m. April 25 in Henkle Gym in Sparks Fitness Center. There will be live entertainment, activities, vendors, and so much more at this event, which is free and open to the public.

Saturday, April 26, is International Dance Day at Salem Saturday Market, where you can see a demonstration from the Ceili of the Valley Demo team at 10 a.m. And if you have ever wanted to try ceili dance, there will be a time for community participation, too.

On the Big Screen

Elsinore Theatre hosts Silent Film Sunday featuring Steamboat Bill, Jr starring Buster Keaton as the son of a gruff riverboat captain (Ernest Torrence), struggling to earn his father’s respect (and the love of beautiful Marion Byron). This film features live organ accompaniment by Rick Parks on the Mighty Wurlitzer. $5. Click here for tickets.

Salem Cinema presents Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXXII, the groundbreaking 1972 film set in the hauntingly beautiful ruins of the ancient Roman Amphitheater in Pompeii, Italy. The film captures Pink Floyd performing an intimate concert without an audience with the breathtaking visuals of the amphitheater amplifying the magic of the performance, 7 p.m. Thu, Apr 24, and 3:45 p.m. Sun, Apr 27, at Salem Cinema. Click here for tickets.

Salem Cinema presents Burn After Reading — When a disc containing memoirs of a former CIA analyst (John Malkovich) falls into the hands of Linda Litzke (Frances McDormand) and Chad Feldheimer (Brad Pitt), the two gym employees see a chance to make enough money for her to have life-changing cosmetic surgery. Predictably, events whirl out of control for the duo doofuses and those in their orbit. See the show 5:30 p.m. Sat, Apr 26, (and 7 p.m. Tue, Apr 29), at Salem Cinema. Click here for tickets.

Food & Wine

Feast at the Winemaker's Dinner and Indulge in a unique five-course dining experience as you savor a carefully curated menu paired perfectly with wines from Trinity Vineyards, 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 25 at Vortex Eatery + Taphouse, 4435 Liberty Rd S. Click here to buy tickets.

From Root to Barrel: Exploratory Hike & Sip — Celebrate Earth Day with an educational exploration 12 to 2 p.m. April 26, at Coria Estates.! Join Winemaker Aurora Coria for a hike and sip tour through the estate vineyard. Discover the intricate relationship between our vines, the unique Nekia soil, and the environment that shapes our distinctive Willamette Valley wines as we explore different vineyard blocks and discuss mindful harvesting and environmental factors. Limited Availablity. Click here to register.

Yard, Garden & the Great Outdoors

In honor of Earth Day, Salem Seekers is hosting a special one-day-only event from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 26 at Riverfront Park, 200 Water St NE. 15 hand-blown glass birds—swirling with blues and greens to celebrate our beautiful Earth—will be placed at the park randomly throughout the day. As always, birds are hidden along paved pathways only (never in bushes or trees, safety is priority!) Finders, Keepers — If you discover one, it’s yours to keep (ONE per household please). Share your find on social media.

Salem celebrates Arbor Day with a tree planting extravaganza at Minto-Brown Island Park 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday, April 25. The city is hoping to recruit 50 to 100 volunteers to help with the project. Trees and materials for the event are funded through the voter-approved Safety and Livability Bond. The trees are part of development standards for Minto-Brown’s parking lot upgrades. Sign up here. 

Take the City Nature Challenge. Join the City of Salem and Marion Soil & Water Conservation District to help get as many observations of wild plants and animals as possible. Be a citizen scientist recording local biodiversity. Participate on your own April 25-28 or join one (or both) of the City of Salem’s bioblitz events:

Park After Dark: Explore Nocturnal Plants & Animals, Friday, April 25, 7:45-9:45 p.m., Minto Brown Island Park

Macromania: Explore Pringle Creek’s Tiniest Critters, Saturday, April 26, noon-2 p.m., Bush's Pasture Park

Click here for more information on how to participate and to register for the events.

