A Note from the Instigator....
We’re experiencing some tech trouble with our email newsletter system (and judging by the hold music, we’re not alone). This week’s Playlist may not make it to your inbox 😕 but not to worry, you can find it right here below. Thanks for your patience!
Hello, Friends! From live music to dance to watch (or join in), there is no shortage of things to do this weekend...but that's how it is with Summer in Salem. The big question is: where will you spend your time? Whether you go watch the Belly Dance USA competition or the Junior Roller Derby Association Open Division Playoffs, it’s a good week to get out…and play!
— Carlee, The Instigator
Salem Symphonic Winds
Salem Symphonic Winds
Salem Symphonic Winds wraps its 50th Anniversary Season with Return to Middle Earth on Sunday. Scroll down for details.
Thursday Highlights
Living Studios’ free All Abilities Workshop is happening 12 to 3 p.m. June 12 in the Maribeth Collins Lobby at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art. Attendees are invited to stop by to visit with artists, participate in the art-making process, and learn more about Living Studios.
Salem Talks Science: The Big Bang and Beyond — Join physicist and cosmologist Rick Watkins for a beginner-friendly dive into the origins and evolution of the universe. Hosted by Salem Talks Science, this science pub explores galaxy motion, cosmic expansion, and more in a relaxed, engaging setting. 6:30 p.m. June 12 at Venti’s Café. Click here for more info.
Check out what’s happening at Prismatic Coffee Roasters 5 to 10 p.m. June 12. There will be a Latte Art Class taught by industry pros with food and beverages available from Epilogue and Oregon Freddy spinning the tunes.
Live Music: Lucky Pluckers at Stomp — Enjoy folk-rock in the orchard with the Lucky Pluckers. Grab wine, pizza, and a picnic table—or bring a blanket, 5 to 8 p.m. June 12 at Stomp by Croft Vineyards, 5475 River Rd S. Free; food and drink available for purchase. Call 503-364-3085 to RSVP.
Local Art Auction — Enjoy wine, appetizers, and an evening luck and chance at the Local Art Auction. Proceeds support creative opportunities for youth through the Boys & Girls Club of Salem, Marion and Polk Counties. 5:30 p.m. June 12 at Illahe Hills Country Club, 3376 Country Club Dr S. $30. Click here for tickets.
ARRIVAL & DREAMS: ABBA + Fleetwood Mac Tributes — Two iconic bands, one unforgettable night. Relive the magic of ABBA and Fleetwood Mac with full-costume tribute bands in a show packed with chart-topping classics, 7:30 p.m. June 12 at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. $49.50. Click here for tickets.
Hear You Loud and Queer: An LGBTQIA+ Comedy Show — Calling all queer folks and allies! This show features a stacked lineup of comedians featured in Out Magazine, WIllamette Week, and Portland Mercury’s Undisputed Geniuses of Comedy! Up-and-coming comedian Brian Govender, as well as heavy-hitting show producers Mack Lee and Imani are joining us. Plus, 1st and 2nd place winners of this year’s Willamette Week’s Funniest Five Ally J Ward and Rachelle Cochran to round out the show, 8 p.m. Thursday, June 12 at Infinity Room. $12 in advance; $15 at the door. Click here for tickets.
Salem Poetry Project featured reader is Gary Lark. Gary grew up in Southern Oregon and still derives inspiration from that landscape and the people working the land. His most recent collections are “Coming Down the Mountain,” “Easter Creek,” and “Daybreak on the Water,” His work has appeared in Beloit Poetry Journal, Catamaran, and Rattle. Gary and his wife Dorothy live in Oregon's Rogue Valley. Following the featured reader is the Infamous Open Mic: 3 poems or five minutes whichever is first, 7 to 9 p.m. June 5, at Bush Barn Art Center + Annex, 600 Mission St SE.
Thursday is Trivia Night at Checkpoint 221. The fun begins at 6:30 p.m. and it’s free (but tips for your host are encouraged.) All ages welcome. Get there early to grab food and drink then test your knowledge.
It's Karaoke Thursday at Beehive Station 5:30 to 8 p.m. May 22
Take part in Taproot Karaoke, 9 p.m. every Thursday at Taproot Lounge & Cafe, 356 State St.
Salem Cinema Cool Hand Luke
This weekly newsletter is free...because we want you to get out and play!
Help us keep it that way. Click here to buy us a coffee ☕ Every sip is appreciated! ❤️
AD World Beat Festival 2025
Submitted by Belly Dancer USA
Moria Chappell
Moria Chappell is a competition judge, workshop instructor & performing artist at Belly Dancer USA this weekend.
A Shimmy Showcase
Belly Dancer USA 2025 will showcase the talents of dancers from around the country with special guest dancers and instructors from around the world. One of the internationally renowned instructors and performers is Mr Ozgen who will offer workshops on Turkish Oriental and Romani dance and take to the stage as the headliner during the Gala Show 8 p.m. Saturday, June 14. The gala will also showcase dozens of dancers, including both solo and large troupe performances. Gala tickets are $25 each. The competition is also open to the public to view. Tickets start at $20. Click here for tickets.
