A Note from the Instigator....
Sláinte! Music, art, and all things Irish, this weekend boasts so many things to do you may have to forego sleep. Full disclosure, as I was gathering events for The Playlist this week (yes, yes, I am a real person and do that manually), I couldn't help but have a slight pang of FOMO. There are so. many. events. What a terribly, wonderful problem to have. I can't possibly do them all, but I do indeed like a challenge...and this is going to be a fun one. Maybe I will see you around or at least in next week's Playlist when I report on my accomplishments! Wish me luck (and hopefully, my Irish side counts for something...)
— Carlee, The Instigator
PS: Magazine deliveries are underway, so watch for it at your favorite local shop.
Ceili of the Valley Walk About
Ceili of the Valley's annual St. Patrick's Walk-About is happening Saturday, March 15 at Riverfront Park. Scroll down for details.
Thursday Highlights
Hallie Ford Museum of Art hosts Living Studios’ All Abilities Workshop, 12 to 3 p.m. March 13. This workshop will celebrate the work of featured artist Brenda Mallory. Workshop participants can learn about her work as they create their own monoprints. This free art-making event happens on the 2nd Thursday of every month. It is free and open to anyone who wishes to participate and learn more about Living Studios.
The Gothard Sisters — Experience an evening of enchanting music with The Gothard Sisters, a trio of multi-instrumentalists, composers, and performers blending Celtic, folk, world, and classical influences. Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Greta, Willow, and Solana bring their music to life with violin, guitar, mandolin, bodhran, djembe, whistle, and soaring vocal harmonies. With over 2,000 live performances and 10 albums, their vivid and inspirational sound has captivated audiences worldwide. Don't miss this mesmerizing celebration of storytelling, tradition, and artistry. 7:30 p.m. March 13 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Click here for tickets.
Salem Poetry Project features Sherri Levine and Dale Champlin, 7 p.m. March 13 at Bush Barn Annex, 600 Mission St SE. Sherri is a poet, teacher, mental health advocate, and squirrel lover living in Portland who has published four poetry book. She also won the Lois Cranston Poetry Prize and Poet’s Choice Award from Oregon Poetry Association. Poet Dale Champlin’s collections include four books. Three poetry collections are forthcoming. And Medusa, an illustrated collection of poetry, is her most recent book. And remember, following the featured readers is the Infamous Open Mic: 3 poems or five minutes whichever is first.
Belt it out at Musical Theatre Karaoke: A Community Theatre Fundraiser supporting Drinking Habits. Sing songs, cheery people on and enjoy some food and drink, 7 p.m. Thursday, Mar 13, at Infinity Room. Click here for tickets.
Alert and Attuned
Sláinte
Kick up your heels at the Ceili of the Valley Society’s Second Friday Céilí. With live music by Cucunandy and dances called by Elisa Chandler, no experience and no partner are needed. Arrive by 7:15 p.m. for the lesson, followed by live music from 8 to 11 p.m. Friday, Mar 14 at VFW Hall, 630 Hood St NE. Admission starts at $10. ceiliofthevalley.org
St. Patrick’s Walk-About is a walking parade hosted by the Ceili of the Valley and led by Willamette Valley Pipes & Drums. Dress up in your most fun “green wear” and meet the group at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Mar 15, starting at Salem’s Riverfront Carousel, 101 Front St NE, then parade (rain or shine) through the park and downtown Salem. Everyone is welcome, including wee folks and well-behaved pets. Find more details at ceiliofthevalley.org
Take in a Lucky Coin Hunt, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 16 at Salem’s Riverfront Carousel. Find one of 25 gold coins and receive a BOGO ride card (redeem for one free ride when you purchase 1 ride). Find one of 5 lucky green coins and win a free ride. (Please limit 1 coin found per visitor.) You can also purchase 10-ride passes on sale for only $15.
The British Isles Bistro Dinner at West Hills Vineyards is sold out...but here are some other places you can get an Irish feast —
You’ll need reservations for Sisters Irish Bistro, but the good news is they are taking them all weekend long. Call 503-584-1099.