Mission Street Parks Conservancy hosts its annual Spring Fundraiser Plant Sale. You will find unusual plants offered by local specialty nurseries. The sale takes place 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, April 25 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 26 on the Soapbox Derby Track at Bush’s Pasture Park Soapbox Derby Track. 

Celebrate the start of Peony Season at Adelman Peony Gardens, 5690 Brooklake Rd NE, which is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily from April 26 through June 15. Visit the gardens during the open house to experience different colors and smells of peonies. Walk 30 acres of production fields, stroll through two acres of display garden, view indoor peony bloom displays, and purchase cut flowers or peonies in containers to take home. Click here to learn more.

Explore Art & Artists’ Studios

It’s Open Studios at The Mill — The studios, the gallery and common area displays will be open to the public for visitors to browse, schmooze and — it's never a bad time — to treat someone or yourself to the gift of art. There has been some musical chairs-style shuffling of studios since the Fall, so you may find the artists in different spaces.... and a new member of the group, Heidi Preuss Grew, a two-time Oregon Arts Commission Artist Fellowship recipient, recognized for her figurative sculptures and an elected member of the International Academy of Ceramics, 1 to 4 p.m. Apr. 26, at Willamette Heritage Center, 1313 Mill St SE.

Game On

You’ve got two chances to cheer on Salem Capitals Basketball when they take on Vancouver Volcanoes, 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 25, and Great Falls Electric, 6:30 p.m. April 26, at The Salem Armory, 2310 17th St NE. Click here for more info and tickets.

And if sports are not the kind of game you are looking for, how about trivia?

Tsunami Taproom Trivia Night is happening 6 p.m. April 26 at 2925 22nd St SE. Hosted by August, this event is free to play and there will be prizes, cool prizes! Plus food and drinks specials, too.

For the Family

At Oregon Ag Fest, you can ride ponies, watch chicks hatch, dig for potatoes, plant seedlings, enjoy the petting zoo, and watch a sheep get a haircut, plus participate in more than 25 hands-on activities for kids to learn more about where their food, fiber, and flora come from.  There is no end to the family fun, which also includes horse and wagon rides, stage entertainment, food demonstrations, and much more, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 26 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 27 at Oregon State Fairgrounds. $15 admission. Ages 15 and younger are free. Parking is also free. Learn more here.

Salem’s Riverfront Carousel presents Francis & Kate's Anniversary Party, celebrating a true love story that inspired the creation of a mule winking at the most beautiful filly on the carousel, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 26. First 80 Riders take a ride for free! Other goodies and a chance to meet family members of Francis & Kate.

Shop Local

Celebrate Local Yarn Shop Day, April 26, at Wild Knits, 310 High St NE. Watch for the reveal of an exclusive yarn collaboration with Boss Kitty (another Salem local) , plus specials, free patterns (with specific yarn purchases), drawings and prizes, and more.

Shop the Kid Entrepreneur Makers Market and support young business people. Bring your cash and support these amazing little creators, 12 to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 27 at Creativitee & rofe designs, 110 Commercial St NE.

Step right up, strangelings, to the most bizarre and unusual art market in town! Market for the Strange presents Cursed Carnival! This is your chance to wander through a mysterious carnival, filled with eerie art, haunting crafts and spellbinding decor. Cursed Carnival will feature artists, creators and crafters from the PNW area and promises an experience you'll never forget, 11 a.m to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 27 at Salem Convention Center. Learn more here.

Get Bookish

With dry wit, sharp insights and deep empathy for the underdog, Martha Gies writes her memoir in three acts: the illusions and disillusions of childhood, her zany experiments exploring "right livelihood," and mature and forgiving assessment of what it all means. Martha will be in conversation with short story writer, Geronimo Tagatac, 3 p.m. Apr. 27, at Book Bin, 450 Court St NE.