Al Fresco
On June 14, Downtown Salem’s Electric Alley (that’s the alley where you will find Cozy Tabera) will transform into a vibrant open-air wine garden from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and feature beverages from seven area wineries. Plus, enjoy live music by Beth Willis from 12 to 3 p.m. and Cozy’s cuisine 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Entry is free, but reservations are recommended.
Looking for more outdoor dining? Check out this BONUS story about “Perfect Patios” — online only — we ran out of space in our Summer edition!
Return to Middle Earth
To close their 50th anniversary season, Salem Symphonic Winds is going all in with Symphony No. 5 – Return to Middle Earth by Dutch composer Johan de Meij, featuring soprano Kurleen George and singers from Festival Chorale Oregon, too. Whether you're a Tolkien fan, a music lover, or someone simply looking for a new adventure, this is one concert you won’t want to miss. The show takes place 3 p.m. Sunday, June 15 in Rose Auditorium at South Salem High School, 700 Howard St SE | Click here for tickets.
And click here to read our feature story from issue #24.
Ceili of the Valley - Haymakers Jig
Dance!
Join the Ceili of the Valley Society for the Second Friday Ceili, an all-ages evening of live Celtic music by Geraldine Murray, Nancy Conescu and Mikey Beglan, and dancing called by Maldon Meehan. No partner or experience required. The evening betgins with a dance lesson just after 7 p.m. June 13 at VFW Hall, 630 Hood St NE. Cost: $10 adults, $5 students, $30 families. Click here for info.
Archaeology Anyone?
Check out the Archaeology Open House 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 13. See the excavation site and recovered artifacts at the former Oregon Indian Mission Manual Labor School on Willamette University’s campus (east of Smullin Hall, 900 State St). The site, which is believed to be where the Methodists' 1841 Indian Manual Labor Training School was located, is being explored by the City of Salem’s Historic Preservation Program and community partners including Willamette University, the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde and the Oregon Archaeological Society. Click to learn more about the Oregon Mission Indian Manual Labor Training School Archaeology Project.
Knit in Public
June 14 is World Wide Knit in Public Day! What does that mean? It’s a day to celebrate fiber arts out in the community. Drop-in at Wild Knits Salem, 310 High Street NE, for some social knit time. Bring a chair and your project (or get stuff to start something new there.) A group will be meeting in the courtyard outside the shop. Learn more here.
Tea Time
Minto Island Tea is hosting its free annual Tea Open House event, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 14 at 3394 Brown Island Rd S. This is a once-a-year opportunity to stroll through their 37-year-old Mother Tea field, learn about the history of tea planting at Minto, see their tea production space and taste samples of the new harvests. Plus, you will be able to purchase tea before it is available to the public.
Sk
Friday Night Roller Skating – Lace up your skates and throw it back to the early aughts with Traveling Wheelz. This week’s theme is 90s/2000s Night, 7:30 p.m. June 13 at The Mad House, 1335 Madison St NE. Click here for tickets.
Conversation with an Author
Hear from H.E. Edgmon about their newest book, We Can Never Leave, in conversation with Salem’s very own Adam Gallardo, 5 p.m. June 13 at The Book Bin, 450 Court St NE. H.E. Edgmon was born in the Deep South but has had many homes, dropped out of school to do gay stuff, and is at least a little feral. In both their writing and daily life, they aim to center the voices of Indigenous people, trans people, and survivors of trauma. They have an eccentric little family of their own design, several very sensitive pets, and a lot of opinions.
Feast
Inspired by a seasonal wine flight, Chef Jonathan Jones will unleash his creative genius with Peak Harvest, cooking up a 6-course feast of flavors that celebrates the best of the valley’s bounty paired to perfection with Bryn Mawr wines, 6 to 8 p.m. June 13 (repeats July 11 and Aug 8) at Bryn Mawr Vineyards. $150 per person. Click here for tickets.
Laugh
Andrew Sleighter started in comedy looking for the perfect funny line to open a biography. Since then, Andrew’s laid-back style and clever writing has won him appreciation from fans and respect from his peers, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday, June 13 at Infinty Room. $15 in advance; $20 at the door. Click here for tickets.
Run
Salem Summer Solstice 5/10K — Cool off with an evening race on flat, scenic trails. Post-race ice cream sundaes included. Proceeds support McKay High School Cross Country, 7 p.m. Friday, June 13, at Minto-Brown Island Park. Click here for details and registration.
Dash with your Doggie
Formerly WillaMutt Strut, Doggie Dash is an all-ages walk/run supporting the animals at Oregon Humane Society and also includes a pet festival. Open to all registered attendees, the festival features animal-loving local businesses, food trucks, family-friendly activities, a libation station for those 21 and older, and contests with prizes. And yes, it’s dog-friendly, 8:30 a.m. Saturday, June 14, at Riverfront Park. Click here for details and registration.
Cheers
Raise a glass at the 27th Annual Barley Cup Brewfest, featuring craft brews from across the valley. Enjoy brewery tours (12–4 p.m.), vote for your favorite beer, and indulge in food specials as the next brew royalty is crowned. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 14 at Thompson Brewery & Public House. Click here for more information.