Tast-n-Cee will be serving up a St. Patrick’s feast out of the Dehn Bar in downtown Salem. Bangers, corned beef, Guinness stew…check out the menu (and available times) here, then plan accordingly.
And on St. Patrick’s proper (that’s Monday, March 17)...
Santiam Brewing will be serving up their famous Corned Beef, Cabbage & Potatoes, which pairs best with Coal Porter (and it’s only $3.17 a pint all day long).
Plus you can get corned beef, cocktails, and a special Irish cheesecake, 4 to 10 p.m. at Archive Coffee & Bar.
PS: Low Bar Chorale presents A Saint Patrick's Day Sing Along featuring the best of Irish and Celtic-inspired rock, 7 p.m. March 17, Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. From The Cranberries and the Pogues to House of Pain and Hozier. Get tickets here.
NOTE: Any additional St. Patrick’s events will be added to our online story here.
Salem Symphonic Winds: The Princess and The Wind
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EAT & DRINK
Celebrating our current edition highlighting the foodie side of Salem, here are some of this weekend's food-centered events and activities —
Hello Pi Day! Our friends at Santiam Brewing have your pi day feast — Shepherd’s Pie, Vegetarian Cottage Pie, Brewer’s Pie, Chicken Tikka Masala Pie, or Cheese, Leek & Potato Pie. Plus you can get a pint for $3.14 when you order a savory pie…happening on March 14, of course.
Roth’s Fresh Markets is hosting Free Sample Friday where you can taste your way through the day, 2 to 6 p.m. Friday at All Roth’s locations.
Chardonnay Blending: The Art of Terroir — Deepen your appreciation for Chardonnay with a tasting and blending event that will immerse you in the world of terrier-driven wines. 1 to 4 p.m. March 14 at Vitae Springs Vineyard and Winery, 3675 Vitae Springs Rd S. $100. Click here for tickets.
Peak Harvest is a 6-course wine and food pairing in partnership with James Beard-nominated Chef Jonathan Jones of Epilogue Kitchen. Ingredients are harvested at their 'peak' and paired with Bryn Mawr wines to highlight the evolving flavors of the season. 6 p.m. Mar 14, at Bryn Mawr Vineyards, 5935 Bethel Heights Rd NW. Get tickets here.
Fermentation Celebration is an opportunity to experience all things fermented including free tastings, giveaways and flash sales, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mar 15 at LifeSource Natural Foods. Learn more here.
Equinox 2025: A Celebration of Light, Balance, and Renewal is an evening dedicated to the outstanding wine and cuisine of the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. Experience the perfect balance of day and night with a curated event featuring exquisite wines (taste wines from over 30 acclaimed wineries), farm-to-table cuisine, and live entertainment in a stunning vineyard setting. 5 p.m. (VIP) 6 p.m. Saturday, March 15 at Zenith Vineyard, 5657 Zena Rd NW. Tickets start at $85. Click here for tickets.
This weekend at Salem Cinema...
Salem Cinema March 13
A Celebration of Art
Salem Auction House hosts Chroma & Chaos, a showcase of artwork from the Pacific Northwest including artists Bianca Youngers, John Van Dreal, Joshua Blue and Kevin Kadaplus, plus a curated collection of vintage, 7 to 9 p.m. March 14 at 2828 Cherry Ave NE. Cocinita Baked will also be there serving up cakes, macarons and cookies.
Spring Blooms
Cherry Blossom Day at the Capitol — Celebrate Spring, the blossoming cherry trees in the Capitol Mall and the impact of the Japanese culture on our state, with booths, activities and performances. Free and open to the public. Parking is free on Saturday. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 15 at State Capitol State Park, 900 Court St NE
A Book Release Party
Book Bin is hosting a Sunrise on the Reaping release party, 7 to 9:30 p.m. March 17. Dressing up is encouraged — they love seeing the creativity behind the cosplay and there will be some fun activities going on, too. Sunrise on the Reaping, the fifth book in the Hunger Games series, revisits the world of Panem twenty-four years before the events of The Hunger Games, starting on the morning of the reaping of the Fiftieth Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.