Learn about DIY

Spark Studio: Skills and Materials Networking for DIY Projects — A partnership event with local nonprofit makerspace Spark Studio Salem! Come learn about free, local community resources to pick-up new skills or to consult experts about hands-on projects, tinkering, and innovative crafting with low-cost supplies. Meant to empower people who like to learn by doing rather than through traditional schooling and/or book learning, and for people who are looking to discover a community to help foster their creative spirit, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 26 in Anderson Rooms, Plaza Level at Salem Main Library, 585 Liberty St SE.

Yoga Sunday

Wrap your weekend with Yoga + Wine, 10:30 a.m. Sunday, April 27, at Coria Estates, 8252 Redstone Ave SE. This 60-minute, all-levels, yoga class takes place in the tasting room. Stay after class for a glass of wine. Bring your own yoga mat. Suggested donation of $5-$10 per yogi for practice. Register here.

Something Classical…

Willamette Master Chorus presents Choral Fantasia by L.V. Beethoven in combination with the Willamette University orchestra and student choirs with soloists. “Choral Fantasia”  Beethoven with piano,  orchestra, WMC and WU Choir. “A Silence Haunts Me” - by Jake Runestad (Text from Beethoven) with orchestra, WMC, WU choirs. “Finale” to Symphony No. 9 by L.V. Beethoven with full orchestra, Willamette Master Chorus, Willamette University Choirs and soloist, 3 p.m. April 26 and 27 in Hudson Hall at Willamette University. Tickets are $27. Click here for tickets.

This weekend at Salem Cinema...

Laugh, Laugh and Laugh Some More

Soul of Wit Comedy: Sean Jordan — Laugh out loud with a night of comedy featuring Sean Jordan, who has appeared on Comedy Central and the Late Late show with James Corden. In addition to standup, he co-hosts the popular podcast, All Fantasy Everything, 6 to 8 p.m. April 25 at Ankeny Vineyard. Tickets start at $25 for this 18 and older show. Click here for tickets.

All Ages Improv with Electric Baguette — Enjoy Infinity Room’s signature improv style over dinner and drinks. They take your suggestions and turn them into one-of-a-kind shows never to be seen again -- each show is a unique experience, 7 p.m. Friday, Apr 25. All ages welcome. $10 in advance; $12 at the door. Click here for tickets. 

Jenny Zigrino — With the sweetness of the Midwest and the sharp edge of the East coast, Jenny Zigrino brings a powerful comedic performance to any stage. She combines hilarious anecdotes and sharp, witty observations with a cheeky style that challenges social norms and what it means to be human. Her brutal honesty and undeniable charm create a compelling comedic experience you won’t forget. Multiple chances to see the show on April 25 and 26 at Infinity Room. Click here for tickets.

MUSIC

Friday

Pop Evil — What Remains Tour — Passion. Dedication. Fortitude. Leigh Kakaty is the embodiment of these three qualities, and for good measure, too. For two decades, he has needed to mine the deepest of reserves in order to drag Pop Evil up from the blue-collar grassroots of the band’s local Michigan scene to stand proud at the top of the modern rock game. With Special Guests: Devour The Day, Return To Dust, and Oni. Experience the live show 7:30 p.m. Apr. 25, at Elsinore Theatre. Click here for tickets.

Ashleigh Flynn & The Riveters with Kristen Grainger & True North — Take in a night of powerhouse Americana with Ashleigh Flynn & The Riveters and their electrifying blend of rock, country, and ‘70s psychedelic soul. Inspired by the legacy of Rosie the Riveter, this all-female band, led by Flynn’s dynamic vocals and storytelling, delivers a high-energy show packed with raw talent and undeniable charisma. Opening the night is Kristen Grainger & True North, a bluegrass-leaning Americana group known for lush harmonies, award-winning songwriting, and top-tier musicianship. With Kristen Grainger’s evocative lyrics and a lineup of stellar instrumentalists, they create a rich, roots-driven sound that has captivated audiences across the country, 7:30 p.m. April 25 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre, 191 High St NE. Tickets are $20 in advance; $25 day of show. Click here for tickets.

