A Note from the Instigator....
Last week, I was reminded why I started this newsletter...
I received an email from a reader who shared a story she wrote after attending an event she discovered through The Playlist. Her words were heartfelt, and the experience she described captured the power of the arts to spark emotion and connection. It was a reminder of how meaningful these experiences can be—and why I’m so passionate about bringing them to you every week.
Press Play Salem exists to inspire and encourage the Salem community to actively engage in the arts + entertainment + culture. Through this free weekly newsletter, our website, and our printed magazine, we aim to provide opportunities for Salem creatives to shine and for us to connect more deeply with our community as a whole.
We’re here to help amplify the voices of local creatives, celebrate the potential of culture, and remind everyone of the impact the arts have on our lives—whether through a memorable performance, a thought-provoking story, or a simple moment of connection.
Thanks for being part of this journey. Here’s to more stories, more inspiration, and more of the arts in our lives.
— Carlee, The Instigator
Celebrate Art
Celebrate the opening New Energy: Paintings and mixed media by Matthew Shoki Tanabe and carved wood panels by Adam Zeek at an artists reception, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, January 31 at Level 2 Gallery at Salem Convention Center.
Shoki Tanabe and Adam Zeek were born on different continents, Tanabe in Tokyo and Zeek in Oregon, but both grew up in Salem, and graduated from South Salem High School. Now the lifelong friends are collaborating on their first major joint exhibition. For New Energy, Shoki Tanabe will show paintings in acrylic, graphite, and oil pastel on canvas or wood. Adam Zeek will exhibit wood carvings and multimedia works.
Hosted light fare, no-host (card only, no cash accepted) wine/beer. Free but RSVP required: oregonartistsseries@gmail.com