Support Theater Arts
Center Stage Theatrics presents The Red Carpet Gala, an evening of entertainment to help fundraise for Center Stage Theatrics' theatre summer camp! Featuring performances by Camp Center Stage, Hannah Wood, Hussey Bros, Kent Wilson, Emily Matsuda & Chelsea Janzen Williams, with Special Guest RiRi Caliente. Dinner provided by Millers BBQ & Cafe. 6:30 p.m. March 14 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets starting at $30. Click here for tickets.
Game On
You’ve got chances to support local sports —
Salem Capitals Basketball have two home town games this weekend. Friday, they take on Great Falls Electric. Tip off is at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, they are against Willamette Valley Jaguars, starting at 6:30 p.m. (plus it’s costume night — for everyone, not just the kids — think Halloween in March…and dress accordingly). Both games take place at The Salem Armory, 2310 17th St NE. Click here for tickets.
Cherry City Roller Derby hosts a Juniors Doubleheader featuring Cherry City Comets at 2 p.m. and Cherry Blossoms at 4:30 p.m. vs Tomorrowland Junior Roller Derby, 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at the Mad House, 1335 Madison St NE. This is a family-friendly event and food and beverages will be available for purchase. Click here for tickets.
Celebrate the Outdoors
Mission Street Parks Conservancy hosts a Bird and Nature Walk — Take a family-friendly stroll around Bush’s Pasture Park looking and listening for birds and learning about their habitats with Oregon naturalists Lynette Witkowski and Julia Battle. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather — the walk will happen rain or shine and cover about a mile on mostly on flat, even surfaces. Bring water and snacks as needed. Children are welcome as long as they are accompanied by an adult. 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 15 at Bush's Pasture Park. Meet in the parking lot by the Bush House and the Art Barn.
Learn about Dragons
Dragons and Mythical Beasts Live — Calling all brave heroes! Enter into a magical world of myths and legends in this fantastical show for all the family. Unveil a myriad of dark secrets and come face to face with some of the most magnificent monsters and terrifying beasts ever to walk the earth. Discover the colossal Stone Troll, the mysterious Indrik and Japanese Baku; the Tooth Fairy (not as sweet as you’d think), an adorable Unicorn and majestic Griffin. Take your place among legendary heroes, just don’t wake the Dragon… Suitable for all ages 3 and older. 2 p.m. Saturday, March 15 at Elsinore Theatre. $25+ Click here for tickets.
PS: The World Beat Gallery’s current exhibit is Mythical: Legendary Creatures from Around the World — From the rain-soaked forests of the Pacific Northwest to deserts across the globe, mythological creatures and their stories abound, on exhibit through April 5 at 390 Liberty St SE. salemmulticultural.org
On Stage
Corban Theatre presents Spring Play: Good Wives — Marriages, career choices, engagements, health problems, travels, friendships, and family—these are only a few of the situations the March family encounter in the popular classic tale Good Wives, written by the famous Louisa May Alcott as a sequel to Little Women. Join Corban University’s Theatre Group as they stage Peter Clapham’s stage adaptation of Alcott’s novel. Directed by Tamara McGinnis. 7:30 p.m. March 14-15, and 2 p.m. March 16 at Psalm Performing Arts Center at Corban University, 5000 Deer Park Dr SE. corban.edu/arts/theatre-arts/events/
Laugh
Peter Antoniou: Psychic Comedian — Peter Antoniou fuses his amazing and uncanny ability to read minds with razor-sharp wit, storytelling, and improvisational comedy to create unique live entertainment experiences. From London’s West End to America’s Got Talent, he has become an international sensation, presenting his remarkable and hilarious shows for sell-out theatre audiences, comedy clubs, blue chip companies, and royalty, 7 p.m. March 16 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets start at $30 for this all ages show. Click here for tickets.
Roast Your Ex with Cheri Hardman — Host Cheri Hardman and her band of witty comedians will be dishing out jokes about dating, heartbreak, and relationships gone wrong. And if you're feeling bold, you can roast your own ex! Don't worry, it's all in good fun - we promise plenty of laughs and zero hard feelings, 9 p.m. Friday, Mar 14 at Infinity Room. Click here for tickets.