Take in a night of blues with Terry Robb and Ty Curtis, 7 p.m. Apr. 25, at The Bad Space, 2572 19th St SE. Terry Robb is hailed as a blues guitar virtuoso and one of the finest acoustic guitarists on the international scene, by his fans across the globe, his esteemed critics, and his most distinguished peers. Ty Curtis commands attention in the blues genre. A talented singer whose voice echos with depth, along with guitar skills that mesmerize, Ty will have the exciting, award-winning artist Taylor Newville as his special guest. Tickets are $20. Click here for tickets.

Open Mic — RiverCity Rock Star Academy invites local artists, musicians, poets, and performers of all ages to perform on a professional stage and connect with the Salem-Keizer arts community. All performance styles are welcome, including music, comedy, spoken word, and poetry. The venue provides a full backline with drums, amps, microphones, and a PA system. No registration is required. Sign-ups take place at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m. and slots are first come, first served. The show takes place,  7 to 9 p.m. Apr. 25, at RiverCity Rock Star Academy, 2769 19th St SE.

DJ 42 presents Friday Night Videos — 9 p.m. Friday, April 18, at Taproot Lounge & Cafe, 356 State St. 21 and older

Affinity Trio — Equipped with an arsenal of standards from the Great American Songbook, as well as Latin jazz, bebop, and original compositions, Affinity Trio creates an intimate ambience while still possessing a strong rhythmic drive. Featuring trumpeter Eric Jacobsen, pianist Pamela York and bassist Clay Schaub, 7 p.m. April 25 at Christo’s Lounge. Click here for tickets.

Saturday

The Robert Cray Band: Out Driving Around — Blues icon. Soul man. Rock and roller. Robert Cray is all these things – and more. The Georgia- born, Washington-raised musician first picked up a guitar after seeing The Beatles on TV then, having witnessed Jimi Hendrix perform in Seattle, determined that his destiny would also follow a similar path. And so he has: across the past half-century Robert Cray’s developed into one of American music’s most singular artists. Experience his live show 7:30 p.m. Apr. 26, at Elsinore Theatre. Click here for tickets.

GLITTERFOX — Portland indie rockers Glitterfox are lighting up stages with their heartfelt, nostalgia-laced anthems and Southern shine. Fresh off a string of releases under Kill Rock Stars, this rising four-piece—led by married songwriters Solange Igoa and Andrea Walker—blends raw storytelling with infectious energy. With bassist Eric Stalker and drummer Blaine Heinonen infusing Americana, grunge, and dance vibes, their latest Chris Funk-produced singles set the stage for an unforgettable live show, 8 p.m. April 26 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets are $20 in advance; $25 day of show. All ages welcome. Click here for tickets.

Saturday Música: Jen Howard — singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at Cória Estates, 8252 Redstone Ave SE

​​Live Music: Leanne McClellan Band — an eclectic blend of classic rock with a little pop, blues, and some jazz mixed in, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 26 at Ankeny Vineyard. $5 cover. Click here for reservations.

Roundhouse Duo — Acoustic melodies, 5 to 7 p.m. April 26 at West Hills Vineyards

Sunday

Wonder Women of Country — Experience the magic of Wonder Women of Country, a powerhouse trio featuring Kelly Willis, Melissa Carper, and Brennen Leigh—three acclaimed singer-songwriters who have carved their own paths in country music. Combining their distinctive styles, these talented artists bring their original songs to life with stunning three-part harmonies and dynamic instrumentation, including lead guitar, mandolin, upright bass, and rhythm guitar, 7:30 p.m. April 27 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets: $25 in advance; $30 day of show. All ages. Click here for tickets.

Live Music: Rebecca Hardiman Quartet is comprised of top jazz musicians from the Portland Metropolitan area who have performed individually, and as a group for over 30 years, 3 to 5 p.m. April 27 at Ankeny Vineyard.

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 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.

Got an event? Submit it here.