Vicki Woods
Arsenic and Old Lace
Arsenic and Old Lace in rehearsal. Photo by Vicki Woods.
On Stage
Pentacle Theatre presents Arsenic and Old Lace, a farcical black comedy revolving around the Brewster family, descended from Mayflower settlers but now composed of maniacs, most of them homicidal. The show opens January 31 and runs through February 22 at Pentacle Theatre, 324 52nd Ave NW. Tickets are $20–$41. Discounts available for students & Oregon Trail Card holders. Click here for tickets. And click here for our Press Play story about the show.
It’s Poetry
Salem Poetry Project features Charles Carter, 7 to 9 p.m. Jan 30 at Bush Barn Art Center + Annex, 600 Mission St SE. Charles K. Carter is a queer poet who lives in Oregon. They are the author of The God of Loneliness (Rebel Satori Press), If the World Were a Quilt (Kelsay Books), and Read My Lips (David Robert Books) as well as several chapbooks.
The Salem Poetry Project begins with a featured reader followed by the Infamous Open Mic: 3 poems or five minutes whichever is first. For more information contact Marc Janssen at mrcjanssen@msn.com.
On the Big Screen
In anticipation of the theatrical release of Paddington in Peru, Salem Cinema presents Paddington, 3:45 p.m. Friday, January 31 and Saturday, February 1. After a deadly earthquake destroys his home in Peruvian rainforest, a young bear (Ben Whishaw) makes his way to England in search of a new home. The bear, dubbed "Paddington" for the london train station, finds shelter with the family of Henry (Hugh Bonneville) and Mary Brown (Sally Hawkins). Although Paddington's amazement at urban living soon endears him to the Browns, someone else has her eye on him: Taxidermist Millicent Clyde (Nicole Kidman) has designs on the rare bear and his hide. Click here for tickets.
The next IRL MOVIE CLUB film will screen 6 p.m. Sunday, February 2 at Salem Cinema. When you purchase a $5 ticket, you agree to have your name and email submitted to the folks who run the IRL MOVIE CLUB – if you do not wish to become a member, please purchase an $11 ticket. Click here for tickets.
The Thinking Game takes you on a fascinating journey into the heart of DeepMind, one of the world's leading AI labs, as it strives to unravel the mysteries of artificial general intelligence (AGI).Inside DeepMind's London headquarters, founder Demis Hassabis and his team are relentlessly pursuing the creation of AI that matches or surpasses human abilities on a wide range of tasks. Filmed over five years, the documentary puts viewers in the room for the pivotal moments of this quest, including the groundbreaking achievement of AlphaFold, a program that solved a 50-year grand challenge in biology. The Thinking Game captures the exhilaration of historic breakthroughs like AlphaFold, the crushing weight of disappointment during setbacks, and the unwavering pursuit of knowledge that defines Demis' commitment to scientific innovation. This film invites viewers to witness one of the most important scientific adventures of our time, exploring the potential of AGI to reshape our world.
Special guest Professor Calvin Deutschbein, a computer security and systems researcher and educator, will join in conversation following the film.
Reconnect with Intentions
Make space for the new year with Somatic Flow. Join Chantal for a class that helps release the old so that we can create space and inspiration for the new year. Reconnect to the intentions you set on January 1st and move forward together! Our bodies are a living story of our experiences in life and often we end up storing stress in our muscle tissues that cause discomfort and limit our movement capacity. After a short discussion, we will move through an all-levels yoga flow threaded with somatic release practices that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and mobile. 6 p.m. January 31 at Resonance Yoga Collective, 129 Commercial St NE. Click here to register.
Comedy
Take in a night of comedy with Andrew Rivers and friends. Andrew’s very personal and fun storytelling comedy, combined with his exemplary work ethic has earned him high praise from some of the best comedians in the business. 8 p.m. January 30 at Infinity Room. $15 to $30. Click here for tickets.
Oregon Independent Comedy presents Traci Banicks birthday comedy show featuring Luke Miller, Gabby Poccia, Jane Malone and Tony Meyer bringing their hijinks to the stage and NW Roast Champion Billy Chambers as your master of ceremonies (and maybe even a few very special guests...) 7 p.m. June 30 at The Triangle, 3215 Liberty Road S | 21 and older
All Ages Improv with Electric Baguette is happening 7 p.m. Jan 31 at Infinity Room. Comedians take your suggestions and turn them into one-of-a-kind shows never to be seen again -- each show is a unique experience! Cost is $10 in advance; $12 at the door. Click here for tickets.
Naughty But Nerdy is a night of sensual-yet-sagacious stand-up comedy. It could be a perfect date night for that software-writing sweetie you've had your eye on, steamy belated Pi Day gift, or special someone from your Dungeons and Dragons campaign, 9:30 p.m. Friday, Jan 31, at Infinity Room. $15 in advance; $20 at the door for this 21 and older show. Click here for tickets.
The Playlist is free...because we want you to get out and play!
Coffee helps keep us going... ☕ and every sip is appreciated! ❤️ Click here to buy us a coffee.
MUSIC
As part of Salem Reads, the community-wide reading project that invites everyone in Salem to read the same book, take in a high-octane performance with Pachanga Latin band, 2-3:30 p.m. Feb 1 in Loucks Auditorium at Salem Public Library. The 2025 Salem Reads selection is Why Didn't You Tell Me? by Carmen Rita Wong. There are a month of activities happen to connect the community with the theme of the book. Learn more here.
Joanne Broh Band featuring Garry Meziere — Award-winning Joanne Broh Band featuring Garry Meziere plays soul blues, R&B. Exceptional rhythm section Jon Brand on bass and, from Portland, Ed Pierce on drums. Outstanding keyboard player Nathan Olsen on keys. Bring your dancing shoes! 8 to 1 1p.m. Feb 1, at The Half Penny Public House, 3743 Commercial St S.
The Oregon Opry with Jacob Weldon, Mark Tegio, and William Surly& The Bar Room Gospel Band 7 p.m. January 31 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. $15 in advance; $20 day of show for this all ages concert. Click here for tickets.
Live music featuring The Dry County Crooks (PDX-based Alt-Country), The Valiants (Salem-based Surf Twang), and Bazillionaire (Salem/PDX/Eugene-based Indie Punk Rock), 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb 1, at Infinity Room. Tickets are $12 in advance; $15 at the door. All ages.
Tom's Elton Tribute is a spectacular show includes Bennie and the Jets, Tiny Dancer, Rocket Man, Candle In The Wind, Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me, I’m Still Standing, Crocodile Rock and Your Song, and more. Tom Cridland, playing the part of Elton John on lead vocals and piano, is close friends with Elton John drummer, Nigel Olsson, has recorded songs and episodes of his Greatest Music of All Time Podcast with Elton John guitarist, Davey Johnstone... and has even met Sir Elton himself. 7 p.m. February 1 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets are $30. Click here for tickets.
St. Paul's Music Guild presents "We'll Be There!" — “The concert title evokes the struggles of the Civil War,” said Artistic Director Anne Azéma, “but it also stands for the shared musical and spiritual experiences of America’s peoples. It also provides a unifying theme for Camerata’s ongoing work in these challenging modern times.” The program draws extensively on original, nineteenth century printed sources, as well as ongoing oral traditions, juxtaposing in many instances Black and White versions of songs found in both communities. It is open to the public with a suggested donation of $25/person gratefully accepted.
A reservation is required to attend and may be secured by email with all names included at: stpauls.music.guild@gmail.com
This weekend at Salem Cinema...

Salem Cinema Jan 31
Plus Explore Art

By Diane Trevett
“Calla Landscape with Mt. Hood”, oil by Diane Trevett
"Calla Landscape with Mt. Hood”, oil by Diane Trevett
Such as...
- Nationally recognized mixed-media artist Brenda Mallory: The North Star Changes at Hallie Ford Museum of Art, 700 State St | 503-370-6855, willamette.edu/arts/hfma
- 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
- Salem Reads Art Exhibit in the Art Hall at Salem Public Library
- Erotica: An Exhibition to Arouse at Salem on the Edge, 156 Liberty St NE | salemontheedge.com
- For the Love of the Pacific Northwest featuring work by 20 plus artists at the AiA Gallery, 444 Ferry St SE | AiAArtGallery.org
- Angkorian Might — An immersive exhibit exploring the culture of Cambodia at the World Beat Gallery, 390 Liberty St SE | 503-581-2004, salemmulticultural.org
Click here for a full list of what's on exhibit this February.