MonsterBox Comedy presents Papp Johnson — His incredible storytelling ability and punchlines, paired with his one of a kind dry delivery, have been featured on Comedy Central, as well as in many comedy festivals, including SF Sketchfest, Treefort Comedy Festival and 1865 Festival, 7 p.m. Saturday, Mar 15, at Infinity Room. Click here for tickets.
Last Chance
The current star show at Chemeketa’s Planetarium closes this Friday. Narrated by Kari Byron from Crash Test World and MythBusters, Forward! To the Moon! explores NASA's Artemis program. An introduction to the night sky over Salem highlighting activities for of season is included. Catch it 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 14 at the Chemeketa Community College Planetarium, Building 2, Room 171, 4000 Lancaster Drive NE. Park in the blue parking lot. The cost is $5, $4 students. Tickets are available for purchase at the door 15 minutes before showtime. Cash only. www.chemeketa.edu/alumni-community/planetarium/
Cherry Blossom Day
MUSIC
Friday
HYSTERIA, the Ultimate Def Leppard Tribute, recreates the experience of the 80's Def Leppard concerts with powerful and highly melodic performances; all the large harmony vocals, signature guitar riffs, amazing Joe Elliot lead vocals, Rick Allen electronic drum kit, and the look that lets you re-live an authentic 80's era Def Leppard concert experience, 7:30 p.m. March 14, at Elsinore Theatre. Click here for tickets.
Find the beat, tap your feet and explore the rhythms of life with Confluence Willamette Valley LGBT Chorus through a variety of musical styles, lyrics, and tempos, at the next concert, Time! 7:30 p.m. March 14 at First Congregational UCC Salem. Click here for tickets.
Saturday
Salem Orchestra presents Spring Chamber Series featuring Synergy String Quartet, an evening of expressive and dynamic chamber music, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 15 at East Salem Community Center. Tickets start at $15. Click here for tickets.
Grand Royale: The Beastie Boys Tribute is one of the most visually & sonically captivating acts on the scene. Three MC’s (MCAin’t, Mike Double D and BADRock) backed by a four-piece band & DJ (The White Castle Combo) performing tracks spanning the Beasties entire catalog (even THE MIX-UP instrumentals!) with Beasties antics galore. 8 p.m. March 15 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets: $25. Click here for tickets.
Carrie Price — 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 15 at West Hills Vineyards, 4785 Salem Dallas Hwy NW
Trent Beaver — country, 7 to 9 p.m. March 15 at Shades of Brew on Lancaster
Molly Martinka — 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 15 at Stomp by Croft Vineyards, 5475 River Road S. RSVP requested: 503-364-3085
Sunday
Delgani String Quartet: Italian Inspiration pays homage to the country that birthed the modern violin and so much wonderful music in our string repertoire. The first half of the program features Italian music spanning over 300 years, including works of Barbara Strozzi, Luigi Boccherini, and Gian Francesco Malipiero, 3 p.m. March 16 at Unitarian Universalist Congregation. Click here for tickets.
Elizabeth Leavitt (From Roundhouse) — songs from the UK, Scotland, and Ireland, 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 16 at West Hills Vineyards, 4785 Salem Dallas Hwy NW
Glenn Miller Orchestra
On Going Events
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. Friday, March 14, 21 and 28 at The Mad House. Learn more here.
Seat up for the Super Casual Saturday Salem Bike Ride on Saturday, March 15 (and recurring every Saturday). Meet at the bottom of Soap Box Derby Track at Bush Park at 11 a.m. Wheels down at 11:30.
Salem Cinema Cabaret
Plus Explore Art
The Art Hall at Salem Public Library
The Art Hall at Salem Public Library
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 (Plus see an extension of this exhibit in the Art Hall at Salem Public Library)
- Featured artist April Waters’ “Sheroes” plus guess artist Cedar Lee at Salem on the Edge, 156 Liberty St NE | salemontheedge.com
- Special feature of the work of co-op member Michelle Myers, watercolor, at the AiA Gallery, 444 Ferry St SE | AiAArtGallery.org
Click here for a full list of what's on exhibit this March.
Read the Spring Edition
Press Play Salem issue 023 Front Cover
Press Play Salem issue 23 | Spring 2025 featuring cover art by Melissa Rivers