A Roller Derby Tournament
Cherry City Roller Derby hosts the 2025 JRDA Open Division Playoffs, where top junior teams battle for a spot at Nationals. Seven games unfold over two days with high-speed action and fierce competition. Bracket winners advance to the JRDA Championships in Colorado. June 14-15 at The Mad House, 1335 Madison St NE. Click here for tickets.
Experience Wonderland
Fall down the rabbit hole with Salem Aerial Dance Company in an adaptation of Alice in Wonderland that blends aerial artistry with surreal storytelling in a whimsical, high-flying production for all ages. 7:30 p.m. June 13 at Chemeketa Community College Theatre Auditorium. Click here for tickets.
A Ballet Show
American Ballet Academy will perform Peter Pan. With energetic music, beautiful costumes, adorable little dancers and artistic advanced dancers the show promises to have something for everyone to enjoy. Profits from the performance will be donated to Marion Polk Food Share. The shows take place 7 p.m. June 14 and 2:30 p.m. June 15 at Elsinore Theatre. Click here for tickets.
And just FYI, we didn’t miss it. Ghouls Night Out on June 14 is sold out! Yay for them. Boo for those who are missing out.
Make Music Day
Hey, Dad!
You Dad to Be There: An All-Dads Comedy Show for Father's Day — This Father's Day, give Dad the gift that keeps on giggling: jokes! Catch a hilarious lineup of all-dad comedians doing what dads were born to do. All ages but material will not be clean. 7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 15 at Infinity Room. $15 in advance; $20 at the door. Click here for tickets.
Music, Brews & Cornhole Fun — There’s a Father's Day BBQ featuring Smoky BBQ by Chef Cipriano of Dolce Vita Catering, happening at Cória Estates, 8252 Redstone Ave SE on June 15. Plus live music by Leo Moon from 3 to 5 p.m. and a bracketed Cornhole Tournament starting at 1 p.m. (with prizes for dad!)
Xicha Brewing is hosting a family-friendly Cornhole Tournament beginning at 11 a.m. Sunday, June 15 at it’s North Salem location, 2195 Hyacinth St NE #162
This weekend at Salem Cinema...
Salem Cinema June 13
MUSIC
Live Music: Jamila Maries & Nathan Olsen — Vocal and keyboard duo, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 13 at Ankeny Vineyard, 2565 Riverside Dr S. $5
Live music featuring Red Spectre (Salem-based hard rock), When The Broken Burn (Salem-based Metal), and Within Caskets (Salem-based Technical Metal), 7 p.m. Saturday, June 14 at Infinity Room. $10 in advance; $15 at the door. Click here for tickets.
Saturday Música: Rudolf Korv — Eugene-based songwriter playing Americana, country, folk and everything in between, 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 14 at Cória Estates, 8252 Redstone Ave SE.
Live Music: Diverseified — a band playing original rock, jazz, and electric violin, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 14 at Ankeny Vineyard 2565 Riverside Dr S. $5
Sunday Música: Leo Moon — Leo Moon is the solo incarnation of actor, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Brian Adrian Koch. California-born and Oregon-raised, Brian has been active in the Portland music scene since arriving in 2000. He is a current and founding member of indie rock band Blitzen Trapper and psychedelic folk duo Dead Lee, 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 15 at Cória Estates, 8252 Redstone Ave SE.
Salem Symphonic Winds
On Going Events
Small Producer Sunday is an opportunity to highlight makers. Bryn Mawr invites a winemaker specializing in limited-production wines for a pop-up tasting. Hear their story, taste their wine, and explore their craft firsthand. 12 to 5 p.m. every Sunday, June through August. This Sunday’s featured maker is Sun Break Wines.
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
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
Carlee Wright
Level 2 Gallery at Salem Convention Center
June 13 is your last chance to see New Energy: New Work by M. Shoki Tanabe and Adam Zeek at Level 2 Gallery
Such as...
- OPENING JUNE 14 at HALLIE FORD — C.S. Price: A Portrait is a retrospective of one of Oregon’s most influential Modernist painters, tracing 40+ years of his artistic evolution, highlighting his journey from Western illustrator to nationally recognized artist who helped define America's vision of the West. His bold, expressive style left a lasting impact on the region’s art scene and inspired a generation of Northwest painters.
- Work by Robert Bibler and John Van Dreal, which converges in a contemplative encounter—an exhibition where visual language is pared down to its most essential and presence is shaped through restraint, tone, and light, at Stefani Art Gallery, 305 Court St NE | stefaniartgallery.com
- LAST CHANCE — 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)
- A Majority of Wildness | Duncan Berry with Guest Artist Ebenezer Galluzzo at Salem on the Edge, 156 Liberty St NE | salemontheedge.com
- Four exhibits of artwork at Salem Art Association, 600 Mission St SE | salemart.org
- Creatures Great & Small, celebrating the beauty, personality, and presence of animals through art, at the AiA Gallery, 444 Ferry St SE | AiAArtGallery.org
- Nancy Floyd: For the Love of Trees at Hallie Ford Museum of Art, 700 State St | 503-370-6855, willamette.edu/arts/hfma
Click here for a full list of what's on exhibit this June.